WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, February 12 at 11:15 a.m., the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education will hold a hearing to explore the use of new technology in the classroom and examine the need to modernize the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The hearing, entitled “How Emerging Technology Affects Student Privacy,” will take place in room 2175 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
Advancements in classroom technology have become an important tool, enabling educators and researchers to develop new solutions to improve student learning. However, with the benefit of more technology comes the risk of compromising student privacy. The law intended to ensure parents’ rights and safeguard student records, FERPA, has not been significantly updated in 40 years. As a result, parents and students have become vulnerable to the inappropriate use of student data, often without their knowledge or consent.
Thursday’s hearing will provide members an opportunity to learn more about the role new technology is playing in classrooms and school accountability, its impact on student privacy, and the need to advance reforms that will strengthen student privacy protections.
To learn more about the hearing, click here.

WITNESS LIST

Ms. Shannon Sevier
Vice President for Advocacy
National Parent Teacher Association
San Antonio, TX

Ms. Allyson Knox
Director of Education Policy and Programs
Microsoft
Washington, D.C.

Dr. Sheryl R. Abshire
Chief Technology Officer
Calcasieu Parish Public Schools
Lake Charles, LA

Mr. Joel R. Reidenberg
Stanley D. and Nikki Waxberg Chair and Professor of Law
Founding Academic Director
Center on Law and Information Policy
Fordham Law School
New York, NY