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Compliance Policy – EmergingRule.com

1. Purpose

 

To ensure EmergingRule.com and its Levelship platform comply with all applicable laws and ethical standards, protecting user data, ensuring accessibility, and supporting secure, equitable, and personalized educational experiences for K–12 students, educators, and institutions.

 

2. Scope

 

This policy applies to all users of the EmergingRule.com website and Levelship platform, including students, educators, employees, contractors, partners, and third-party service providers involved in delivering digital educational services.

 

3. Key Compliance Areas

 

3.1 Data Privacy & Protection

 

Emerging Rule commits to protecting personal data in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, including but not limited to:

 

  • FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act): Protects the privacy of student education records and requires written consent for disclosure of personally identifiable information, except as permitted by law.

 

  • COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act): Requires parental consent for users under 13 before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information.

 

  • GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Applies to users in the European Union and requires transparency, consent, and data subject rights.

 

  • State Laws (e.g., Texas Student Privacy Act, Virginia Student Privacy Act): May impose additional requirements for data collection, use, and sharing, including explicit consent and strong security measures.

 

Additional Privacy Practices:

 

  • Parental Consent: Obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from children under 13, as required by COPPA.

 

  • Data Minimization: Collect only the information necessary for educational purposes.

 

  • Encryption & Secure Storage: Use industry-standard encryption and secure storage to prevent unauthorized access to user data.

 

  • Transparent Privacy Policies: Maintain clear, accessible privacy policies and user notices on the site.

 

  • User Rights: Allow parents and eligible students to access, review, and request corrections to their education records as required by FERPA.

 

  • Third-Party Vendors: Ensure all third-party service providers are contractually bound to comply with relevant privacy laws and only use data for educational purposes.

 

3.2 Accessibility

 

To ensure inclusive access:

 

  • WCAG 2.1 & Section 508 Compliance: Adhere to accessibility standards for digital content and platforms.

 

  • Regular Audits & Testing: Conduct frequent accessibility audits and usability testing.

 

  • Continuous Improvement: Enhance features to support users with disabilities.

 

3.3 Educational Content Standards

 

To ensure relevance and accuracy:

  • Regular Review: Update educational content to align with state, national, and international standards.

 

  • Age-Appropriate & Culturally Sensitive: Ensure all content is suitable for the intended age group and reflects diverse perspectives.

 

3.4 Ethical Use of AI and Machine Learning

 

  • Emerging Rule promotes fair and transparent AI:

 

  • Bias-Free Algorithms: Ensure algorithms are tested for bias and are explainable and auditable.

 

  • Transparent Decision-Making: Provide clear justifications for AI-driven decisions impacting users.

 

  • Ethical Assessments: Regularly assess AI systems for ethical and effective use.

 

3.5 Regulatory Monitoring & Policy Updates

 

  • Monitor Changes: Track updates to laws, regulations, and best practices across jurisdictions.

 

  • Compliance Officer: Designate a Compliance Officer or Team to oversee implementation and updates.

 

  • Policy Updates: Revise policies as needed and notify stakeholders of changes.

 

3.6 User Support & Incident Response

 

  • Escalation Procedures: Maintain clear procedures for support and incident management.

 

  • Data Breach Response: Establish a data breach response plan aligned with legal reporting requirements.

 

  • Compliance Training: Provide ongoing training for staff and partners.

 

3.7 Documentation & Recordkeeping

 

  • Comprehensive Records: Keep thorough records, including Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs), consent logs, and training/audit records.

 

  • Audit Readiness: Make documentation available for internal audits and regulatory review.

 

4. Policy Review & Continuous Improvement

 

  • This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if:

 

  • Significant Changes: Legal, technological, or operational changes occur.

 

  • Feedback: Users or regulatory bodies indicate a need for improvement.

 

Contact

For questions or concerns regarding this policy, contact the Emerging Rule Compliance Team at:

admin@emergingrule.com

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