Illinois District’s Fourth CoSN TLE Mini Seal Reflects Progress and Statewide Commitment to Strong Student Data Privacy Protections

 

Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2026) — CoSN — The Consortium for School Networking today announced that East Maine School District 63 in Des Plaines, Illinois, has been awarded two additional Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seals for the Professional Development and Classroom Practices, helping strengthen data privacy protections for the district’s 3,700 students.

The CoSN TLE Seal is a national distinction recognizing school districts that implement strong policies and practices to help protect student data privacy, with the Mini Seal acknowledging progress in one of five key areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development, and the Classroom.

Having already received a Mini Seal in the Leadership and Business practices, these achievements reflect East Maine’s ongoing commitment to improving student data privacy across the following areas of the framework:

  • Professional Development: Recognizes efforts to integrate student data privacy into staff training across school operations and instruction; keep parents informed; and ensure privacy practices are carried out in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
  • Classroom: Acknowledges efforts to promote student information literacy, digital citizenship, and internet safety; vet online services; model responsible student data use; and communicate transparently with families about student data practices.

“East Maine School District 63’s additional TLE Mini Seals reflect meaningful efforts to uphold a culture of trust around student data privacy,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN. “By strengthening professional development and classroom practices, the district is taking practical, measurable steps to ensure teachers and families understand how student data is protected in today’s digital learning environments.”

“Protecting student data is a fundamental priority at East Maine School District 63. Earning the CoSN TLE Mini Seals for Professional Development and Classroom Practice reinforces our commitment to taking digital privacy seriously and keeping our students’ information secure,” said Becky Lim, Director of Technology, East Maine School District 63.

The district’s achievements also demonstrate Illinois’ broader statewide focus on student data privacy. In September 2024, Illinois partnered with CoSN through the TLE State Partnership Program, which provides districts with unlimited free TLE Seal applications, exclusive state data privacy benchmarking reports, and resources and guidance to support improvements in privacy practices. Through the program, East Maine School District 63 is one of seven districts in the state to earn a TLE Seal or Mini Seal. To date, TLE Seal recipients nationwide have improved privacy protections for over 1.4 million students.

The CoSN case study, “Improving Data Privacy in Illinois With CoSN’s TLE State Partnership Program,” dives deeper into how Illinois school districts are using the TLE framework to accelerate progress in student data privacy and security across the state.

The CoSN TLE Seal is the only privacy framework designed specifically for school systems. Earning the TLE Seal requires that school systems have taken measurable steps to implement, maintain, and improve organization-wide student data privacy practices. All TLE Seal recipients are required to demonstrate that improvement through a reapplication process every two years.

To learn more about the TLE Seal Program, visit: www.cosn.org/trusted.

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 education technology 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 Trusted Learning Environment Seal Program
The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program is the nation’s only data privacy framework for school systems, focused on building a culture of trust and transparency. The TLE Seal 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. www.cosn.org/trusted

About East Maine School District 63
District 63 offers a rich educational setting with a multicultural perspective to 3,700 students in the diverse communities of Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Park Ridge, and Morton Grove. Committed to teaching excellence that provides all students with the specific opportunities they need to succeed, the District’s five elementary schools (K-5), and Gemini Middle School (6-8), First Steps Preschool, and Expanded Learning programs foster each student’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth and achievement. Visit www.emsd63.org to learn more.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
For East Maine School District 63: Janet Spector Bishop, jbishop@emsd63.org