Court rules against releasing CDE CALPADS database

 

 

In a welcome step in the right direction, Federal Judge Kimberley Mueller ruled that the California Department of Education (CDE) will not have to release its largest database — called the “California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System” or “CALPADS” — which contains the most sensitive, personal and vulnerable information on California’s current and former public-school students.

The order does not address the type of information CDE can or cannot release if requested by the plaintiffs or whether any of that information can be redacted. The judge’s decision was supported by all parties who will be working together over the next month to determine a process.

While California State PTA is not a party to these legal proceedings, the organization is on record calling for a balance of data with privacy. We will keep you updated with any further information regarding these legal proceedings.

COURT RECEIVES ‘VOLUMINOUS’ NUMBERS OF OBJECTION FORMS

At the related hearing, Judge Mueller noted she has received “voluminous” numbers of objection forms from parents and students concerned about the possible release of personal information. While the forms are not opt-out forms and will not be considered by the court as such, she emphasized that the objection forms reinforced the need to protect students’ information.  Concerned parents and students who attend or attended California public schools since Jan. 1, 2008, may still submit forms. Objection forms will be accepted until April 1. Forms received will be included in the court’s official documentation.

 

Objection Forms Accepted Until April 1

 

UPDATE: SEND THE ONE FORM PER STUDENT ONLY TO THE COURT

Follow these step-by-step instructions to complete the Objection to Disclosure of Student Information and Records:
1. Download the form — available in English and Spanish:
2. Mail the completed form, one for each student, exactly as required to:

United State District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller c/o Clerk of the Court
Robert T. Matsui United States Courthouse
501 I Street, Room 4-200 Sacramento, CA 95814
Attn: Document Filed Under Seal.

The deadline to submit objection forms and make your voice heard is April 1. Do not fax or email the form, and do not phone or message – only hard-copy forms will be accepted.
 

Recent News

• San Jose Mercury News: Court rules California Department of Education will not need to release its large database to plaintiffs.
• Sacramento Bee Opinion by California State PTA, CSBA and ACSA: Court should protect privacy of California students
• Sacramento Bee: Parents alarmed after hearing about California student data transfer
• USA Today: California judge allows data release on 10 million students
• Redding Record Searchlight: Questions linger amid student data-release
• EdSource: Ability to opt out uncertain in lawsuit requiring student data release
• Downey Beat: Judge orders release of public-school students’ Social Security numbers
• Marin Independent Journal: Parents in Marin and the state worry over student data release
• KXTV: Judge allows release of information on 10 million California students
• KCRA: Ruling raises objections to release of California students’ personal data