Privacy and Educators

Developed by Rurik Rory-NakerudGraduate School of Education

Portland State UniversityUpdated July, 2014

What is Privacy?

• The ability to control the degree to which people and institutions impinge upon one’s life.

• Hildreth & Hoyt, 1981

• The right claimed by an individual to control the disclosure of personal information about themselves.

• Adams, 2000

Collection of Children’s Information

• PEW Research Internet Project (2013):– 78% of teens use a cell phone– 74% access the Internet– 93% have a computer at home– 23% have a tablet computer

• Study conducted by Cai and Gantz (2000) indicated that the majority of Web sites targeted at children collect personal information from their under-age users.

Why is Privacy Important for Teachers?

• Federal law mandates that teachers protect the information they gather and record regarding their students (National Center for Education Statistics, 1998).

–FERPA –COPPA–Supreme Court Decisions

• Failure to do so could result in personal and professional liability.

Privacy Practices—Common Law1. Information should not be conveyed to other

teachers/administrators unless the motive is to enhance performance.

2. Pupil information should be transmitted only upon request.

3. Records should be released only if there is a statutory requirement or the pupil/parents request the release.

Privacy Legislation for Educators

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act , 1974 (FERPA):– Requires that educators demonstrate “due

diligence” in protecting student data, information, records, and other sensitive information.

– Teachers can be personally held liable for failing to maintain the integrity of such data.

FERPA...

• Parents/guardians have a right to inspect all records.• Record of access maintained regarding individuals

examining the files.• Appeals to contents are permitted.• Records must be kept confidential—no release

unless there is permission.– Birth date, address, ss#, grades, test results, discipline

records, attendance, health records, pictures, etc.

Practical Privacy Techniques for Teachers:

1. Practice Proper Information Security Techniques

2. E-Mail Awareness 3. Use of Encryption4. Download Precautions5. Close the Cookie Jar6. Read Privacy Statements7. Set up a Second Online Account

Dissemination of Privacy Practices to Students:• Fundamentals of protecting privacy is a “new” skill

that schools should address• (Willard, 2000)

• Privacy issues need to be embedded within the curriculum as readily as technical skills

• (FTC, 2001)

• Short lessons and natural teaching moments work well for identifying the topic.

• Teachers must serve as a role model for privacy protection practices.

Conclusion:

• As technology is introduced into schools, it is critical to combine the technical skills with the soft (ethical) skills surrounding the media.

• Attention needs to given to both teachers and students upon this topic.

• Teachers must practice privacy techniques daily---to protect the information and serve as a positive role model.

Resources for Teaching Internet Safety to Students

• Investigate http://safekids.com – Explore the safety advice and tools, paying particular

attention to the information for child safety, parents of pre-teens and parents of teens

• Investiate http://www.netsmartz.org/ – Explore the downloadable teaching materials for educators

including tip sheets on social networking, cyberbullying, sexting, and cybersecurity.

•

Excellent Resources:

• Stealth Surfing by Matt Lake:http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,16350,00.asp

• Follett Software Company: Privacy Sites:http://www.pathwaysmodel.com/resources/articles/adams/weblinks.cfm

• Make Your PC Hacker Proof by Jeff Sengstack:http://www.pcworld.com/resource/printable/article/0,aid,17759,00.asp