Introduction

Peninsula School District Educators and Staff have access to a wide range of digital tools and resources to support student learning via the web. While selecting safe, effective, quality digital tools is a priority, it is well-prepared, knowledgeable, informed teachers using thoughtfully chosen digital tools and resources that have the greatest impact on student achievement. Because of the variety and sheer range and complexity of tools and resources available, it is vital that these tools and resources are reviewed and vetted to ensure they meet the highest standards possible.

When choosing resources to use with students, Staff should:

• Take careful measure to ensure that these resources support the learning objectives and instructional best practices set forth in all WA State Learning Standards and PSD approved instructional frameworks.

• Digital resources intended to be supplemental should supplement the currently adopted core curriculum, and the IAC process for supplemental materials should be followed. If the digital resources are intended to serve as core curriculum, the IAC process for core curriculum should be followed.

• Be aware of the protections of student information and safety policies.

• Test the resource on standard student and staff workstations to ensure that the resource will work as intended.

• Use the guidelines below to review the resource for quality - both technically and instructionally.

• Vet the resource with the appropriate department (DLI, Student Services, CTE) and building administrators.

Guidelines for choosing online or software-based digital resources for remediation, enrichment, or support:

1. Degree of Alignment to Standards: The resource should fully address an identified WA State Learning Standard, in regard to the content and expected student performance.

2. Quality of Explanation of the Subject Matter: The resource should thoroughly explain, demonstrate, or show subject matter in ways to support individuals, small groups, or large groups.

3. Quality of Assessment: The skills and knowledge assessed should align clearly to the content and performance expectations as stated in the resource. Note: This guideline is not applicable for a resource that is not designed to have an assessment component, even if one might imagine ways the resource could be used for assessment purposes.

4. Quality of Technological Interactivity: The resource should be responsive to student input in a way that creates an individualized learning experience. This means the resource adapts to the user based on what s/he does, or the resource allows the user some flexibility or individual control during the learning experience.

5. Quality of Instructional and Practice Exercises: The resource should contain exercises designed to provide an opportunity to practice and strengthen specific skills and knowledge. Note: These guidelines are not applicable to a resource that does not include opportunities to practice targeted skills.

6. Assurance of Accessibility Ideally, a resource would include several of the following, with appropriate scaffolding and direction: Options for other languages (support in other languages), Text-to-speech option, Visual supports, Adjustability for reading level, student differentiation

7. Assurance of compliance with COPPA and FERPA: COPPA and FERPA are Federal policies that protect student privacy and data. Any system or service that collects such data, particularly from students under 13, should have robust security and privacy policies such that we guarantee compliance with these laws.