Ohio CTE Institution’s Third CoSN TLE Mini Seal Reflects Progress and Statewide Commitment to Strong Student Data Privacy Protections

 

Washington, D.C. (July 24, 2026) — CoSN — The Consortium for School Networking today announced that Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) in Delaware, Ohio, has been awarded an additional Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seal for the Classroom Practice. Having already received a Mini Seal in the Leadership and Business practices, this achievement reflects DACC’s ongoing commitment to improving student data privacy.

The CoSN TLE Seal is a national distinction recognizing school districts and other education agencies 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.

To qualify for the Mini Seal in the Classroom Practice, districts must ensure educators:

  • Implement a curriculum to promote student information literacy, digital citizenship, and Internet safety;
  • Remain aware of and regularly use the school system’s established process for vetting and procuring online services;
  • Model appropriate use and protection of student data for their students; and
  • Communicate to parents clearly about the collection, use, and protection of student data.

“Effective student data privacy depends on both strong policy and intentional implementation,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN. “DACC’s TLE Mini Seal in the Classroom Practice reflects its commitment to equipping educators and students with the knowledge and tools to use education technology safely and responsibly while helping families understand how student information is protected.”

“The Classroom Practice Mini Seal reflects DACC’s commitment to empowering teachers and students through thoughtful, secure, and effective use of technology,” said Rory Gaydos, Director of Information Technology, Delaware Area Career Center. “This recognition was achieved through a strong partnership between high school leadership and the technology team, whose collaborative efforts have helped embed trusted learning practices into the daily classroom experience.”

DACC’s achievement also demonstrates Ohio’s broader statewide focus on student data privacy. In November 2025, Ohio 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, DACC is one of nine districts and education agencies 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 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 Delaware Area Career Center
The Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) is a premier career and technical education institution serving high school students and adult learners throughout Central Ohio. DACC provides innovative, hands-on learning experiences that combine rigorous academics, industry-recognized credentials, and real-world career preparation, empowering students to succeed in college, careers, and life. www.delawareareacc.org

MEDIA CONTACTS:
For CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
For DACC: Alicia Mowry, mowrya@delawareareacc.org