• Virginia's Student Data Privacy Act: Virginia has enacted laws specifically designed to protect student data. The Code of Virginia establishes guidelines for how educational institutions and third-party service providers handle student information. This law aims to limit the collection, use, and disclosure of student data, ensuring that it is used responsibly and ethically.
• Key Provisions:
  • The law requires us to have contracts with third-party vendors that outline strict data privacy and security requirements.
  • It limits the types of data that can be collected and how it can be used.
  • It gives parents and eligible students certain rights regarding their data.
• Your Rights: As a parent or eligible student in Virginia, you have rights related to access, correction, and notification regarding your student's educational data.
• Links: For more detailed information, please refer to the following resources
  • Code of Virginia § 22.1-287.02

• What is FERPA? FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It gives parents certain rights regarding their children's education records until the child turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution. After that, the rights transfer to the student (eligible student).
• Key Rights under FERPA:
  • The right to inspect and review the student's education records.
  • The right to request the correction of records they believe to be inaccurate or misleading.
  • The right to control the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except as allowed by FERPA.
• Directory Information: FERPA allows schools to disclose "directory information" (such as name, address, and phone number) without prior consent, unless parents have opted out. In RCPS, parents and guardians may sign and return the annual media release form to opt out, or contact your student's school.
• Links:
  • For comprehensive information on FERPA, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's FERPA website:
    • U.S. Department of Education FERPA Page
    • FERPA Regulations

• Review and Understand School Policies: Familiarize yourself with our school division's data privacy policies and procedures. These policies outline how we collect, use, and protect student data. 
• Be Mindful of Online Activity: Encourage students to be responsible online, including:
  • Not sharing personal information on public websites or social media.
  • Using strong passwords and changing them regularly.
  • Being cautious of phishing emails and suspicious links.
• Report Concerns: If you have any concerns about student data privacy, please report them to your child's teacher, school administrator, or our Technology Department. You may also contact the Constituent Services Office for additional support.
• Review Third-Party Apps and Websites: Be aware of the apps and websites your child uses for educational purposes. Review their privacy policies to understand how they handle student data. If you have concerns about a specific application, please contact your child's teacher or school administrator.
• Keep Contact Information Updated: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date with your student's school so we can notify you of any data breaches or important privacy-related updates. Please contact your student's school if you need to update your contact information.
• Attend Information Sessions: We will hold information sessions to discuss data privacy and security. Please attend these sessions to learn more and ask questions. 
• Ask Questions: Never hesitate to ask questions. We are here to help you understand and protect your child's data.

For more resources, visit ConnectSafely