Data Diaries: Protecting Privacy & Building Trust

At BrightMinds, we believe that technology should enhance education without compromising the safety, privacy, or trust of its stakeholders. This edition of Data Diaries dives into recent news that highlights the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard student data, hold technology providers accountable, and ensure that educational practices remain ethical, stable, and future-ready.

The Fine Print: Data Privacy in the Crosshairs

Recent lawsuits and settlements have exposed glaring issues in student data privacy. PowerSchool is facing allegations of selling student information to third parties without proper consent. Similarly, IXL Learning is accused of harvesting data from millions of school-age children without parental consent.

These cases highlight the vulnerability of student data and the need for schools to ensure EdTech providers prioritize transparency and compliance with privacy laws. Regular audits of technology vendors and scrutiny of their data-handling practices are crucial for maintaining trust and protecting students' digital identities.

• Why It Matters: Schools need to ensure that EdTech providers prioritize transparency and compliance with privacy laws. Breaches erode trust and could have long-term repercussions for students’ digital identities.
• Proactive Tip: Regularly audit your district’s technology vendors and ask tough questions about their data handling practices.

Accountability Matters: Lessons from the Courtroom

Legal actions against EdTech companies serve as a wake-up call for the industry. The College Board's $750K settlement for misusing student data in New York exemplifies the consequences of data mismanagement. These cases underscore the importance of partnering with ethical, accountable vendors to avoid reputational damage and legal repercussions.

Schools should establish clear contracts with EdTech providers, detailing how student data will be stored, shared, and protected to ensure compliance and accountability.

• Why It Matters: These cases show the importance of creating partnerships with ethical, accountable vendors. Beyond legal fines, such missteps damage the reputation of schools relying on these tools.
• Proactive Tip: Establish clear contracts with EdTech providers, detailing how student data will be stored, shared, and protected.

Trust Tech, But Verify: Transparency is Key

Teachers and families are growing wary of technology, especially AI. When tools lack transparency, they invite skepticism. For example, families contested AI-driven grade disputes, and educators voiced concerns about feeling unprepared to integrate AI responsibly. This lack of preparedness can lead to skepticism and resistance to new technologies. To build trust, schools must provide comprehensive professional development for educators on AI and technology tools, empowering them to use tech confidently and ethically. Additionally, providers should offer comprehensive onboarding for educators and ensure ongoing support is available.

• Why It Matters: Trust is a prerequisite for adoption. Without it, even the most advanced tools risk rejection by educators and parents alike.
• Proactive Tip: Provide professional development for educators on AI and technology tools, empowering them to use tech confidently and ethically.

AI at a Crossroads: Promise vs. Pitfalls

AI offers immense potential but raises challenges when used without clear guidelines. From grading disputes to fears of bias in AI algorithms, the risks of misuse are significant. The integration of AI in education offers great potential but also raises significant challenges. Recent cases, such as AI-driven grade disputes, highlight the need for clear guidelines and policies to mitigate risks associated with AI use in schools.

• Why It Matters: As AI becomes more integrated into education, schools must address its limitations and create policies to mitigate risks. Thoughtful implementation is the key to long-term success.
• Proactive Tip: Collaborate with AI experts to design fair, unbiased systems and involve stakeholders in discussions about AI’s role in schools.

Dollars and Sense: Legal and Financial Impacts

The financial consequences of data mismanagement are becoming increasingly apparent. Lawsuits and settlements, such as those faced by PowerSchool and the College Board, can strain school budgets and erode trust. Investing in secure systems and prioritizing data privacy is not just ethical but also cost-effective in the long run.

• Why It Matters: Staying ahead of privacy issues isn’t just ethical—it’s cost-effective. Investing in secure systems now can prevent costly legal battles later.
• Proactive Tip: Allocate resources to data privacy training and invest in tools that meet the highest security standards.

The Call for Oversight: Building Stable, Lasting Practices

Recent controversies highlight the need for clear regulations and strong oversight to protect student data. The lawsuits against PowerSchool and IXL Learning demonstrate the importance of proactive leadership in shaping practices that ensure long-term success and trust in educational technology.

Schools and districts should advocate for policies that enforce accountability at both the district and state levels, pushing for stronger protections for student data.

• Why It Matters: Without proactive leadership, schools may find themselves reacting to problems rather than preventing them. Stable practices ensure long-term success and trust in technology.
• Proactive Tip: Advocate for policies that enforce accountability at both the district and state levels. Be a voice in the push for stronger protections.

Advocacy in Action: The Role of Educators and Families

Teachers and families are at the forefront of the debate on technology's place in education. Their advocacy is crucial in shaping policies that benefit all stakeholders. The class-action lawsuits filed by parents against companies like PowerSchool and IXL Learning demonstrate the power of community action in addressing data privacy concerns.

Schools should create open channels for feedback from teachers and parents about their concerns and experiences with EdTech tools to ensure that technology implementation aligns with community values and expectations.

• Why It Matters: Empowered educators and families are essential for meaningful, lasting change in how technology is used in schools.
• Proactive Tip: Create open channels for feedback from teachers and parents about their concerns and experiences with EdTech tools.

Closing Note: These themes collectively reflect the critical need for ethical considerations, robust privacy protections, and transparent practices in the intersection of education and technology. Data privacy isn’t just about compliance- it’s about creating a safe, equitable learning environment where trust between schools, families, and technology providers thrives. Together, we can lead the charge in fostering transparency, ethical practices, and innovation that prioritizes student success. At BrightMinds, we’re committed to making that vision a reality.

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Resources:

Teachers say they have other, more pressing priorities. https://www.edweek.org/technology/were-at-a-disadvantage-and-other-teacher-sentiments-on-ai/2024/10

PowerSchool faces lawsuit for selling student data to third parties. .https://www.businessinsider.com/edtech-powerschool-sells-student-data-lawsuit-2024-10

IXL class-action suit advances amid student data harvesting claimshttps://www.k12dive.com/news/ixl-learning-class-action-lawsuit-student-data-privacy/733335/

The Vulnerability and Protection of Student Datahttps://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-vulnerability-and-protection-of-student-data

Start-Up Founder Who Sold A.I. Chatbot to Schools Is Charged With Fraudhttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/20/nyregion/allhere-education-ai-schools.html?unlocked_article_code=1.b04.-E_W.ybwbagPvwR_P&smid=url-share

Judge Rebuffs Family’s Bid to Change Grade in AI Cheating Case https://www.the74million.org/article/judge-rebuffs-familys-bid-to-change-grade-in-ai-cheating-case/#:~:text=A%20federal%20judge%20in%20Massachusetts,intelligence%20on%20a%20class%20project.

College Board Pays $750K in Settlement for Misusing NY Students’ Datahttps://clym.io/data-privacy-news/college-board-pays-fine-for-misusing-student-data#:~:text=College%20Board%20Pays%20%24750K%20in%20Settlement%20for%20Misusing%20NY%20Students'%20Data,-by%20Alex%20Margau&text=On%20February%2013%2C%202024%2C%20a,over%20breaches%20of%20student%20privacy.