Study Details How a Collaborative, Framework-driven Approach is Helping Districts Strengthen Privacy Practices — Without Mandates or Large Budgets

 

Washington, D.C. (August 25, 2025) – CoSN released a new case study, “Building a Statewide Student Data Privacy Movement in Indiana,” spotlighting how the Indiana education community is leveraging the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) framework to accelerate district progress on student data privacy and security.

In November 2024, the Indiana Department of Education joined the CoSN TLE State Partnership Program, giving all districts unlimited free TLE Seal applications and renewals, statewide benchmarking across 25 core privacy and security practices, and targeted resources to close identified gaps. By providing TLE supports across the state, Indiana “leveled the playing field” around privacy for all its districts.

Before the statewide partnership, three districts — Carmel Clay Schools, Noblesville Schools and Zionsville Community Schools — had earned the CoSN TLE Seal, a national distinction awarded to school districts that implement high standards for protecting student data privacy across five core practice areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development and the Classroom. Those school districts now serve as peer mentors. Six months after launching a statewide cohort through the Indiana CTO Council, 45 districts had joined, aided by the introduction of TLE Mini Seals that allow districts to earn recognition in individual practice areas and build momentum towards earning the full TLE Seal.

“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,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN.

Each district begins by selecting a single Mini Seal, with the goal of applying within six to nine months. Smaller clusters of neighboring districts often form accountability groups, meeting every few weeks to share progress and troubleshoot challenges. Districts can access shared folders with templates, model policies and documentation examples, and plans are underway for writing workshops to help districts turn existing practices into strong application evidence.

“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, CETL®, CCRE, Executive Director, Indiana CTO Council.

Districts with a TLE Seal are significantly more likely to embed privacy and security into daily practice. According to the CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report, TLE Seal districts are more than twice as likely to embed privacy and security training into professional development, more than twice as likely to conduct regular audits of privacy and security practices, and more than three times as likely to provide parents with privacy training and resources.

Indiana’s experience shows that major statewide gains in student data privacy can be achieved without mandates or large budgets. The key ingredients — a clear framework, a culture of collaboration, peer mentorship and sustained engagement — can be adapted to any state.

To download the full report, visit: https://www.cosn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Indiana-TLE-Case-Study.pdf.

To learn more about the TLE State Partnership Program, visit: https://www.cosn.org/tools-resources/tlepartner/.

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org/

About the CoSN TLE State Partnership Program
The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) State Partnership program is the nation’s only data privacy framework for school systems, focused on building a culture of trust and transparency. The TLE State Partnership Program was developed by CoSN in collaboration with a diverse group of 28 school system leaders nationwide and with support from AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) and ISTE+ASCD. School systems that meet the program requirements will earn the TLE Seal, signifying their commitment to student data privacy to their community. TLE Seal recipients also commit to continuous examination and demonstrable future advancement of their privacy practices. https://www.cosn.org/tools-resources/tlepartner/