CFSD Digital Tools and Resources
The growing availability of new technology applications (apps), websites, software, and web-based programs/services is providing teachers with new and exciting methods to improve, enrich, and diversify the delivery of and engagement in curriculum with our students. Due to the complexity of district-wide systems, the potential impact on the education of students, and the cost of new resources and tools, there are many factors that must be considered before new digital tools and resources are approved and funded. Additionally, school districts must abide by federal regulations that require parent/guardian consent. One such regulation is the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) (15 U.S.C. § 6501–6505) governs online collection of personal information from children under age 13. For example, before a developer can collect any information from a student under 13, verifiable parental consent is required. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which enforces COPPA, has said that school officials can act in the capacity of a parent to provide consent to register students for online educational programs at school for the use and benefit of the school, and for no other commercial purpose. The general guidance is that software companies are allowed to track students within their program, but COPPA prevents them from tracking those students across the Internet.
CFSD makes every effort to select and implement products that protect the confidentiality of students' personally identifying information and that avoid third party promotional marketing material. CFSD considers the Federal student privacy rights and other factors such as instructional benefit, system requirements, cost/benefit analysis, and redundancy before a digital tool, software, app, or website is approved or funded. More information about Federal student privacy rights can be found at the links below.
Federal Student Privacy Rights
CIPA – Children’s Internet Protection Act
COPPA – Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act
FERPA – Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
The digital tools and resources listed below support the CFSD curriculum and have been vetted and approved for classroom use. There is a description of each tool or resource and a link to the provider's privacy policy. This is a dynamic list as we are continually reviewing digital tools and resources used with our students.
CFSD Matrix of Approved Digital Tools and Resources
Teachers and schools may request to use a digital resource or tool. The district has an approval process, which includes a review of the requested resources and tools and the associated privacy policies. This matrix of approved school-based digital resources shows the required permissions and restrictions (if applicable) for each of the resources. For some of the digital resources listed in the matrix, a teacher or school is required to obtain parent/guardian consent before they can be used in the classroom. Teachers and/or schools will obtain consent for the resources that require permissions or have restrictions before they are used in the classroom.
District Approved Software and Online Resources
The list below includes web-based services, programs, subscriptions, or software applications in which CFSD knowingly entered into a contract or agreement, or purchased solely for the benefit of students and the school district within an educational context. Some of the resources are general resources that can be used by all students and some are specific to grade levels or grade level spans.
Student information system and grade book; students and parents can access information on assignments, grades, and attendance.
Allows 24/7 access for students to search their school’s library collection from school or from home.
Allows 24/7 access for students to search their school’s library collection from school or from home.
Student engagement, instructional, and presentation platform that teachers and students use to actively participate in lessons or activities. Includes modules with content on digital citizenship and social-emotional learning.
Web-based platform that provides teachers with the ability to create and/or administer "live" assignments and/or assessments in traditional and digital classrooms. Teachers can make instant teaching adjustments, provide real-time feedback to students, and include audio and video options.
Comprehensive high school college and career planning tool used to align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals.
Subscription software services offered by Microsoft for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Provides online textbooks for Math, Health, and K-5 English language arts.
Provides online textbooks for Math, Health, and K-5 English language arts.
Provides online textbooks for high school World History and Economics.
Communication app that provides educators with an effective and timely way to communicate with parents.
Communication app that provides educators with an effective and timely way to communicate with parents.
Provides online textbooks for middle and high school Geometry.
Provides online references, periodicals, and texts on American government and politics, journalism, and mass communication.
Simulation software for systems dynamics modeling; students can run models created as graphical representations of a system.
Provides online content on the cultures and countries of the world.
Animated subject area content with support activities for students.
Online subscription that checks submitted documents against its database and the content of other websites with the aim of identifying plagiarism.
Adaptive online assessment tool that measures second language proficiency in World Languages and immersion classes.
Online assessments and instructional resources that teachers at grades 6-12 use to support reading and check comprehension throughout the year.
Digital portal that provides single sign-on for students and teachers to access approved texts and resources.
Provides teaching resources, songs, and supporting activities for an engaged, interactive, and fun music classroom at grades K-5.
Comprehensive tool used to assess physical fitness and physical activity levels; tracks trends and changes in fitness levels over time.
App used with individual heart rate monitors to collect real time data on physical activity and monitor progress over time.