The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) released a new case study on Oct. 6 that details how Illinois is using CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) State Partnership Program to accelerate district progress on student data privacy and security.
In September 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), in partnership with the Learning Technology Center (LTC), joined the CoSN TLE State Partnership Program and launched two pilot cohorts in the Chicago area.
The program offers statewide benchmarking against 25 core privacy and security practices, unlimited free TLE Seal applications and renewals, and targeted resources to close identified gaps.
“Protecting student data privacy is foundational to building trust in digital learning,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN, in a press release. “Through the TLE State Partnership Program, the Illinois education community is accelerating progress on student data privacy and security for districts of all sizes.”
“This work not only strengthens policies, but it also empowers educators and communities to create safer, more trusted learning environments for all students,” Krueger added.
The TLE Seal is a national distinction for districts that meet strong student data privacy standards across five practice areas: leadership, business, data security, professional development, and the classroom.
Districts started with the TLE self-assessment to identify strengths and gaps, then tailored their work – with one cohort focusing on leadership practices and the other on business practices.
The cohort model is designed to help districts build momentum and make fast progress. It also offers districts shared templates, mentors, and planning.
“We wanted districts learning from each other. Peer collaboration is one of the most powerful drivers of change,” said Tim McIlvain, executive director of LTC.
Several Illinois cohort participants submitted TLE Mini Seal applications by mid-2025, and CoSN said that plans are underway to expand the initiative statewide with new cohorts. Both LTC and ISBE have committed to supporting the program through at least June 2026.
“We’re not just doing this to check a box. It’s about protecting students and showing our families and community that we take that seriously,” said Becky Lim, director of technology of the East Maine School District 63.
