About the Westwood Public Schools Student Data Privacy Initiative

Why Student Data Privacy So Important?

The goal of Westwood's student data privacy initiative is to provide a safe, secure, and ethical online experience for students and staff while at the same time empowering them to leverage the best tools and resources to achieve academic success. There are several federal and state laws that govern student data privacy and we have a legal obligation to abide by such laws. Additionally, in an era where issues of data privacy go far beyond the classroom walls, it is imperative for staff to model good data security habits for our students. It's our hope that the resources contained within this site, combined with training and support for staff, will help Westwood achieve its student data privacy goals.

About the Westwood Student Data Privacy Initiative

In an era where online teaching and learning resources are commonplace, districts are working hard to identify and implement best practice safeguards around the issue of student data privacy. In response to member district needs in this area, The Education Cooperative (TEC) has created the TEC Student Data Privacy Alliance (TEC SDPA). This alliance provides members with shared access to targeted training, experienced administrative support, and expert legal counsel as well as to leverage the TEC Collaborative’s collective influence with vendors. Westwood has been a member of the TEC SDPA since 2017.

The TEC SDPA has access to the Massachusetts Student Privacy Alliance (MSPA) website, tools, and expertise. MSPA is an established alliance that is nationally recognized for its pioneering work in the area of student data privacy. The most recent model contract establishes a privacy agreement between the vendor and originating school district and allows any subscribing district to sign the contract's 'Exhibit E', thereby extending the contract to other schools without the need to initiate separate agreements. This contract structure has been favorably received by vendors, resulting in a much higher participation rate.

Westwood is one of 20 founding members of this alliance and receives the following benefits/services:

1. Participation in monthly member networking meetings.

2. Support of an experienced Administrative Specialist who serves as Westwood's point of contact to research, review and submit the MSPA contract to vendors on our behalf.

3. Access to expert legal counsel to provide Westwood with guidance and support when needed.

4. Participation in targeted data privacy Professional Development workshops, webinars, and events

5. Legal Issues Workshop Series - Topics include: Anatomy of a Vendor Contract, Must Haves vs. Nice to Have, Red Flags