- Wallingford-Swarthmore School District
- WSSD Digital Tools & Resources
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Since the turn of the century, the influx of digital tools and online resources has increased exponentially into the educational marketplace. In an effort to make decisions that are in the best interest of all WSSD students, the Technology Department has developed a vetting process grounded in our desire to protect student privacy and maintain a safe and secure online learning environment while also creating a meaningful experience that builds skills and competencies needed for success in our digital world. In addition to checking on the curricular alignment of these tools and products, we rely on current federal policies that provide guidance to school districts on privacy, confidentiality, and security practices. As part of our Back to School notifications and parent sign-off process, we publish and seek permission to use various digital tools, online resources/products that require student information or login. If there is something being used by a smaller subset of students or an individual teacher that falls into this category, parent permission will come from the teacher(s) involved.
The chart below summarizes the digital tools and resources broadly used throughout the district. Teachers are not required to use supplemental programs and some options can be accessed without login. Teachers are asked to disclose which tools and resources they plan to use in the class syllabus or other parent/guardian communication. A few key terms used in the chart are also defined in the drop-down menu of Terms & Definitions. This list may change during the school year as new tools/products become available and meet the criteria established in our vetting process.
WSSD - Digital Tools & Resources
Helpful Terms & Definitions
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Certification
This refers to the “seal of approval” by an outside organization or pledge the company has taken to indicate that their privacy policy is in alignment with federal rules and regulations associated with student privacy. While this extra step from the company is meaningful, there is no requirement to take a pledge nor enforcement associated with the pledge/certification program. WSSD reviews each individual privacy policy prior to approval for student use.
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Core Products
Refers to companies with whom the district or school has purchased access either across entire levels (i.e., elementary, middle, and/or high school) or specific departments to a particular program. In some cases, the curricular materials adopted for use offer both print and digital materials. As part of the contract with these service providers, the partner agrees to take all reasonable means and to comply with federal laws related to student information.
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Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
Refers to electronic data that can either directly or indirectly disclose the identity of an individual. This includes information such as name, address, email address, date of birth, etc.
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Supplemental Products
Refers to products and resources that support engaging instructional activities and enhances the learning experience. The list captures those tools/products that are being broadly used within or across levels. Teachers are not required to use these resources since they are not core materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What are the relevant federal rules and regulations that the district follows to protect student data and privacy?
The four active policies are: Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA), Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), Protection of Pupil's Rights Amendment (PPRA), and Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Click here for a parent friendly guide to student privacy from Student Privacy Compass (formerly FERPA/Sherpa), which is an organization dedicated to helping schools, parents, and other educational stakeholders navigate the digital privacy and data protection rules and regulations.
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What is the WSSD vetting and review process for digital tools and online resources?
Click here for more information regarding the process.
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Why don’t I see the online resource or digital tool my child uses on this list?
There are many resources that either do not require a student login, allows the teacher to create a generic login, or does not collect any personally identifiable information. In addition, the list provided is for those items being broadly used in the district. If you have a question about a specific resource or tool, please reach out to your child’s teacher.