Study Highlights How Illinois School Districts Are Closing Privacy Gaps and Fostering a Culture of Trust in Digital Learning

 

Washington, D.C. (October 6, 2025) – CoSN released a new case study, “Improving Data Privacy in Illinois With CoSN’s TLE State Partnership Program,” showcasing how the Illinois education community is using the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) framework to advance district progress in 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, launching two pilot cohorts in the densely populated Chicagoland area. Together, these regional groups include 18 districts — from large suburban systems to smaller, resource-strapped schools.

The TLE State Partnership Program gives all districts in Illinois unlimited free TLE Seal applications and renewals, statewide benchmarking across 25 core privacy and security practices, and targeted resources to close identified gaps. The CoSN TLE Seal is 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.

“Protecting student data privacy is foundational to building trust in digital learning,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN. “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.”

Each district began by completing the TLE self-assessment, a detailed diagnostic that helps teams evaluate their strengths and gaps across the five practice areas. The results informed each cohort’s focus, with one zeroing in on leadership practices and the other on business practices. This targeted approach helped districts build momentum and make immediate progress.

A core strength of the Illinois model is its recognition of district diversity. LTC has long supported rural schools, many of which operate with limited staff and budgets. The TLE framework levels the playing field, allowing policies developed by a large suburban district

with legal counsel to serve as a model for a small rural district in the same cohort. According to the CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report, 60 percent of districts cite time and staffing constraints as major barriers to implementing strong privacy practices. The cohort model helps address these challenges by offering shared templates, regional mentors and collaborative planning.

“We wanted districts learning from each other. Peer collaboration is one of the most powerful drivers of change,” said Tim McIlvain, Executive Director, LTC.

In mid-2025, several Illinois cohort participants submitted TLE Mini Seal applications — and plans are underway to expand the initiative statewide, with new cohorts launching in additional regions this fall. Both LTC and ISBE have committed to sustaining 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, East Maine School District 63.

By providing TLE supports across the state, Illinois is embedding a structure designed not just to improve policy but to foster a statewide culture of trust based on district-wide improvements in student privacy practices.

To download the full report, visit: https://www.cosn.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IL-TLE-Case-Study-final-1.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/

MEDIA CONTACT: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com