APSD145 - Software/App Approve/Deny List for Teacher/Student Usage

We are no longer hosting our Approved/Denied list on the SDPC website. Please visit: https://www.arbor145.org/panda/allowed-software-apps for a full list. 

Effective July 1, 2021, school districts will be required by the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) to provide additional guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only (105 ILCS 85). Our goal is to ensure our students and teachers have the best tools available for classroom use.

It is crucial for teachers and staff to adhere to the district's guidelines by exclusively utilizing district-provided and approved software and applications when working with students. This ensures that all tools used in the classroom align with the district's educational objectives and maintain the highest standards for quality and security. Freeware or unapproved software, while sometimes appealing, poses risks such as unverified content, lack of oversight, and potential breaches of sensitive student information. By relying only on approved tools, educators and staff contribute to a cohesive learning environment and protect the integrity of the district’s educational framework.

Approval of any software or apps outside of the district's curated list is essential to maintain compliance with the Illinois Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA). SOPPA requires strict measures to ensure that student data is kept secure and used only for educational purposes. Furthermore, it is critical that any software utilized has a signed contract between the vendor and the district. This contract serves as a legal safeguard, outlining the responsibilities of both parties and ensuring the software adheres to privacy and security requirements. Such agreements are vital in preventing data breaches and protecting the district from potential legal liabilities.

The district’s policy underscores its commitment to student safety and data privacy. By following these guidelines, educators and staff demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a shared commitment to creating a safe and productive educational environment. This practice not only ensures compliance with SOPPA and legal requirements but also instills confidence among parents and stakeholders that their children's privacy and well-being are prioritized. Ultimately, this collaborative effort, supported by strong vendor agreements, fosters a stronger, more secure foundation for student learning and success.

APSD145 has taken the approach to ensure software/app vendors sign our addendum provided by our legal team. For most contracts, we have also decided not to piggyback or point to another exhibit, unless absolutely necessary. This means we have a specific agreement between APSD145 and the vendor ensuring our data is safe and the vendors are held to SOPPA requirements.  Our base addendum, provided by our legal department, can be located here: Arbor Park SOPPA Addendum.

The software and app review process is done by PandaHelp, Teaching & Learning, and the Finance Departments. Here is the flowchart for decision making. If a software or app was declined it can be for numerous reasons. This can include cost, compliance issue, redundancy with other approved apps, no rostering capability, no SSO, no learning purpose, or no response from vendor.

We are no longer hosting our Approved/Denied list on the SPDC website. Please visit: https://www.arbor145.org/panda/allowed-software-apps for a full list.