Student Privacy & Information Technology (NYS Ed Law 2-d compliance)

Rochester School for the Deaf (“RSD” or “we”) is committed to ensuring student privacy in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

We will provide students with the instructional technology tools and resources that will set them up for success in college and careers.

• MacBook Air computers and iPads will be readily available to all students to use in their learning. Current versions of apps and programs will be used to maximize learning and productivity. We will work with only technology vendors that are compliant with the law and regulations. This list of vendors will be published on our website.
• Internet access with web filtering will be provided to connect students to information and resources from around the world.

We will protect the personally identifiable digital information of our students.   

• Technology will be used to promote academic achievement, empower parents and students with information, and advance efficient and effective school operations.
• Every use of personally identifiable information by the School will be protected.
• No personally identifiable information will be sold or shared for commercial purposes.

 
We will be compliant with current laws and regulations about the use of technology and personally identifiable information.

All employees will receive annual privacy and security awareness training. 

• Data security and privacy policies and procedures will be posted.
• A Data Protection Officer will oversee the implementation of the law and accompanying regulations.
• Procedures to file complaints about breaches or unauthorized releases of student data and/or protected teacher or principal data will be communicated to parents, students, and staff.

Implications on Our Practices

Education Law 2-d, and the accompanying regulations, known as Part 121, have specific implications on our practices and procedures at RSD:
 

• There are restrictions on the software and apps we purchase. We must ensure that we are in compliance with the law and the regulations before making a purchase or signing up for new software.
• Teachers do not sign up for any product that collects student information, such as names. This includes products that use the Google sign-on pathway (third-party companies connecting via Google). A formal school process exists for requesting software approval.
• Recommendations and requests for software and apps (including free, online sites) are made by grade levels and/or departments rather than by individual teachers. A school process was developed for this. It will allow for a consistent experience for our students, as well as streamline purchasing and support procedures, and allow us to ensure compliance with the regulations.
• All faculty and staff participate in mandatory online training regarding data privacy.
• An appointed Data Protection Officer monitors our ongoing compliance with all regulations. (see the link for the detailed roles)
• A complete Software Inventory is available for public review.

 
Resources are available on this site that will assist in understanding your rights under NYS Ed Law 2-d and §121 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, which detail the implementation of NYS Ed Law 2-d.
 
Additional Laws RSD is required to follow related to data privacy:
 
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Protecting Student Privacy
 
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule: COPPA