inBloom, Clever, and Student Privacy: More “Big Data” Considerations
My last few posts have focused on the issue of student data collection, storing, and potential dissemination to “education vendors.” Meanwhile, I have also been reading about the call to separate the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) from assessments. I maintain that the spectrum of reforms are intended to be a package deal and are promoted as such by the federal government–CCSS, assessments, and data collection.
One set fits all.
In this post, I will examine some more nuances related to massive student data collection as such have appeared in the comments section of previous posts. First, let me offer readers a Race to the Top (RTTT) requirements refresher regarding its full-reform-spectrum intention.
Federal Education Reforms Are a Package Deal
The federal government’s intention is for full-spectrum reform. President Obama and US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan make their comprehensive reform push obvious via the 2009 Race to the Top (RTTT)requirements– CCSS, assessment, data collection, and teacher evaluation.
Obama and Duncan want the Package Deal. First, consider this “absolute priority” for a state’s receipt of RTTT funds (abbreviated here):
Priority 1: Absolute Priority: Comprehensive Approach to Education Reform … states must… address all of the four reform areas specified in the ARRA (American Reinvestment and Recovery Act):
(Adopting standards and assessments… Building data systems… Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals… and Turni