Upload of Student Data Delayed Again

The state’s upload of sensitive data to inBloom is being delayed again, Education Department Commissioner John King announced Monday, marking the second delay since January.

“We’re going to continue our work on that data project, but we’re going to delay the sharing of names and addresses so that we can work with the Legislature to put in place additional security and privacy protections related to third party providers,” King said during a press conference primarily to announce Common Core adjustments the Board of Regents will adopt.

InBloom would be used to store data for the statewide EngageNY portal for use by students, parents and educators. Last week, a state Supreme Court judge sided with the state in a lawsuit brought by parents who questioned the legality of the state’s participation in the data-sharing program.

While the delay might represent a win for some lawmakers, educators and parents, at least one group voiced displeasure with Monday’s announcement. In a statement, Jenny Sedlis, executive director of education group StudentsFirstNY, which cheered the court decision in favor of the state, said, “It is a shame that the Regents were pressured into delaying the EngageNY data portal.”