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Privacy
Many sector-specific privacy laws apply to educational data and other information about students. Compliance is often difficult, and a number of institutions and vendors have made well-publicized missteps related to such data. -
Fairness
The federal government has warned that educational analytics can create implicit biases. Educational decisions may be guided by Big Data, but procedures must be developed to ensure proper interpretation and promote fairness for all students. -
Security
Educational institutions and service providers store vast amounts of sensitive information, such as educational records, health data and email communications. Every institution needs a robust cybersecurity plan.
Experience
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Advised a company that evaluates educational outcomes on the security of its databases and electronically stored information; the physical security of its facilities, supply chain and off-site storage; and the administrative and technical measures that it employs to safeguard and ensure the integrity of its products and services.
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Assisted a mentoring and job search social media and data analytics platform on ways to comply with laws restricting certain forms of information-gathering activities and marketing to college students and educational institutions.
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Counseled, negotiated on behalf of, and drafted policies and procedures for software and mobile app vendors that provide services to school districts, including platforms that track in-class student performance.
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Represented after-school service providers that partner with school districts on how they may collect, use and disclose a range of information about at-risk students and leverage Big Data to improve educational outcomes for the vulnerable populations that they serve.
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For a company that manufactures handheld devices and software used in classrooms to test student performance and conduct surveys, provided advice on a range of Big Data issues, including storage and processing of data in the cloud; cross-border data transfers; appropriate contract language; and disclosures to students, educators and educational institutions.
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Advise clients on the regulatory constraints surrounding research and product development in biotech, medical and other spheres, and on the increasingly contentious issue of intellectual property protections for such innovations.
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Advised companies that design electronic textbooks and develop educational software on compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule, as well as on the various contractual safeguards that are either necessary or advisable in transactions with school districts and educators.
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Conducted internal reviews for universities facing high-profile enforcement and litigation challenges that carry serious legal and reputational risks.
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Provided a range of guidance on Big Data issues, including written disclosures and contractual language, to a prominent nonprofit organization that matches STEM mentors with children in both school settings and community organizations.
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Representing colleges and universities in complex, high-stakes matters informed by our understanding that educational institutions have multiple constituencies—including students, administrators, trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, donors and parents—with differing interests and perspectives.
