The Educational Service Centers of Indiana (ESCI) are proud to announce the launch of the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) Indiana Alliance, led by the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) and Northern Indiana Educational Service Center (NIESC). This groundbreaking initiative provides Indiana schools with a streamlined, research-based framework to manage and protect student data while significantly reducing administrative burdens and legal costs. This statewide initiative will be formally introduced to education technology leaders during the Indiana CTO Clinic on May 7 and 8 at the Embassy Suites Noblesville.
The Indiana SDPC Alliance was established to address the growing complexity of data privacy in the PK-12 system. By creating a centralized database of vendors and a standardized Data Privacy Agreement (DPA), the consortium allows schools to ensure federal and state compliance without the need for expensive, individual legal reviews for every digital tool. “The beauty of this alliance is the network effect. When one school in Indiana vets a resource, the entire state benefits” states Darlene Kennedy, Director of Technology Integration of NIESC/NWIESC and Co-Alliance lead.
Central to this initiative is the alignment with the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program—the nation’s only privacy framework designed specifically for school systems. The TLE program helps PK-12 schools build strong, effective privacy programs and a culture of transparency. By adopting the consortium’s standardized Data Privacy Agreement (DPA) and centralized vendor database, Indiana schools take a measurable step toward earning the TLE Seal, a mark of distinction signaling that a district has taken measurable steps to protect student data.
All nine Indiana Educational Service Centers (ESCs) participate in this alliance, providing member schools with free access to consortium resources and offering non-members a discounted rate.This collaborative venture eliminates the need for redundant work, potentially saving Indiana school districts thousands of dollars in legal fees and hundreds of administrative hours annually.
“This partnership allows Indiana schools to capitalize on a massive pool of shared resources and expertise,” said Jenna Cooper, Director of Technology and Innovation for CIESC. “By coming together as a state, we are not just checking a compliance box, we are building a foundation of trust that protects student information and sustains a safe learning environment over a lifetime.”
Schools interested in joining the consortium or accessing the database of approved vendors are encouraged to contact the Indiana Alliance leads: Jenna Cooper, CIESC: jcooper@ciesc.org, Darlene Kennedy, NIESC: dkennedy@niesc.k12.in.us.
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About ESCI:
The mission of the Educational Service Centers of Indiana (ESCI) is to create a collaborative environment for all of Indiana’s educational service centers to implement statewide initiatives beneficial to all Indiana’s educators and students.
About CIESC:
The Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC), is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing free and at-cost educational programs throughout central Indiana and beyond. Our mission is to partner with districts, educators, and students to provide high quality, sustainable, and affordable services that ultimately enhance academic achievement and operational efficiencies. Through our programs, partnerships, and collaborative ventures, we are working to transform the PK-12 education system.
About NIESC:
Northern Indiana Educational Services Center (NIESC) takes great pride in our mission to provide member districts with extensive opportunities for professional growth, cost savings, and shared expertise. By piloting emerging strategies and leveraging technology thoughtfully, we encourage creative problem-solving. We help our members adapt to a changing landscape and prepare students for the future.
Media Contact
Lena Darnay
317-333-7278
ldarnay@ciesc.org
3500 DePauw Blvd. Ste 2020
Indianapolis, IN 46268