Online Tools & Software Requests

The following are factors that the Information Technology and Academic Equity & Excellence departments must consider before any online resource, software, or subscription-based website is approved or funded.

As educators, we must make sure that we are following all of the Federal student data privacy and compliance regulations (FERPA, CIPA, COPPA). To ensure that we are following these regulations, Kyrene requires that all online tools/software that collect data, track student progress, or require students to sign in must be reviewed and approved for use with students by the District. Please review the information below to make sure you know what to do before using any online tools/software with your students.

• Federal Student Privacy Laws 

CIPA - Children's Internet Protection Act: Ensure that online tools/software align with internet safety policies, web-filtering measures, monitoring requirements, and provisions established to protect students from accessing obscene or harmful content online. Teachers educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals.
COPPA - Children's Online Privacy Protection Act: Governs how online operators collect data and personal information from children under 13. Teachers select appropriate online resources for their students that contain a clear and comprehensive privacy policy for students under 13.  
FERPA - Family Education Rights and Privacy Act: Safeguard student educational records to protect student privacy and confidentiality. Securely manage student records and avoid the disclosure of personally identifiable information without proper consent.

Please review the online tool/software to see if students are being asked to create an account, if there are special considerations for students under 13, or if the resource includes an open chat or blog feature that allows students to communicate with others outside of the class or school. 

• System Requirements - All digital resources and software considered must be operable on the current operating system and machines used by the District and not have an adverse effect on the network, efficiency of machines, or district-wide applications.
     
• Instructional Benefit - For each request, members of the Curriculum Council will review the requested resource for academic impact and will consider the instructional rigor, alignment to curriculum, and use of best practices related to its use in the classroom.  
    
• Cost/Benefit Analysis of Implementation - In order to make the best use of District resources and teacher time, the District will consider the financial cost and training needs associated with each request compared to the potential for academic impact and the number of students that may benefit from its use.    
   
• Redundancy – Prior to submitting a request, review the lists below of our current online tools and software to confirm that we do not currently have a tool that provides the same functionality and resources in our toolkit:
  • Kyrene Software and Online Tools Matrix for Staff / District Approved Software and Online Resources 
  • Kyrene Educational Resources
  • Supplemental Online Resources Approval Status List 
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) - AI tools or online tools/software that include AI must comply with all applicable Federal and State data privacy, compliance, copyright laws, Kyrene Governing Board policies, Kyrene Technology User Agreements, and District guidelines.
  Please review the Kyrene School District Guidelines for Artificial Intelligence.

 

Submit an Online Tool/Software Request

To submit a request for consideration of an online digital resource or new software tool, please fill in and submit the following form: Online Tool/Software Request Form.