• Data Security and Privacy Overview 

    The Chester School District is committed to protecting the privacy of its students, faculty and staff. The district complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In that effort, instructional and curricular resources are selected and procured with data security as a key criteria element, insuring students an effective yet safe educational experience. The Chester School District works to invest in and develop policies and practices that give our students and staff members powerful and safe educational experiences both online and in our classrooms.

  • Parents and Students

    Schools and school districts have always collected data on students.  Instead of paper files, much of that data is now collected through computers and online resources.  While the systems for organizing and managing this information have changed over the years, our school district's commitment to confidentiality remains the same.

    It is our responsibility to ensure the security of each student's education record and we take that responsibility very seriously.  There are also existing federal and state laws in place that protect student information.  Our district has comprehensive student data privacy policies and administrative regulations outlining security mechanisms that protect student data.

     

    What is Student Data? 

    There are many types of data that support student learning—and they’re so much more than test scores. But individual data points don’t give the full picture needed to support the incredibly important education goals of parents, students, educators, and policymakers. Understanding the types of data that can come together—under requirements like privacy and security—to form a full picture of student learning. When used effectively, data empowers everyone.

     

    Who Uses Student Data? 

    Most personal student information stays local. Districts, states, and the federal government all collect data about students for important purposes like informing instruction and providing information to the public. But the type of data collected, and who can access them, is different at each point. From schools to the U.S. Department of Education, see how student data are—and are not—accessed and used.

  • Resources

    The Chester School District adheres to all local policies and state and federal laws regarding student and staff data privacy.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, also known as FERPA, is the key federal law that restricts access to student data. It forms the basis of state and local laws and policies about student data. Click here to learn more. 

  • Inventory

     

  • Notifications

    Contact the Director of Technology via email at michael.dougherty@chester-nj.org for up to date information regarding online software and hardware data privacy.