The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) released a new case study on Monday that spotlights how Indiana’s Department of Education has catalyzed a statewide movement in student data privacy – empowering school districts to strengthen protections using the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) framework.
The case study, titled “Building a Statewide Student Data Privacy Movement in Indiana,” details how the Indiana Department of Education joined CoSN’s TLE State Partnership Program in November 2024.
In doing so, it provided all school districts with unlimited free TLE Seal applications, state-level benchmarking across 25 core privacy and security practices, and tailored resources to close identified gaps.
“The success of the Indiana TLE State Partnership Program highlights how collaboration between districts, a clear framework and peer mentorship can level the playing field for districts of all sizes, leading to more confident and scalable improvements in student data privacy,” Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN, said in an Aug. 25 press release.
Within six months of launching a statewide cohort through the Indiana CTO Council, 45 districts had joined the effort. A “Mini Seal” initiative further allowed districts to earn recognition in specific practice areas, helping to build momentum toward full TLE Seal certification.
Prior to the statewide rollout, three districts – Carmel Clay Schools, Noblesville Schools, and Zionsville Community Schools – had already earned the full CoSN TLE Seal, which encompasses leadership, business, data security, professional development, and classroom practices.
These districts now serve as “peer mentors,” guiding other Indiana districts on their path to certification.
“The CoSN TLE Cohort has ushered in an Indiana statewide student data privacy focus at just the right time. TLE cohort districts in Indiana are preparing for rising cybersecurity threats and the adoption of AI by prioritizing student data privacy, improving our ability to serve and protect our students’ long term,” said Pete Just, executive director of the Indiana CTO Council.
