Chicago Public Schools remain adamant in protecting student data privacy, will continue to do 'thorough review' of software vendors

Chicago Public Schools data privacy
Photo credit Tim Boyle/Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Public Schools officials are not backing away from their stringent enforcement of a new state law regarding online privacy despite complaints.

Some teachers complain that they’ve lost access to valuable classroom software for instruction and presentations because of how CPS is complying with the Student Online Personal Protection Act. SOPPA, as it’s known, is designed to protect student’s personal information.

CPS officials said their policies have been in place since January, and they’ve let software vendors know the requirements. They have to disclose what student data they need and how they’re going to use it. And they have to share that information with parents.

More than 200 education technology tools have already gone through the process, and they’re working with 200 others now and expect to continue the reviews into next year, according to CPS. Officials said that online student privacy is paramount.

However, some teachers complain that, as those reviews are underway, they’re being blocked from using useful educational programs and even common ones from companies like Adobe.

Some advocates say CPS should join a consortium of other Illinois Districts that are sharing their approvals, but CPS officials said in response that they want to give each software vendor agreement a thorough review.

The process continues.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Tim Boyle/Getty Images