Student Data Privacy

Clinton Unit School District CUSD#15 takes the privacy of our student's data seriously. This page intends to make transparent the school districts compliance with the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA).

Important Data Privacy Laws

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Governs information in a student’s education record, restricting access and use of student information.

Restricts the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating websites, games, mobile applications, and digital services that are directed to children or that collect personal information from individuals known to be children.

Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only.

Imposes certain requirements on schools that utilize the federal E-Rate program to receive discounts for internet access and other technology services, or that receive federal grants for other technology expenses.

What is SOPPA?

How is student information managed when shared with external educational partners? Clinton School District occasionally shares necessary student details—such as names and dates of birth—with service providers like IXL, Google and Apple. To ensure this information is never sold or distributed without authorization, we strictly adhere to the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA).

Under SOPPA, every vendor we work with is required to sign a Data Privacy Agreement (DPA). This binding contract explicitly defines:

  • What specific data is collected and stored.

  • The security measures in place to protect that data.

  • Strict prohibitions on how the data can be used.

  • Mandatory procedures the vendor must follow in the event of a security breach.

Data Privacy Agreement Picture

Data Privacy Agreements (DPA)

Clinton School District CUSD#15 leverages the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), which is an unique collaborative of schools, districts, regional, territories and state agencies, policy makers, trade organizations and marketplace providers addressing real-world, adaptable, and implementable solutions to growing data privacy concerns. If you would like to read more about the SDPC, click here. Through the SDPC we enter into contracts with 3rd party vendors who handle our student's data. If you would like to view the DPAs that Olympia current holds, please click the following link.

Illinois SOPPA & ISBE Mandates Picture

SOPPA and ISBE Mandates

Your student's data may be transferred to some companies due to assessment mandates from the Illinois State Board of Education. ISBE is responsible for obtaining Data Privacy Agreements with these companies and making those DPA's available to families. Examples of these resources would include PSAT and IAR testing.