Virtual Learning Calls Attention to Student Privacy Laws

With millions of students now relying on online tools for virtual education, we need to be extra diligent in maintaining students’ data privacy, and PTA and PTO leaders play a large role.

Did you know that even the title of the photos the PTA posts on Facebook could be subject to data privacy laws? A recent episode of the Multipurpose Room podcast, “What the # is FERPA and What Do I Need to Know?” addresses this as well as what PTA and PTO leaders need to know about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

FERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, giving parents certain rights. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education.

What PTA and PTO leaders need to know about FERPA

• Schools must give annual notice to parents of the existence of FERPA.
• Schools must ask parents what they want done with FERPA information. For example, parents must give permission for student’s contact information to appear in a school directory or for use of their name and photos on social media.
• If schools have contracts with external organizations that have access to student records and information, review those contracts for compliancy. And, make sure any organization destroys student information when the contract terminates.

FERPA is important to parents because the law pertains to the use of students’ privacy and personal information. It matters to schools because it can negatively affect funding, among other issues, if not followed. To listen to this episode and learn more, go here.

The Multipurpose Room

SquadLocker is a proud supporter of the Multipurpose Room podcast, hosted by strategic partner K-12 Clothing, a PTA-Dad created business that provides high-quality school apparel while increasing access to educational resources through fundraising in schools.

The Multipurpose Room provides real-life issues that PTAs, PTOs, and school staff are dealing with and offers practical tips.

SquadLocker supports schools by managing the entire process of acquiring custom school uniforms, sports gear, and spirit wear – from instant online store creation to free graphic artwork assistance as well as decoration, production, and fulfilment.