Georgia’s Largest School District Awarded CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Mini Seals for Student Data Privacy Practices


Washington, D.C. (April 3, 2024) –
CoSN today awarded Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Mini Seals for the Classroom and Professional Development Practices to Gwinnett County Public Schools in Suwanee, Georgia. The CoSN TLE Seal is a national distinction awarded to school districts that implement rigorous privacy policies and practices to help protect student information.

The CoSN TLE Seal Program requires school systems to have implemented high standards for protecting student data privacy across five core practice areas: Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development and the Classroom. The new TLE Mini Seal Program allows school districts across the country to earn recognition for one or more practice areas, providing districts with feedback and guidance on their privacy practices before tackling the full TLE privacy framework.

“CoSN is committed to providing the guidance needed to make the work of protecting student data privacy easier for districts to manage. We’re delighted to see the dedication to this important work from Gwinnett County Public Schools and districts across the country,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN.

Gwinnett County Public Schools joins Fulton County Public Schools as leading participants in the TLE Seal Program in Georgia.

“When we reach and teach all children as if they had our last name, and when we know each and every student by name, by face, by individual strength and need, and when we lead and support each and every student, staff member and family with empathy (i.e., to the extent possible — knowing what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes), with equity (i.e., addressing individual needs as they arise), with effectiveness (i.e., the ability to produce a desired result) and with excellence (i.e., achieving improved and noteworthy social, emotional, academic, and cognitive performance), and when we wear the same jersey while doing so, we will be a high-performing team that continues to thrive… Team GCPS!” said Dr. Calvin J. Watts, Superintendent, Gwinnett County Public Schools.

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 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 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 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 Gwinnett County Public Schools
Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is located north of metro Atlanta in Suwanee, GA.  GCPS is Georgia’s largest school district. Our dedicated team of approximately 24,000 educators and support staff serves more than 182,000 students in 142 schools. We are driven by our mission to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, resulting in measured improvement against local, national, and world-class standards. Our vision is to become a system of world-class schools where students acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful in college and careers. Our Blueprint for the Future defines our strategic priorities in the following four areas: empathy, equity, effectiveness and excellence. Our district demonstrates excellence in our work and is committed to protecting the privacy of our data. www.gcpsk12.org/