Information Security & Data Privacy

In our modern digital society, ensuring the privacy and safety of school district data, including student and staff records, remains a paramount concern at Duncanville ISD. We are dedicated to instilling confidence in our stakeholders by transparently communicating how we handle and utilize both student and staff information. In alignment with our dedication to safeguarding student and staff information, we embrace the principles set forth in the following key laws:

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (see GBA(Legal))

• Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) (see FA(Legal))

• Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) (see CQ(Legal))

• Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)

• Texas Student Data Protection Act (TSPA), 2 Tex. Ed. Code § 32.151 (2024)

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) (when applicable) (see FL(Legal))

In addition to legal requirements, we also adhere to the following privacy policies and standards:

• Google for Education Privacy and Security

• Microsoft Trust Center

• International Society of Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards

• Common Sense Media

What data do we collect and why?

Student Records and Academic Progress
We collect student and family data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and age along with attendance, grades, and participation in school-sponsored activities. We compile outcomes from local, state, and national assessments to furnish teachers, administrators, and parents with crucial insights into students, programs, and school performance. These data are instrumental in refining the educational programs we provide, tailoring experiences to address the specific needs of our students. We report these data to state and national agencies per all applicable laws and regulations.

School Safety and Communication
We gather video and/or photographs of students, visitors to our campuses, and passengers on our school buses. Additionally, we record the names of all campus visitors to prioritize student safety and maintain accurate reporting. We also require release forms for student photographs to be used on websites and social media, unless otherwise allowed by board policy or law.

Feedback
We obtain data from surveys conducted with stakeholder groups including, but not limited to, students, parents, staff, and community members. These surveys provide valuable feedback that is used to enhance teaching and learning. We utilize both anonymous and non-anonymous surveys.

Financial Stewardship and Integrity
We gather program and financial data to ensure the responsible utilization of our operations and resources. Moreover, our goal is to ascertain that the resources and operations we deploy contribute to the success of our students. As a district, we are committed to upholding elevated ethical standards, exemplifying integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness.

How does Duncanville ISD protect student and staff data?
Duncanville ISD utilizes the standards set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework and the Texas Cybersecurity Framework as a basis for protecting all data utilized and stored by the district and its agents. We require all external partners to sign our Data Privacy Agreement to ensure that district data handling practices are utilized by vendors acting as district agents.