2025DPSS

Learn how to be a “Rock Star DPO” for your district. The session will cover Ed Law 2-d Part 121 best practices and the steps DPOs can take to earn “Rock Star” status. The audience for this session can include newly appointed DPOs or DPOs that would like a refresher.

The 12 Regional Information Centers (RICs) have been working in partnership with NYSED to develop a new centralized and standardized structure to support districts in accessing Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs).  Using this structure, educational agencies will be able to piggyback on existing DPAs with vendors that include terms to address the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), New York State Education Law Section 2-d (Ed Law 2-d), and other data privacy requirements.  Additionally, agencies will be able to submit requests to the RICs to initiate the negotiation of new DPAs.  This panel session will support technology leaders, administrators, and other interested stakeholders in learning more about this structure.

Join us for an in-depth workshop where educators, administrators, and IT professionals come together to navigate the complex landscape of data retention in schools. In an era where data plays a crucial role in decision-making and accountability, understanding what records to keep, which ones to discard, and the potential repercussions of data mismanagement is vital.

During this engaging session, we will cover:
- Essential Records: Identifying the types of data that are legally required to be retained and best practices for storing them securely.
- Data Disposal: Learning about effective methods for safely disposing of data that is no longer needed, and understanding the risks of improper disposal.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations: Exploring the legal obligations and ethical considerations surrounding data retention and how to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
- Real-World Examples: Examining case studies of schools that faced challenges due to poor data retention policies and what we can learn from their experiences.
- Practical Strategies: Developing actionable strategies for creating a robust data retention policy tailored to your school's unique needs.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about data management and safeguard your school from potential data-related pitfalls. Whether you're looking to update your current practices or establish new protocols, this workshop will provide valuable insights and practical guidance.

Let's demystify data retention and ensure your school's data is managed effectively and responsibly!

I will take my notes, presentations, and questions from DPOs from around the State for the past 4 years and compile them into a concise toolkit comprised of 10 skills a DPO should have: 5 things that are a low bar threshold must-have and 5 things to strive for as best practices. The presentation will focus heavily on 8 NYCRR Part 121 requirements. Group participation encouraged!

This session will provide an overview of the implementation a Student Data Privacy PIN system in the Buffalo Public Schools. We will discuss the overall need for implementing the system, process for creating secure PINs within the SIS, educating staff on use, communicating with stakeholders, and going live with the system to share the opportunities and challenges from our experience to strengthening student data privacy across the district.

You can't manage PII if you don't know what files in your staff drives contain PII.  Learn with us as we navigate the use of File Sensitivity Labels and DLP (Data Loss Prevention) rules within the Google ecosystem to better manage the sensitive data in your district.  

This presentation explores responsible AI implementation in K-12 education, focusing on enhancing learning while protecting student data. Topics include the benefits and risks of AI, best practices for data privacy and security, compliance with legal standards, and practical AI applications that ensure student privacy. Learn how to use AI responsibly to create a safe and effective educational environment.

In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining secure networks require a collective effort from all stakeholders within an educational agency. This session will explore how Data Protection Officers can conduct departmental security reviews to assess compliance with laws, regulations, and best practices. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies for evaluating security protocols, identifying vulnerabilities, and fostering a culture of data protection across all departments.