Prestigious CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal Program Supports Improved Student Data Privacy Practices in Education

Washington, D.C. – CoSN on May 3rd, awarded the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal to Dedham Public Schools in Dedham, MA. The TLE Seal is a national distinction awarded to school districts that demonstrate a tangible commitment to protecting student data through modern, rigorous policies and practices.

“Dedham Public Schools maintains a ‘future-ready’ focus when it comes to the integration of technology in our classrooms. With technology playing such a critical role in delivering and enhancing the learning experience for all our students, the protection of student data and cybersecurity has become a top priority. We are proud to have earned the TLE Seal recognizing the comprehensive programs and efforts in place to ensure that we are providing a safe digital learning environment,” noted Dr. Don Langenhorst, Director of Technology, Dedham Public Schools.

 The TLE Seal is the only student data privacy framework designed for school systems. Earning the TLE Seal requires that school systems have taken measurable steps to implement and maintain organization-wide data privacy practices encompassing:

• Leadership, by providing the guidance, policies and resources to direct the use and governance of student data in a manner that reflects fluency in applicable data privacy laws and is transparent to stakeholders.
• Business, by establishing vetting processes for education technologies and implementing effective data protection agreements with technology providers receiving student data.
• Data security, by implementing practices to protect student data across all media and auditing regularly to maintain those practices over time.
• Professional development, by requiring privacy and security training for all staff and offering related resources to all community stakeholders.
• Classroom, by implementing educational processes and procedures to support transparency and to build privacy knowledge while advancing curricular goals.

“We applaud the commitment of Dedham Public Schools to establish and continuously improve its student data privacy practices. The dedication of the Dedham Public Schools team and that of all TLE Seal recipients serves as a model for K-12 education institutions on how to implement mature student data privacy programs,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN.

Dedham Public Schools joins a select group of school districts in small, large, urban and rural communities that have earned the TLE Seal by establishing mature student data privacy practices and committing to ongoing improvements. All TLE Seal recipients are required to demonstrate that improvement through a reapplication process every two years.

To learn more about the TLE Seal Program visit CoSN.org/Trusted.

About CoSN

CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. CoSN.org

About the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal Program

The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program is the nation’s only data privacy framework for school systems, focused on building a culture of trust and transparency. The TLE Seal was developed by CoSN in collaboration with a diverse group of 28 school system leaders nationwide and with support from AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and ASCD. School systems that meet the program requirements will earn the TLE Seal, signifying their commitment to student data privacy to their community. TLE Seal recipients also commit to continuous examination and demonstrable future advancement of their privacy practices. CoSN.org/Trusted

About Dedham Public Schools

The Dedham Public School district serves a community of just over 25,000 residents in a thriving suburb just south of Boston, MA. Dedham Public Schools feature seven neighborhood schools — five elementary, one middle school and one high school — all led by veteran educators who care deeply about students and their development as scholars and citizens. With 2,750 students enrolled, Dedham Public Schools is dedicated to the mission of promoting excellence in learning, self-discipline and motivation. With the support and guidance of 650 employees, students are encouraged to celebrate differences and be a positive part of the global community. Dedham Public Schools continue to lead the state of Massachusetts, and the nation, in areas such as early childhood literacy and in accelerating the transformation of schools through the effective use of digital learning strategies. Dedham is incredibly proud of its schools and especially fond of its place in the history of public education in the United States as the first tax funded, free public school system. https://www.dedham.k12.ma.us/