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DIGITAL TOOLS APPROVED FOR USE

Pioneer Charter School of Science has joined the Massachusetts Student Privacy Alliance (MSPA) in order to better protect our students' data privacy. "The MSPA is a collaboration of Massachusetts school districts that share common concerns around student privacy. The goal of the MSPA is to set standards of both practice and expectations around student privacy such that all parties involved have a common understanding of expectations.

To this end, the first outcome of the MSPA is the adoption and implementation of a common Student Data Privacy Agreement to be used by all member schools when implementing any online application. By adopting such a contract all vendors and schools have common expectations when entering into a relationship or implementation without having to renegotiate terms in every new instance.

This site will be used to communicate both the districts and vendors that have signed the contract. This will enable all MSPA member districts to leverage vendor relationships with other member schools to smoothly develop a new relationship."~MSPA

What does this mean for teachers & students?

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

Pioneer Charter School of Science Digital Resource Directory

As part of our commitment to student data privacy, PCSS maintains a Digital Resource Directory that lists all technology tools, websites, and applications reviewed for use in our schools.

This directory clearly shows which resources are:

✅ Approved for use (safe, compliant with FERPA, COPPA, and the Massachusetts Student Privacy Alliance agreement).
⛔ Not approved for use (do not use with students).
⏳ Pending review (under evaluation by IT/administration).

Before using any new application with students, teachers and staff must first check the Digital Resource Directory to verify its approval status.

Educational Technology Resource Request Process

💡 Why We Have a Digital Resource Request Process

Your feedback and ideas are important as we work to provide the best possible educational technology resources for our students while balancing classroom innovation and student privacy.

Technology includes — but is not limited to — data management platforms, digital tools, websites, applications, and any form of digital media. With more student mobile devices, faster Internet connectivity, and stronger wireless coverage in our schools, educators are discovering and exploring new digital tools to enhance teaching and learning.

However, thoughtful adoption of these tools requires careful evaluation. Every app, site, or service must be reviewed not only for its educational value but also for student data privacy, security, and legal compliance. At PCSS, this process ensures that:

New digital tools are aligned with curriculum and instructional goals.
Student data is protected under FERPA, COPPA, PPRA, and Massachusetts law (603 CMR 23.00).
Vendors sign a Massachusetts Student Data Privacy Alliance (MSPA) Data Privacy Agreement when required.
Teachers and students benefit from tools that are safe, effective, and sustainable.

This balance between innovation and responsibility is why all digital resources must go through the PCSS Digital Resource Directory and Request Process before being used with students.

✅ How Should I Proceed If I’d Like to Use a Digital Resource?
If a digital tool, app, or website you would like to use with students is not listed in the PCSS Digital Resource Directory:

Check First

Confirm that the tool is not already included in the directory under a different name.

Submit a Request

Teachers must first discuss the resource with their Department Head to ensure it supports curriculum and instructional goals.
Complete the PCSS Digital Resource Request Form.
The form should include the name of the tool, its intended classroom use, and a link to the vendor’s website.

Review Process

The IT Department and LMS team will review the request in partnership with school leadership.
The review ensures compliance with FERPA, COPPA, and the Massachusetts Student Privacy Alliance (MSPA) Data Privacy Agreement.

Approval/Decision

Once reviewed, the tool’s status will be added to the Digital Resource Directory as:

✅ Approved

⛔ Not Approved

⏳ Pending Review

Teachers and staff must wait for approval before using a new tool with students. This process ensures all tools align with curriculum, protect student data, and keep PCSS compliant with state and federal privacy laws.

Tools and Resource at a Glance

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