Description of Terms
Student Data Privacy – Terms Explained
When schools talk about student data privacy, you may hear terms that sound technical or legal. Below is a simple explanation of common laws and privacy terms that guide how we protect student information.
COPPA
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
This federal law protects children under 13 when they use websites and apps. It limits what information companies can collect and requires parental consent in many cases. Schools may provide consent on behalf of parents when tools are used for educational purposes.
FERPA
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
This federal law protects student education records. It gives parents the right to review their child’s records and limits who can see or share that information. Schools must keep student records private and secure.
HIPAA
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
This law protects private health information. In schools, most student health and medical records are protected under FERPA rather than HIPAA, but HIPAA applies to healthcare providers and medical organizations.
CIPA
Children’s Internet Protection Act
This law requires schools to filter internet content to block harmful or inappropriate material. It also requires schools to teach students about safe and responsible online behavior.
Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
This is information that can identify a student. Examples include: name, student ID number, date of birth, email address, or school records. Schools work to limit sharing this information and only provide what is necessary for learning.
Data Breach
A data breach happens when private information is accessed or shared without permission. Schools and vendors must have plans in place to respond quickly and notify families if required.
Accessibility (ADA Compliance)
Digital tools used in schools must be usable by all students, including those with disabilities. This includes compatibility with screen readers, captions for videos, and other accessibility features.