“K-12 Tech Leaders Prioritize Cybersecurity, But Many Underestimate Risks, Survey Says” via Education Week

This article summarizes a recent survey of IT professionals in k-12 schools. Even before COVID-19, there were major concerns about funding, diversity, and staffing. COVID-19 has exasperated already limited resources. Without adequate cybersecurity protections, students’ privacy is at a higher risk.

“City Council to consider ban on facial recognition, surveillance oversight, school information-sharing rules” via The Boston Globe

This article by Danny McDonald of the Boston Globe writes about city council proposals in Boston, Massachusetts. Among the privacy proposals was a measure that would define the kinds of information school officials could share with law enforcement.

“Paranoia about cheating is making online education terrible for everyone” via Vox

This article by Rebecca Heilweil of Vox documents some of the privacy concerns raised through universities’ use of artificial intelligence based test proctoring in the COVID-19 distance learning environment.

“Western Massachusetts Writing Project: Using this uncertain moment for educational change” via Daily Hampshire Gazette

This article, co-authored by the executive board of the Western Massachusetts Writing Project, documents some of the disparities that are magnified by COVID-19 forced distance education for K-12 students. “We urge teachers to be thoughtful in the kinds of technology platforms they choose for their students, to not trade ease of use for student privacy in the rush to get online…”

“Analysis: Recovery From Coronavirus Shutdowns Hinges on Good Data. What the Federal Government Can Do to Help States and Schools” via The 74

In this article appearing in The 74, Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger, President and CEO of Data Quality Campaign, describes some of the ways in which Congress can solve difficult educational challenges resulting from COVID-19. She notes that the effective use of student data at the local and state levels can give leaders the information needed to make informed decisions with the goal of improving educational outcomes.