“Acquiring the TLE Seal is considered an elite achievement, as it signifies that a school has implemented comprehensive and forward-thinking practices to safeguard student information in the digital age,” Chief Technology Officer Kellie Wilks told the Odessa American.
“This recognition not only elevates a school’s reputation but also assures parents, students and the community that the institution prioritizes data protection and responsible technology use in education. This achievement is no easy task, and the ECISD TLE Team that worked on this is outstanding,” she said.
A few moves that the district has made, according to the newspaper, include:
- Added a 24/7 cybersecurity team
- Implemented data interoperability
- Created a data dictionary
- Redesigned professional development
- Added digital citizenship classes for students
- Restricted social media access on student devices
- Streamlined purchasing
The program requires applicants to “implement high standards for data privacy protections around five core practice areas,” according to a recent news release.
The practice areas are:
- Leadership: Authoritative, transparent knowledge and guidance for data governance and student data use
- Business: Vetting processes for education tech and vendors
- Data security: Putting security practice and review in place
- Professional development: Requiring privacy and security training for staff
- Classroom: Using processes and procedures that are transparent and build knowledge
Participating schools include Prosper, Deer Park, Corpus Christi, Leander, Round Rock, Lewisville, and Cypress-Fairbanks districts, and Ector County brings the number to eight. The Texas Education Technology Leaders, a CoSN chapter, publishes information on local awards, activities and meetings.
