District and state data systems are constructed to ensure that individuals can access only the data that are appropriate for their role. Still, questions from the public about how these data systems work and how student privacy is protected have been increasing. A recurring concern is the feared existence of a "permanent record"--a single, lasting repository of a student's academic, behavioral, and administrative data that potentially could be used to harm the student. "Student Data Collection, Access, and Storage: Separating Fact from Fiction" is part of the Data Quality Campaign's "Safeguarding Data: Briefs for Policymakers," which provide key facts and recommendations that address high-priority issues that have characterized student data privacy conversations. A list of related resources is included. [This brief was developed with contributions from: John Bailey, Keith Krueger, Chip Slaven, Richard Contartesi, Reg Leichty, Omer Tene, Dan Domagala, Greg Mortimer, Amelia Vance, Joseph Jerome, Jules Polonetsky, Elana Zeide, and Jim Siegl.]