Technology is not only important but undeniably embedded in every part of our lives. Current students were born into technology and connectivity. It is important to appreciate the exponential pace at which our world runs now due to technology.   It is the role and responsibility of EdTech professionals to provide guidance to students and their parents in using it effectively and responsibly. Effective technology integration is necessary to provide students with the tools and experience to be successful in our technology-centric world. True effective technology integration in a school is transparent and utilized in such a way that it provides a medium for innovation and creativity.

At Hoover Schrum Memorial School District 157 we are now on our journey of providing the technology and resources to all staff and students that will foster innovation and creativity.

Technology Journey @ HSSD157

Digital resources and applications play a crucial role in enhancing and supporting student learning in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to explore and incorporate supplemental tools that can boost student engagement and academic success.

As part of our district's process, Both free and paid tools must be vetted for security and privacy, ensuring they are SOPPA-compliant before being used by staff and students.

What is SOPPA?

Effective July 1, 2021, school districts are required by the Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA, to provide certain guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only (105 ILCS 85) as stated in the Act's Legislative Intent. SOPPA regulates student data collection and use by schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and third-party vendors. 

Data Privacy Agreements (DPA)

As part of SOPPA, vendors must enter into Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) with each district they work with. These agreements outline what data is stored, how it is protected, what the company can and cannot do with that data, and what they will do in the event of a data breach.  A list of the operators of online services or applications utilized by Hoover-Schrum School District 157 is available here:

 Hoover-Schrum Memorial SD 157 Data Privacy Agreements

Additional Information

Annual Notice to Parents

Student Data Privacy Laws

Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) Changes