Requests public school boards and the state Dept. of Education to review their policies and procedures regarding student data to ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Impact
If acted upon, HR176 could lead to significant changes in how public school bodies interact with third-party vendors and manage student data. By reinforcing the need for compliance with FERPA, the resolution may prompt updates and changes in policies that govern student data privacy. The resolution is likely to influence the procedures that school boards employ, ensuring that sensitive information is adequately protected while still allowing for effective data management.
Summary
House Resolution 176, introduced by Representative Pearson, urges all public school boards and the state Department of Education to review their practices regarding the collection, storage, use, and disclosure of student data. The resolution emphasizes compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which safeguards the privacy of student education records. This initiative follows concerns raised by parents regarding the security of student data, especially when managed by third-party vendors, which have increasingly been used by schools to handle large data sets effectively.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HR176 is supportive, reflecting a growing concern for student privacy in the digital age. There is widespread agreement among lawmakers and educators about the importance of safeguarding student data, especially given the vulnerabilities introduced through technology and third-party contracts. The resolution seeks to address these issues, although it may draw some criticism from those advocating for more efficient data practices who could view increased scrutiny as a bureaucratic hurdle.
Contention
While HR176 aims to bolster student data privacy, potential points of contention include debates over the extent of regulations necessary to ensure compliance with FERPA. Some stakeholders might argue that an excessive focus on compliance could hinder the operational efficiency that third-party vendors bring to schools. The balance between maintaining necessary oversight of student information and facilitating innovative educational technologies will likely be a key discussion point moving forward.
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to discontinue the practice of sharing student data with private companies and the federal government
Provides relative to the privacy and protection of student data for students enrolled in public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions. (gov sig)
Requests BESE to review rules and regulations for the education of dyslexic students and procedures for compliance monitoring of schools and school districts.