Student Data Privacy Legislation: What Happened in 2015, and What Is Next?

Last year, growing state and district use of education data and increased public attention to the ways in which these data are collected, used, managed, and disclosed sparked much conversation in statehouses around the country about the value of data and how they are protected. Student data (e.g., demographics, transcripts, attendance, test scores, outcomes, etc.) are an important tool for policymakers, educators, and families as they seek ways to support students and improve education experiences and pathways. Safeguarding data is a critical component of effective data use, and this complex and critical issue has continued to evolve over the last year. The student data privacy bills introduced in 2015 reflect both continued and newly developing student data privacy conversations in states and at the federal level.

Student Data Privacy Legislation: What Happened in 2015, and What Is Next? summarizes the legislative activity around student data privacy in 2015.