Since 2013, most states have considered one or more bills to protect student data, with many giving state boards of education more authority in this arena. The best of this legislation goes beyond compliance to better address stakeholders' fears. States that take this approach have adopted two key practices in implementation of new state laws: They develop a comprehensive understanding of what information state and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) hold, and they communicate clearly with parents about what happens to student data, how these data are protected, and how data collections benefit students.