At Aspire Center For Learning, we are deeply committed to ensuring the privacy and security of student data. We understand that protecting sensitive information is paramount, and we adhere to stringent guidelines and regulations to safeguard the educational records of every student. This document outlines your rights and our responsibilities concerning data privacy and security, in accordance with New York State and federal laws.
Parents’ Bill of Rights: Ensuring Your Child’s Data Privacy
New York State has enacted a Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security, stemming from the Common Core Implementation Reform Act. This legislation emphasizes the importance of transparency and parental rights in how student data is collected, used, and protected. Aspire Center for Learning fully supports these rights and provides this summary to ensure parents are well-informed.
Key Rights for Parents at Aspire Center for Learning:
- No Commercial Sale of Student Data: Your child’s personally identifiable information will never be sold or released for any commercial purposes. Aspire Center for Learning is dedicated to using student data solely for educational purposes and to enhance the learning environment.
- Right to Review Education Records: Parents have the unqualified right to inspect and review the complete contents of their child’s education record. We believe in open communication and transparency, and encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education.
- Confidentiality and Data Protection: Both state and federal laws rigorously protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information. Aspire Center for Learning employs robust safeguards, aligned with industry standards and best practices, to ensure data security. These measures include encryption, firewalls, and stringent password protection protocols for all stored and transferred data.
- Access to Data Elements Collected by the State: A comprehensive list of all student data elements collected by New York State is publicly accessible. Parents can review this list online or by contacting the New York State Education Department directly. This ensures full transparency regarding the scope of data collection at the state level.
- Right to Address Data Breach Concerns: Parents have the right to file complaints regarding potential breaches of student data. Aspire Center for Learning has established clear channels for addressing such concerns promptly and effectively.
Contact Information for Data Privacy Concerns:
For any complaints or concerns regarding data privacy at Aspire Center for Learning, please contact our Compliance Officer/Privacy Officer:
Aspire Center for Learning
Compliance Officer/Privacy Officer
2356 North Forest Road
Getzville, NY 14068
For concerns that need to be escalated to the state level, you may also contact the Chief Privacy Officer at the New York State Education Department:
Chief Privacy Officer
New York State Education Department
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12234
[email protected]
Third-Party Contracts and Data Sharing at Aspire Center for Learning:
In situations where Aspire Center for Learning contracts with third-party service providers who may receive student, teacher, or principal data to deliver essential services, we are committed to providing supplemental information to parents. This information will clearly outline:
- Exclusive Purposes of Data Use: The specific and exclusive purposes for which student, teacher, or principal data will be utilized by the third-party contractor.
- Subcontractor Data Protection: How the third-party contractor guarantees that any subcontractors, individuals, or entities they share data with will adhere to stringent data protection and security requirements.
- Agreement Expiration and Data Handling: The expiration date of the agreement and the procedures in place for handling student, teacher, or principal data upon the agreement’s conclusion.
- Data Accuracy Challenges: The process by which a parent, student, eligible student, teacher, or principal can challenge the accuracy of the collected data.
- Data Storage and Security Measures: Details regarding where student, teacher, or principal data will be stored and the comprehensive security protections implemented, including whether data encryption is utilized.
Aspire Center for Learning values parental input and encourages parents to engage with the development of data privacy policies. The Chief Privacy Officer of the New York State Education Department actively seeks input from parents and educational stakeholders to continuously refine and enhance the Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) at Aspire Center for Learning
Aspire Center for Learning’s procedures for maintaining the confidentiality of student records are fully compliant with federal statutes, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA grants specific rights to parents and eligible students (students who are 18 years or older or emancipated minors) regarding their education records.
Your Rights Under FERPA at Aspire Center for Learning:
- Right to Inspect and Review Records: You have the right to inspect and review your student’s education records within 45 days of submitting a request. This right is only limited by court orders or legally binding instruments.
- Right to Request Amendment of Records: If you believe that your student’s education records are inaccurate, you have the right to request an amendment. Requests should be made in writing to the School Principal or appropriate school official, clearly identifying the part of the record to be changed and explaining the inaccuracy. Aspire Center for Learning will respond to your request and, if the request is denied, will inform you of your right to a hearing.
