Frequently Asked Questions about the WSLS No-Release Indicator

What is the WSLS No-Release Indicator?

The No-Release Indicator is a field in the Wisconsin Student Number Locator System (WSLS) data base. This field is used if a parent/guardian has formally notified your district pursuant to s. 118.125 (2)(j), Stats., that directory data for the student may not be released. If your district is maintaining WSLS data by uploading files, then your district can provide a Y in this field. If maintenance is done by on-line data entry, then click in the box near the top of the "Privacy Information" screen to indicate "No-Release" and a Y will be inserted in this field.

Why is the WSLS collecting student directory data?

WSNs are indirectly required to meet the reporting requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. Student directory data will be used by WSLS to help prevent WSLS users from confusing students with identical names, similarly-spelled names, or aliases, for example, multiple David Smiths, so existing WSNs are retained when students move between schools.

What is the purpose of the No-Release Indicator?

This Indicator is provided so that the WSLS can honor parent/guardian requests made to schools under s.118.125 (2)(j), Stats., for no-release of their child's directory data. Under state and federal privacy laws, parents/guardians may formally request that schools treat all or part of directory data as confidential. If a parent/guardian has formally requested that ALL of their child's directory data not be released, then report Y in the No-Release Indicator field or check the box on the "Privacy Information" screen. If a parent/guardian has formally requested that PART of their child's directory data not be released, then report Y or check the box only if the data required by WSLS is covered by the request. The data collected about students as part of the WSLS are generally considered to be directory data. Directory data are generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy and are typically released in school publications and to outside organizations associated with school-related activities. Occasionally, parents/guardians may be concerned about sharing of directory data so s. 118.125 (2)(j), Stats., requires that schools give them an opportunity to restrict access.

What happens if Y is reported or the box is checked?

If Y is reported in the No-Release Indicator field or if the box on the "Privacy Information" screen is checked, then the WSLS will restrict access to this student's directory data by WSLS users. Restricting access will affect the student search, match review, enrollment/exit notification, and related features of WSLS. This will make finding/retaining existing WSNs for transferring students more difficult for districts and schools but not impossible. Parents cannot opt their child out of being assigned a number in the system, and required WSLS data must still be submitted whether or not this box is checked.

What happens if N is reported and the box is not checked?

If N is reported in the "No-Release Indicator" field and if the box on the "Privacy Information" screen is not checked, then this student's WSLS data may be shared with authorized district and school WSLS users for match review, student search, enrollment/exit notification, and other related WSLS purposes. Encryption, firewalls, authentication, logins, and passwords are all used to prevent disclosure except to authorized users with legitimate educational interests. Confidential data about individual students will not be accessible to the public under any circumstances. The public will not have access to the DPI confidential data base. Only data about student groups will be publicly reported.

Submit questions, comments, and suggestions about the WSLS or ISES to *dpistats@dpi.wi.gov or call 800-507-5744.

Submit questions regarding the ESEA Report Card Requirements to *dpieseadata@dpi.wi.gov.

For questions about this information, contact Jean E. Whitcomb (608) 266-2937

Last updated on 2/28/2008 7:39:41 AM