Connecticut Student Data Privacy (K-12) Guide

Primary Law
Student Data Privacy (requirements for contracts with student information system/service providers and protections for student information)

Citation
Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 172, Sections 10-234aa et seq. (Student Data Privacy)

Official Text
https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_172.htm#sec_10-234aa

Overview

Connecticut's student data privacy framework focuses on how student information is collected, used, shared, secured, and retained when schools use vendor-provided digital services (including student information systems and online educational tools). A practical compliance approach is to require signed, enforceable agreements with vendors that receive student data, and to ensure those agreements align to actual data flows and security practices.

Applicability and Scope

This is most relevant when:

• A district uses a vendor-hosted student information system or online educational service that collects or processes student information
• Student data is shared with a provider, subcontractor, or cloud host to deliver the service
• Districts need a repeatable process to approve and monitor edtech tools over time

Contract and Security Expectations

Districts should treat Connecticut's framework as a contract-driven vendor governance requirement and ensure agreements include:

• Purpose limitation (school/educational purposes only)
• Security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of student data
• Restrictions on disclosure/redisclosure and controls on subcontractors
• Data retention, deletion, and return expectations when the relationship ends
• Breach notification and incident response coordination expectations

How Can EdPrivacy Help Connecticut Schools

Connecticut compliance is easier when districts can centrally track which tools handle student data and store signed agreements and evidence. EdPrivacy helps districts manage vendor approvals, contracts/DPAs, and monitoring workflows so oversight remains consistent across many tools and years.

The platform helps districts:

• Inventory vendors and tools that touch student data
• Store signed contracts/DPAs and security/privacy documentation
• Record approval conditions and required safeguards
• Monitor vendor changes and trigger re-review when risk changes

Summary

Connecticut districts should be prepared to:

• Use signed vendor agreements for tools that collect or process student data
• Require enforceable privacy/security safeguards and clear incident response expectations
• Control subcontractors and data sharing
• Maintain ongoing documentation and oversight across the district's edtech ecosystem

Connecticut's student data privacy requirements support a contract-first approach to protecting student information in vendor-hosted systems.