With the Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA) new to California's law, many are still unaware of its existence and many may be uncertain of its implications. In a school district where this is true, comes the responsibility for its leaders to take action and establish communication. I would recommend that the first step in creating a cohesive level of understanding would to notify staff of what SOPIPA is and to hold district meetings to answer any follow-up questions. Then working with school leaders, conduct workshops or professional development opportunities that will ensure all staff are aware of the responsibilities the K-12 education system has to keep student data safe and secure. Detailed examples will show how third party vendors have sold information for non educational advertisements. Another suggestion I would give to these district leaders, is to sought out districts that have been acting on SOPIPA; gather resources that could be shared with the rest of the staff as a foundation to build on. District's online provider should also be contacted in regards to this law and to reestablish in contract the prevention of collecting any student information and instead, deleting them as required. Finally, parents need to be given reassurance for their children's safety and to provide them with the proper information on what has been planned to enact on SOPIPA. Overall, I would encourage open communication as soon as possible with all parties involved with the school system.
Reference:
Herold, B. (2014). Landmark student-data-privacy law enacted in california. Education Week. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2014/09/_landmark_student-data-privacy.html
Reference:
Herold, B. (2014). Landmark student-data-privacy law enacted in california. Education Week. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/DigitalEducation/2014/09/_landmark_student-data-privacy.html