Digital Tool Approval Process

There are four general goals we have when considering approval for a digital tool:

1. Ensure we are consistently protecting our students’ data in order to avoid actual harm to students (8 Actual Harms) and potential harm to the district

2. To make responsible use of our budgetary resources by avoiding unnecessary duplication of digital tools 

3. Ensure that our digital tools align with and support best practices for high-quality instruction and learning 

4. Maintain compliance with district policies and procedures pertaining to curriculum adoption, as well as federal laws (FERPA, COPPA, CIPA, PPR, HIPPA)

To that end, several departments are involved in reviewing a tool prior to approval:

• Student Learning, Student Services, Digital Learning & Libraries, Multilingual, CTE or other appropriate departments are asked to review for compliance with district curriculum adoption policies and alignment with best practices for high quality instruction and learning.
• Information Systems reviews each site's privacy policy and determines what protections need to be in place. They pursue signed Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) with vendors if student data is shared defined by federal laws.
• The Technology Department reviews the tool to determine the if the system requirements for a tool meet our standards and work within our network systems. They ensure that rostering, student log-ons, configuration, archiving and other technical tasks are achievable.

All staff members of the Edmonds School District must take every reasonable action to ensure the safety and security of student information as referenced in district policy and/or local, state, and federal laws including:

• United States Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA) 

• United States Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000 (CIPA)

• United States Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA)  

• Washington State Student User Privacy in Education Rights Act (SUPER)

• Washington State Public Records Act (PRA)

• Edmonds School District Board Policies: Student Records 3231 and 3231P ; Protection of Student Personal Information 3235 and 3235P

These laws state that student data is protected, private, and must be secured at all times.  At times, it becomes necessary to share student information gathered by the Edmonds School District with others who have a legitimate reason/right to that data.  These parties include:

• Parents and/or Guardians of the Student

• The Student

• Staff of the Edmonds School District

• Other Districts

• Other Persons & Organizations under the stipulations set forth in policy 3235P

Any website, app, or software utility that requires the generation of an account, uses a district credential to authenticate or gathers information about the student or their progress must first be vetted by the Edmonds School District to ensure that student information remains secure, private, and managed consistently with all of the laws and regulations stated above.  In addition, if the website, app, or software generates communications between students, staff, or parents the resource is also governed by requirements set forth in the Washington Public Records Act which stipulates the retention, disclosure, destruction and archiving of public records. 

Directory Information

Board Policy 3235P makes clear what is considered Directory Information under US FERPA guidelines and shareable with Other Persons & Organizations.  This information may include:

• First & Last Name

• Email

• Photograph

• Date of Birth

• Place of Birth

• Dates of Attendance in Edmonds SD

• Participation in Officially Recognized Activities & Sports

• Weight & Height (if on an athletic team)

• Diplomas & Awards received

• Most recent previous school attended

Developing Digital Fluencies

We live in an increasingly global and digital world. New technologies change the way we communicate, learn, and share information. In order to navigate this environment,  students must develop the research, information fluency, and technology skills that will allow them to be successful, safe, and ethical in this digital world. For this reason, students are provided computer access privileges at school, as well as access to the Internet, email, digital communication and collaboration tools, online learning spaces, and electronic educational resources. These resources, tools, and equipment are essential to teaching and learning. 

The guidelines for responsible use of these tools are outlined in School Board Procedure 2022 & 2022P. 

Opting Out of Electronic Resources

If you do not want your student to use the District's electronic resources, please be aware that your decision may significantly impact your child's education.   Eliminating access to these electronic resources may significantly affect your student’s ability to work collaboratively with his or her peers on class assignments and projects, and may impact the development of skills necessary to navigate a highly digital world.  Given all of these factors, you as the parent or guardian have the right to terminate your student’s access to electronic resources by conferring with your child's principal.