- Right to Consent to Disclosure: You have the right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information from your student’s education records, except in circumstances where FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
Exceptions to Consent for Disclosure Under FERPA:
FERPA permits the disclosure of education records without prior consent under specific exceptions:
- School Officials with Legitimate Educational Interests: Education records may be shared with school officials who have a legitimate educational interest. This includes administrators, teachers, support staff, and contracted service providers who need access to records to fulfill their professional responsibilities at Aspire Center for Learning.
- Disciplinary Records to Other Schools: Disciplinary records related to conduct that posed a significant risk to safety or well-being may be disclosed to school officials in other schools where the student seeks or intends to enroll.
- Transfer of Records to Other Educational Institutions: Education records, including disciplinary and special education records, may be disclosed to another school or postsecondary institution where the student seeks or intends to enroll.
Filing a FERPA Complaint:
If you believe that Aspire Center for Learning has failed to comply with FERPA requirements, you have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
For copies of the complete policy regarding student records at Aspire Center for Learning, please contact:
Aspire Center for Learning
Vice President of Educational Services
4635 Union Road
Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Designated Directory Information at Aspire Center for Learning
Aspire Center for Learning designates certain personally identifiable information within a student’s education record as “directory information.” This information may be released without prior written consent unless used for commercial purposes.
Directory Information at Aspire Center for Learning Includes:
- Student’s name and date of birth (if required for school-sponsored activities)
- Parents’ or legal guardians’ names
- Student’s address and phone number (disclosed to law enforcement for active investigations only)
- Student’s grade level
- Previous schools attended
Opting-Out of Directory Information Disclosure:
If you wish to prevent Aspire Center for Learning from disclosing your child’s directory information without your prior written consent, including to military recruiters, higher education institutions, and potential employers, you must notify us in writing by September 30th of each school year.
Non-Directory Information: Student Photographs, Videos, and Recordings:
Please note that student photographs, videos, and recordings are not classified as “directory information.” However, Aspire Center for Learning may use these media for non-commercial purposes, such as in school programs, informational materials, or publicity for school activities. If you object to the use of your student’s photograph, video, or recording for these purposes, you must provide written notification by September 30th of each school year.
Confidentiality of Health Information at Aspire Center for Learning
Aspire Center for Learning strictly adheres to FERPA and respects the confidentiality of student health information. We also recognize the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that governs private healthcare providers. To facilitate communication between Aspire Center for Learning and private healthcare providers, parental consent via required forms from the healthcare provider is necessary.
Confidential medical information may be shared with Aspire Center for Learning personnel who have a legitimate need to know, such as school nurses and relevant staff who need to understand a student’s medical condition to support them effectively within the learning environment and respond appropriately in case of medical concerns.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) at Aspire Center for Learning
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) grants parents specific rights regarding surveys, marketing-related information collection, and certain physical exams conducted by schools.
PPRA Rights for Parents at Aspire Center for Learning:
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Consent for Protected Surveys: You have the right to consent before your student is required to participate in a survey, funded by the U.S. Department of Education or issued by a third party, that concerns any of the following protected areas:
- Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or parents
- Mental or psychological problems
- Sex behavior or attitudes
- Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior
- Critical appraisals of family relationships
- Legally recognized privileged relationships (e.g., with lawyers, doctors, ministers)
- Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs
- Income (except as required by law for program eligibility)
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Opt-Out Rights: You have the right to receive notice and opt your student out of:
- Any protected information survey, regardless of funding.
- Non-emergency, invasive physical exams or screenings required for attendance (excluding hearing, vision, scoliosis screenings, or exams required by state law).
- Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing or selling purposes.
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Right to Inspect Materials: You have the right to inspect, upon request and before administration or use:
- Protected information surveys.
- Instruments used to collect personal information for marketing, sales, or distribution purposes.
- Instructional materials used in the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer to the student when they reach 18 years of age or become an emancipated minor. Parents who believe their PPRA rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Family Policy Compliance Office at the U.S. Department of Education.
Aspire Center for Learning is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of data privacy and security. We are committed to partnering with parents to create a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. For any questions or further clarification regarding data privacy and security at Aspire Center for Learning, please do not hesitate to contact us.
