Journal 5- The ABCs of Privacy Practices for Educators

After reading the article by Melissa J. Dark, Clewin McPherson, and Joanne Troutner, I became nervous about the complicated issue of private records. With identity theft so common, it is no wonder for concern when student private information is not protected. If this confidential information is released, administrators and teachers could be held liable. This article talked specifically how educators should handle matters of privacy. I was unaware of how many sensitive issues must be confidential. For example, the free lunch lists in addition to grades, is information that needs to be protected from others view.

Having worked in an office environment, I was familiar with authentication and access controls. This could be used in a school for entering personal information. Only one person can change it, and several others can view only. I am sure there are files at schools that allow only administrators etc. The use of passwords must be treated very carefully so that users can verify access to files. I have had certain websites tell me if a password was strong or not. There are many password tricks that make it hard for someone to "crack." One that the book mentioned was not using words that are in the dictionary. I have never understood the Cryptography, but after the article explained it as a key for certain users I now see it as a security tool.



1.) What are two important ways schools can ensure privacy of records?

One of my ideas is to not use social security numbers as a school identification number. This could be misused if care is not taken. With a social security number and a birth date, it would be possible to open credit cards etc. Also, records must be in top notch security programs and software so that the information cannot be viewed by just any administrator. If a teacher accidentally left a screen open with private information, and a student came along and viewed it, many people could be in trouble. Even nowadays with addresses and phone numbers, that is info that many want to be protected.

2.) How can privacy technologies be applied to classrooms?

It would depend on the school district and what was available. One would hope for the best protection for files on students, including passwods, access control and even third-party encryption. Even though there are appropriate privacy technologies in place, technology has been knwn to accidentially allow a non-user to come across private findings. As a teacher you can never be too careful, and must put all applications in use.