Student Internet Use and Local, State and Federal Compliance
The district's curriculum necessitates the use of online resources, and our educational goals advocate for the integration of instructional technology to enable our students to achieve their highest potential in a rapidly evolving world. Below are the regulations governing student internet use, particularly concerning student privacy and cybersecurity.
Local - Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
The use of the internet and electronic resources demands personal responsibility from the user. To ensure responsible usage, all students must have an AUP agreement signed by both the parent/guardian and the student upon entry into the Edgewood School District. Noncompliance may result in the revocation of computer privileges and other disciplinary actions. AUP compliance is documented in Frontline, the EISD student information system.
State – House Bill 18—the Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act (2023)
This Act aims to protect children under 18 from harmful, deceptive, or unfair trade practices when using online services. To follow this law, we only allow students to access online services that provide these protections. Edgewood ISD must approve the use of any site that requires students to register for accounts or share personal information and obtain a data privacy agreement with the service provider. Until such an agreement is in place, students will not be allowed to use the site.
Federal - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA pertains to the confidentiality of student educational records, including personally identifiable information (PII). This applies to children under 18, and rights transfer to the student once they reach 18 or enroll in post-secondary education. Each year, parents are informed of their rights under FERPA and have the right to consent or refuse the sharing of student PII with third parties. Teachers with a legitimate educational interest can access this information in Frontline. An exemption under FERPA allows school officials to share information with contractors or third parties providing services for the school, including digital service providers that support instruction.
Federal - Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)
COPPA outlines the protections service providers must implement if their services are directed at children under the age of 13. Third-party providers may need written parental consent before a child can register, with some providers requiring teachers to obtain this consent. In cases where parent consent is needed, the data privacy agreement may be between the parent (not the district) and the service provider, and this requirement is noted in our approved resources.
Federal - Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
CIPA addresses concerns about students accessing obscene or harmful content on the internet. To follow CIPA and qualify for the E-rate program, which funds much of the cost of our internet, we monitor and filter internet access to prevent minors from accessing such content. Additionally, we provide cyber safety lessons to students, covering appropriate online behavior, cyberbullying awareness, and online safety.