Dive Brief:

• According to a new study from the Future of Privacy Forum, 54% of parents say they don’t know anything about the state or federal laws that govern student privacy.
• Still, 76% say they understand somewhat or well how their child's school and district collect and use student data, and 58% say their child’s school has explained how they use technology in the classroom.
• The study found a divide in how parents thought about appropriate data use. Some uses of student data, such as indicators of academic performance, received overwhelming support, but more personal information like family income or race received little support — even when collected for educational purposes.

Dive Insight:

The results indicate that parents remain cautious about new applications of student data. The types of uses that garnered the most support are long-standing: grades, attendance, and discipline. 

Interestingly, the survey found that parents were far more willing to have schools and state and federal governments using data to improve student outcomes, compared with companies who may share the same objectives. That indicates a degree of trust in public institutions some policymakers have questioned: The bulk of the worries are focused on private uses of student data, an extension of the so-called privatization of education. 

But it’s also worth noting that parents may be unaware of third-party involvement in schools, as schools adopt more in-classroom technology. Administrators should communicate clearly about what is and isn't released, ensuring contracts are well-written and vetted.