Student Data Privacy

Protection of Student Data

While websites and apps can support teaching and learning, they also pose some inherent risks related to student data and privacy. Student data refers to any identifiable information related to a CPSD student -- this includes names, dates of birth, images (photo or video), and student work (student work is protected whether or not it's anonymous). Third party vendors (such as websites or apps) collect identifiable data from users at the time of account creation. CPSD is committed to protecting student data and privacy as outlined by several federal laws. Because of this commitment, CPSD has its own policies and procedures concerning student data and the use of websites and apps. Please see the featured U.S. Department of Education video and venn diagram of digital citizenship laws for more information. For more information on CPSD specific policies, please review the Student Data Privacy in Cambridge Public Schools webpage, and the Balancing Classroom Innovation and Student Privacy Document.


Approved Website/App List

Third party vendors that require students to create an account in order to view or create content must be vetted by CPSD Information, Communication and Technology Services (ICTS). ICTS has these third party vendors sign an agreement stipulating how they will hold student data and provide access to that data. Teachers may use Websites and apps with an "Approved" status with students without written guardian consent; however, it is best practice to always let parents know what tools you are using in the classroom with students. To view a searchable list of approved websites and apps that you can use without guardian consent, please click here.

This list also contains websites and apps that have not been approved and "approved with guardian release".


Approved With Guardian Release Resources

These websites and apps have been approved for student use with guardian consent (check the list here). If would like to use a website and/or app in this category, you must first send a letter home to caregivers asking for signed consent and explaining the application and its specific use in the classroom. Please be advised that signed consent for a website/app does not mean it can be used throughout the year in contexts other than the purpose outlined in the letter to caregivers.


What If I Don't See The Website/App I Want To Use Listed At All?

You can submit an application for review and approval by ICTS here. Please be advised that approval and non-approval decisions involve negotiation and signing of the CPS Student Data Privacy Agreement, and this can sometimes be a lengthy process.


I Want To Use A Website/App With Students. What Do I Do?


Does the website and/or app require students to create an account with a username and password?

    • NO. Great! Go ahead and use this website/app with students. You do not have to follow any other steps. (If the website does not require account creation, but still allows users to publish their work, please contact Norah for further instructions.)

    • YES. Please follow the steps below.


  1. Click here to look up the online application's approval status.

  • APPROVED. Great! Go ahead and use this online resource with students. You do not have to follow any other steps.

  • APPROVED WITH GUARDIAN CONSENT. Send a letter home to caregivers requesting signed consent for their student to use the specific online resource. Once consent has been received, you can use this resource with students. (Except if students will publish their work publically on a Website like Blogger. You will need signed media releases on file to do so.)

  • NOT APPROVED. Sorry, you can't use this resource with students. Please try to find a comparable approved resource to use.

  • NOT LISTED. Submit an approval request form here. Allow enough time for processing.


Noteworthy Approved Apps

(A) Approved, (A w/G) Approved with guardian consent


Blogging Options: Blogger (A), Edublogs (A) (Remember media releases if publishing publicly.)

Diigo (A): Social bookmarking

duoLingo (A w/G): Learn a language

EdPuzzle (A): Trim videos, annotate with audio notes, create quizzes, post directly to Classroom

EverFi (A): Digital literacy

Geogebra (A): Dynamic mathematics software

History Unfolded (A w/G): Crowd-sourced research!

NewsELA (A): Leveled news, current and age-appropriate

Piktochart (A): Infographic design app

Prezi (A w/G): Presentation application

WeVideo (A): Video production app (alternative to iMovie)


* For teacher use only: Slack: Develop online PLCs (Not a place to record/share student data!)


Important Reminders

Social Media: Never post student-generated data on your personal social media accounts. This includes anonymous physical work or quotes of something a student said.

That said, if a student who has a signed media release on file produces something worth sharing, please let Laurie or Lisa Waters (lwaters@cpsd.us) know. We can post the student work on our Twitter page, the VLUS library site (vlusreads.us), the CPSD Facebook page, or the CPSD Website. Lisa is always looking for news stories to post online and would love to hear from you.


Media Releases: Always use SchoolCam, instead of your device’s camera, to take photos and videos of students or student work (if they have a signed media release). You can download it onto your personal device or use a school’s iPod touch. This applies to student work submitted to TeachPoint as evidence.