Dripping Springs Independent School District values the privacy of our students and employees and is committed to ensuring that their data is protected. As a district, we are dedicated to following and enforcing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. Furthermore, the district requires employees to become educated on the issue of data privacy and security. Each application on our approved list is evaluated for alignment with the district’s guidelines for student data, privacy and security.  The district continues to evaluate digital resources to support, including websites and mobile apps, academic applications, student privacy and instructional best practices.

Dripping Springs ISD is committed to the appropriate use of student personal information by adhering to all applicable laws.

How We Are Committed:

• Do not share a student’s personally identifiable data unless the personally identifiable data is in accordance with:

  • The Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA) and related provisions under 20 U.S.C Secs 1232(g) and 1232(h);

  • The Children’s Online Protection Act;

• Data Privacy Agreements are executed with district adopted 3rd party Resources

• Data privacy and cybersecurity awareness training for staff

• Ongoing monitoring of district 3rd party vendor cybersecurity ratings

• Thorough review and vetting of instructional application requests

• Student data privacy laws and best practices embedded in professional learning and curriculum training

• Engaged with privacy and security-minded groups and organizations

Additional Data Privacy Resources:

• The U.S. Department of Education's Protecting Student Privacy website shares training, articles, and videos about data privacy and security in schools.

• Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) Frequently Asked Questions

• Google Workspace for Education: Privacy Notice

• Common Sense Privacy Evaluation

• Video: Protecting Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Services

• Privacy Overview for K12 Teachers and Administrators

• Simple Ways Teachers Can Protect Student Data Privacy

• Data Privacy in Education – An iKeepSafe Educator Training Course

• Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

• Protecting Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Services: Requirements and Best Practices