Student Data Privacy: Why Schools Should Rethink Email Usernames
Proper Email Syntax for Students: Understanding NY State Ed Law 2-D Guidelines In the digital age, student email accounts are essential for education. However, New York State Education Law § 2-D places stringent requirements on how personally identifiable information (PII), such as a student’s name, is handled to ensure data privacy and security. This blog […]
Protecting Student Data Privacy: Essential Resources for K-12 Schools
In today’s digital age, protecting student data privacy has become increasingly important for K-12 schools. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) plays a vital role in helping schools safeguard student educational records through laws such as the Family Educational Records Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA). These laws set the […]
It’s Time for Your FERPA and Directory Information Annual Notification
As the school year begins, you must revisit your Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) annual notification. FERPA requires K-12 schools to inform parents and eligible students (those 18 or older) of their rights under the law. Schools must ensure this information is readily available and accessible—whether through a website, direct communication, or other […]
Important Update for New York Schools: NYSED Comprehensive Data Security Reviews
The New York State Education Department’s Information Security Office (NYSED) has announced a significant initiative that will affect all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) across the state. NYSED will begin a thorough examination of the data security measures currently employed by schools. This initiative aims to bolster the overall security framework of LEAs, ensuring that student […]
April 2024 Email Changes: What Schools Need to Know About Gmail and Yahoo’s New Email Requirements
Beginning in April 2024, Gmail and Yahoo! will implement new, stricter email standards – turning what were previously considered email best practices into mandatory requirements. School leaders and IT professionals within the K-12 education sector should take note.
Federal Laws that Protect Student Data
In the digital age, the protection of student data has become a paramount concern for K-12 school leaders. As educational institutions increasingly incorporate technology into their curricula, they also inherit the responsibility of safeguarding their students’ privacy. To navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial for educators to be well-versed in the federal laws designed to […]
LIVE WEBINAR on 2/29: NYSED Information Security Office Data Security Review
Did you know that on January 16, 2024 NYSED announced it will be conducting comprehensive reviews to assess what data security controls schools have in place to protect the Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of students, faculty, and staff? As part of our ongoing commitment to data security in education, IKON Edutech Group invites you to […]
NYSED Website Privacy Monitoring: 10 Easy Pitfalls to Avoid
In 2023, NYSED’s Office of Data Privacy & Security monitored the websites of 115 school districts and 5 charter schools, finding that most of these organizations were eager to comply with privacy requirements and provide the necessary information to parents and eligible students. However, in their enthusiasm, some schools and districts overloaded their websites with […]
5 New Cybersecurity Threats Impacting K-12 Schools: Are You Prepared?
In an era where education relies heavily on technology, K-12 schools find themselves at the forefront of potential cybersecurity threats. As school leaders, it’s crucial to stay informed about the evolving landscape of cyber threats to protect students, staff, and sensitive data. In this article, we’ll explore five emerging cybersecurity challenges and discuss strategies to […]
Comprehensive Guide to NYS Education Law 2-D: Safeguarding Student Privacy or Risking Consequences
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to NYS Education Law 2-D, a critical legislation that aims to protect student privacy in the digital age. As educational institutions increasingly rely on technology to enhance learning, it becomes imperative for schools and school districts to understand the provisions of this law and take proactive steps to ensure compliance. […]