Student Data Privacy

What does this mean for teachers & students?

All teachers are required to use only online applications (websites, apps, add-ons, extensions, etc.) that have been approved by the MSPA when student data is involved - if a student must log in. This means that prior to use if a student needs to identify themselves with a username (even a made-up one) or to give access to their Andover Google account, teachers need to ensure that the program has an approved contract with the MSPA.

What Teachers Need to Do

Step 1

Before using an online application, teachers will need to check the Andover list of approved vendors and

ensure that a privacy agreement is in place by searching for the name and the agreement status. If an

agreement is in place, it is safe to use that online application. All digital subscriptions that we pay for or

that are on Classlink/Clever as part of the district tools have already been approved.

The list can be found in Classlink > APS EdTech Help folder > APS Approved Applications

Step 2

If teachers wish to use an online application that is not on the list, they should reach out to their program coordinator to begin the conversation on use and possible approval. Teachers cannot use the online application until their request has been approved.

Step 3

Both IT and the TI/DL team will be notified of the request and complete the process to set up a student data privacy agreement (DPA) with the vendor. Once the agreement is in place, the application will be listed on our MSPA website and teacher who made the request will be notified.

Step 4

If an online application is not approved, we have two options:

1. The TI/DL team will work with the teacher to find a suitable, approved application that will achieve the

same learning outcomes for the students. 

2. Along with the program coordinator and administration, we will develop a permission form that will require parent/guardian signature allowing the student to use the app. teachers need to ask parents to sign permission slips to use the app. If a parent/guardian does not want to sign, we will work with the teacher to find either a comparable app or create an assignment that meets the same learning outcomes. 

*NEW* App Approval Process

Requests for new software applications will be submitted through the following process: 

1. Share your interest in the app/program with your building principal or if appropriate, program coordinator.

   1. Include app/program description, cost, and need for teaching/expected student learning outcomes

2. If it is approved by the principal/program coordinator, they will submit a work order on your behalf to request the app/program.

   1. This will begin the process of first vetting for student data privacy and then move through the appropriate steps to acquire the app/program. 

Reminder: APS App Use & Student Data Privacy

• Any apps/programs that are used by having students log in require a student data privacy agreement (DPA).

• This is required because students’ Personally Identifiable Permission (PII) is provided to a program 

• PII can include name, email address, year of graduation

• If students use "sign in with Google", they are providing PII with their email address

• Teachers/staff should direct students to use “sign in with Google” only for apps that are on Classlink and/or our APS list of approved apps (available in Classlink > EdTEch Folder > APS Approved Applications). 

• This list shows the apps/programs we have the required Student Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) with the vendor.