Compliance Trends for K-12 Schools

2024 saw a surge in state regulations impacting K-12 education, particularly around student data privacy, parental rights, accessibility, and the rise of AI in schools. These laws reflect the growing need for transparency, security, safety, and equity in educational technology. We expect this trend to continue, especially as the new administration focuses on state rather than federal regulation of education. Here’s a summary of key regulations and how Lightspeed Systems supports compliance, helping schools navigate these evolving requirements.

Student Data Privacy: Protecting Student Information

With student data increasingly stored and used online, regulations across the county set rigorous requirements for data protection and transparency. Laws mandate that districts evaluate the security practices of edtech vendors and obtain approval before collecting or sharing student data. Compliance requires conducting regular audits and ensuring vendor agreements meet state-specific standards.

We see this with TX SCOPE Act (HB 18), Ohio SB 29, and more.

How Lightspeed Helps:

• Real-Time Insights: Lightspeed Digital Insight provides detailed, real-time data on all applications used in the district.
• Privacy Assessments: Includes third-party reviews from 1EdTech and SDPC.
• Transparency Tools: Schools can assess app compliance with privacy laws, review data-sharing practices, maintain an up-to-date public-facing app list, and block non-compliant apps.

Parents' Rights and Visibility: Enhancing Transparency

Regulations increasingly seek to increase parental access to information about student activity, including device monitoring and online activity and apps in use. Many state laws require districts to share a list of all edtech apps and resources with parents. These laws reflect the growing expectation for parental involvement in digital learning.

We see this with Ohio SB 29, Florida HB 1467, Texas HB 18, and more.

How Lightspeed Helps:

• Parent Portal: Provides families with a transparent view of their child’s online activity, including weekly reports and real-time alerts.
• Public App Lists: Lightspeed Digital Insight makes it easy to publish a list of all apps in use.

Accessibility: Creating Inclusive Learning Environments

Regulations require schools to ensure that all digital content, tools, and platforms meet accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies, ensuring equal access for all students. Non-compliance can lead to significant legal and reputational risks.

We see this with Colorado’s HB 21-110 but expect growth across the country.

How Lightspeed Helps:

• Accessibility Reports: Lightspeed Digital Insight provides app-level data on accessibility features and highlights apps with or without public-facing VPATs.
• Inclusive Solutions: Lightspeed ensures its suite of tools aligns with ADA requirements to support equitable education.

Student Safety

Student safety has become a paramount concern, prompting the creation of new secure and supportive learning environments. These measures address issues such as violence prevention, mental health support, and emergency preparedness. The U.S. Department of Education has introduced comprehensive guidelines requiring schools to establish robust safety protocols, including threat assessment teams and anonymous reporting systems. Additionally, the 2024 Title IX Final Rule mandates that educational institutions take prompt and effective action to end any sex discrimination in their programs or activities, ensuring a safe environment for all students.

How Lightspeed Helps:

• Safety Alerts: Lightspeed Alert monitors online activity for signs of distress or harmful behavior, providing real-time alerts to designated personnel for swift intervention.
• Proactive Support: Tools help schools address safety concerns and comply with federal regulations.

By staying informed about these regulatory trends and leveraging appropriate technologies, K-12 schools can ensure compliance and foster a secure educational environment.

AI and Emerging Technology: Addressing New Risks

With the rapid adoption of AI tools in education, concerns have grown around data security, bias, and ethical use. Many states have issued guidance to ensure AI use in schools is safe, managed, and equitable.

How Lightspeed Helps:

• AI Reporting: Lightspeed Digital Insight provides reporting on AI app usage.
• Content Control: Lightspeed Filter allows districts to block AI sites by category, for specific users or groups.
• Classroom Oversight: Lightspeed Classroom Management gives teachers real-time visibility into students’ use of generative AI tools.

Preparing for 2025: What’s Next in Compliance?

As technology evolves, so too will regulations. District leaders must remain vigilant, tracking new laws and adapting their policies to meet changing standards. By partnering with Lightspeed Systems, schools gain access to tools that ensure compliance across a wide range of requirements while creating safer, more equitable learning environments.

Stay ahead of compliance challenges with Lightspeed Systems. Learn more about our solutions and how they can help your district navigate the complexities of 2024 and beyond. Visit our website for more information.