Cybersecurity

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.  The law provides specific rights for students and their guardians, as well as requirements schools must comply with to ensure protected information is not shared with unauthorized entities.  FERPA guides a wide variety of SMCISD policies.  In the context of technology use, it prevents SMCISD from sharing confidential data with unauthorized 3rd parties which could include websites or online software providers.  It may also prevent unauthorized online services from collecting Personally Identifiable Information (PII) from students.  However, SMCISD carefully selects only those providers that are performing a necessary educational service on behalf of the district and we ensure they are legally under our direct control with respect to the handling of protected information.

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that we provide technology protection measures to block inappropriate internet content when students use the SMCISD network to access the internet.  The filters block depictions of nudity, violence, hatred, racism, criminal acts, and other objectionable content, although it is not possible to be 100% accurate.  The RTUA requires students to report objectionable content to SMCISD staff members so corrective action can be taken.

The Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) applies to online service providers that collect personal information from children under the age of 13.  It may require the provider to acquire parental consent for the collection and use of personal information, and also provides parents with specific rights of access to the child's account and the data contained within that account.  In some circumstances a school district may act as an agent of the parent and contract with online resources that offer services solely for the benefit of the student and school system and for no other commercial purpose.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires schools to obtain parental consent before minor students are required to participate in any U.S. Department of Education funded survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals certain types of personal information.

Texas HB 18, also known as the Securing Children Online through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, requires digital service providers to protect minors from harmful content and data collection practices, empowering parents with tools to manage their child's online experience.