Data Privacy and Policy
Privacy Resources
At the NC Department of Public Instruction (DPI), we are committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of student and educator data. This page provides resources and information about key federal privacy laws, the role of DPI Privacy staff, and contacts for additional assistance.
Key Federal Privacy Laws
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It grants parents and eligible students (age 18 or older) the right to access and amend their records and requires written consent before sharing personally identifiable information (PII) from those records, except in specific permitted circumstances.
For more information on FERPA, visit the FERPA website .
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
PPRA governs the administration of surveys, analyses, or evaluations funded by the U.S. Department of Education that collect sensitive information from students. It provides parents with rights regarding consent and notification for such activities.
Additional PPRA details can be found on the PPRA website .
Need Assistance? Contact the Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)
The Privacy Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), a service of the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office, is a valuable resource for students, parents, PSUs, and the community. PTAC provides expert guidance on data privacy, confidentiality, and security practices, particularly related to compliance with federal laws such as FERPA and PPRA.
Website: PTAC
Email: privacyTA@ed.gov
Phone: 1.855.249.3072
The Role of the DPI Privacy Team
The DPI Privacy Team plays a critical role in supporting students, parents, families, and public school units (PSUs) by ensuring the responsible use and protection of education data. Key responsibilities include:
Support for Students, Parents, and Families: Providing resources and guidance to help stakeholders understand their rights under federal privacy laws and how their data is used and protected.
Partnership with PSUs: Collaborating with districts and schools to implement strong privacy policies and practices, offering technical assistance, and sharing best practices for data governance.
Training and Awareness: Developing and delivering regular training programs to ensure educators, administrators, and staff are informed about privacy obligations and best practices.
Our team is dedicated to fostering a culture of data privacy and security to support educational success and trust.
Contact Us
If you have questions or need additional support related to student data privacy, please contact the DPI Privacy Office at privacy@dpi.nc.gov.
Your partnership in protecting student and educator data is critical. Together, we can ensure a secure and trusted learning environment for all.