A new initiative aims to revolutionize how Illinois school districts approach data privacy. The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) has partnered with the state’s Learning Technology Center (LTC) to strengthen K–12 data security practices. This collaboration seeks to increase the adoption of CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) framework, a rigorous standard designed to enhance data privacy and ensure safer digital environments for students and educators.
Currently, only one Illinois district, Community High School District 99, has earned the TLE Seal, an accolade that recognizes excellence in implementing data privacy measures. The district achieved this milestone in the summer of 2022, becoming a trailblazer in the state’s efforts to safeguard student information. “Having spent the last five years focusing intently on improving the district’s information security posture, the TLE was the ideal next step to deeply assess how we were doing, improve where needed, and publicly celebrate our successes,” said Rod Russeau, the district’s director of technology and information services. This recognition has since become a benchmark for other districts aiming to meet similar standards.
The Learning Technology Center has historically focused on helping districts integrate technology and provide professional development opportunities for educators. However, the partnership with CoSN represents a significant pivot toward more intensive efforts to address data privacy. Tim McIlvain, LTC’s Executive Director, emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “We already have several initiatives, such as partnering with the Student Data Privacy Consortium to comply with Illinois’s Student Online Personal Protection Act,” McIlvain said. “But one thing we haven’t been able to do is provide ongoing, intensive support around creating policies and ensuring practices are implemented within a school district.”
The partnership also addresses a critical gap in leadership roles within schools. Data privacy responsibilities often fall under the purview of K–12 IT leaders, but McIlvain noted that this is not always explicitly outlined in their job descriptions. “It’s implied that they’re supposed to help with data privacy, but it’s not part of their responsibilities. We want to work with tech leaders within districts to help them understand the TLE Seal framework and guide them through its five components,” he said.
Feedback from schools has highlighted significant challenges in improving data privacy. Among these are time constraints, staffing shortages, and a lack of clear guidance on state and federal regulations. Many districts have expressed a need for comprehensive resources to navigate these complex requirements. McIlvain explained that the LTC and CoSN partnership aims to address these barriers by providing hands-on support and structured pathways for districts to enhance their data privacy practices.
The initiative will officially launch in January, with cohorts of schools meeting to begin the process of aligning with the TLE framework. The ultimate goal is for districts to earn the TLE Seal, a symbol of excellence in data privacy. However, the process is designed to be flexible, allowing districts to achieve incremental progress through “mini seals.” These mini seals represent the five core components of the TLE framework: leadership, business practices, data security, professional development, and classroom practices. This modular approach allows schools to tackle specific aspects of data privacy at their own pace, making the process more manageable and less daunting.
Earning the TLE Seal is not a quick endeavor. The timeframe can range from three months to a year, depending on how quickly a district can implement the necessary changes. McIlvain acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the importance of taking the time to do it right. “It’s not a quick process; any kind of school improvement process takes time,” he said. By providing districts with the resources, guidance, and support they need, the partnership hopes to foster sustainable improvements in data privacy practices.
The collaboration reflects a growing awareness of the importance of data privacy in education. With schools increasingly relying on digital tools and platforms, safeguarding student data has become more critical than ever. By implementing the TLE framework, Illinois school districts can not only protect sensitive information but also build trust with parents, students, and communities. The initiative aims to set a new standard for data security, ensuring that schools remain safe and secure environments for learning.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges of data privacy in K–12 education. By equipping districts with the tools and knowledge to navigate these issues, CoSN and LTC are laying the groundwork for a more secure future. The success of the initiative will depend on the collective efforts of school leaders, IT professionals, and educators, all working together to prioritize the safety and privacy of student information.
As districts across Illinois embark on this transformative journey, the focus remains on creating robust systems that support both educational excellence and data security. The TLE Seal serves as a beacon of what can be achieved when schools commit to comprehensive data privacy practices. Through collaboration and innovation, this partnership has the potential to make a lasting impact on the state’s education landscape, ensuring that Illinois students can learn and thrive in a secure digital environment.
