Parent activists are criticizing New York state's participation in a multi-state student database called the Shared Learning Collaborative.
The activists said Sunday that they are concerned that that the state Education Department will allow confidential information about students to be used for commercial purposes.
Activists including Leonie Haimson of Class Size Matters joined civil rights attorney Norman Siegel at a news conference calling for enhanced privacy protections.
They asked state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch to review the agreement with Shared Learning Collaborative.
Department officials said the agreement does not compromise student privacy.
Education Commissioner John King said in a telephone interview that it contains "extensive privacy protections."
Associate Commissioner Ken Wagner said the data will only be used for district-authorized purposes.
Parent Activists Worried About Student Database
They are concerned that that the state Education Department will allow confidential information about students to be used for commercial purposes
Copyright AP - Associated Press
