Schools Need More Than Privacy Claims from EdTech Providers
As schools continue expanding their use of digital learning tools and online assessments, one question is becoming impossible to ignore:
How do educators know which platforms truly protect student privacy?
That question is especially important when younger learners are involved. Schools are increasingly expected to evaluate not only whether a tool is effective, but whether it responsibly handles student data and safeguards children online.
Recently, education leaders have begun pushing back against the idea that companies should simply be trusted to self-certify their products. During a panel discussion on education technology and data privacy at George Washington University law school, Richard Culatta, ISTE+ASCD CEO, summarized the issue clearly: “We have the companies that are building these tools going, ‘Oh, our tools are good. For real, you guys, it’s good! Trust us.’ Nope, that is not good enough.”
That statement reflects a growing reality in education technology: claims alone are no longer sufficient. Schools, districts, and families need independent verification that platforms meet rigorous privacy and safety standards.
At Language Testing International® (LTI), we agree.
That’s why the AAPPL and ALIRA testing platforms are not simply “COPPA aware” or “COPPA aligned.” They are independently certified through a third-party COPPA Safe Harbor program.
We don’t just say student privacy matters. We certify it.
What Is COPPA?
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a U.S. federal law designed to protect the online privacy of children under 13. The law regulates how websites, apps, and online services collect, store, and use children’s personal information.
For schools using online educational tools, COPPA compliance is not optional. Platforms must demonstrate responsible data practices, provide transparency around data collection, and maintain safeguards that protect students from misuse or unauthorized sharing of information.
In today’s educational environment, where online testing, AI-powered learning tools, and digital platforms are increasingly common, those protections matter more than ever.
Why Third-Party Certification Is Different
Many organizations state that they are “COPPA compliant.” But self-reported compliance and independent certification are not the same thing.
Third-party COPPA certification means an external organization that is approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reviews a platform’s privacy practices, security measures, policies, and procedures against established standards approved by the FTC.
That independent review creates accountability.
It means schools and families do not have to rely solely on vendor promises. Instead, they can trust that an outside entity has verified that the platform meets specific privacy and child-protection requirements.
Read more: Online Testing and Student Safety: Why COPPA Certification Matters
Why This Matters for AAPPL/ALIRA
AAPPL is designed for language learners in grades 3-12. Because of that, privacy and student safety are foundational considerations.
When schools administer online assessments, they entrust providers with student information, testing data, and digital access. District leaders need confidence that those systems are built with responsible safeguards from the start.
Independent COPPA certification helps provide that confidence.
For educators and administrators, it means:
- Student data protections are externally reviewed
- Privacy practices are evaluated against recognized standards
- Accountability extends beyond internal company policies
- Ongoing monitoring ensures uninterrupted compliance
- Schools can demonstrate stronger due diligence when selecting vendors
For families, it provides reassurance that student privacy is being treated seriously in an increasingly digital learning environment.
And for students, it helps create safer online experiences that support learning without compromising trust.
Accountability in EdTech Is Becoming Essential
The broader education technology landscape is rapidly evolving. AI tools, adaptive learning platforms, and digital assessment systems are becoming more sophisticated every year. At the same time, concerns around student data privacy are growing.
That’s why independent accountability matters.
Schools are no longer asking only whether a platform works. They are also asking:
- Is it secure?
- Is it transparent?
- Is student data protected?
- Has anyone verified these claims independently?
Those questions are not barriers to innovation. They are essential requirements for responsible innovation.
The most trusted education technology providers understand that earning trust requires more than statements on a website. It requires measurable standards, external review, and ongoing commitment.
Building Trust Through Certification
At LTI, protecting learners has always been central to our mission. Third-party COPPA certification for AAPPL and ALIRA reflects that commitment.
Because when it comes to student privacy, “trust us” should never be the standard. Verification should be.
Interested in bringing safe, secure, and COPPA-certified language assessments to your school or district, contact us today.
More resources:
Federal Trade Commission. “Complying with COPPA: Frequently Asked Questions.” https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-coppa-frequently-asked-questions#N.%20COPPA%20AND%20SCHOOLS
Federal Trade Commission. “COPPA Safe Harbor Program.” https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/coppa-safe-harbor-program
Klein, A. “What’s Worse for Students: A Boring Worksheet or Ineffective Ed Tech?” February 11, 2026. https://www.edweek.org/technology/whats-worse-for-students-a-boring-worksheet-or-ineffective-ed-tech/2026/02
PRIVO. COPPA Safe Harbor Certification. https://cert.privo.com/#/companies/languageTestingInternational
