Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a resource is already approved by the Westwood Public Schools?

Our Online Resource Database lists the status of all online resources that have been evaluated and classified by the Westwood Public Schools. If you wish to use a resource that's not already in the database, you can submit a request on our Digital Resource Request Form page.

Why are some resources tagged 'not approved'?

There a two reasons possible reasons why a resource will be tagged 'not approved':

• The resource does not meet Westwood's standard for student data privacy

• The resource does not align with Westwood's curriculum and instructional standards

Do all websites need to be approved before I use them with students?

No. You only need approval for websites that collect personally identifiable information (PII). Students often go to websites for research purposes and do not exchange information with the site. In such cases, approval is not required. Of course, if the site contains objectionable content, we use filtering software to deny access to such pages.

What is considered personally identifiable information?

Personally identifiable information includes information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity either directly or indirectly through linkages with other data. Examples of direct PII include name, address, date of birth, and email address. Indirect PII includes information that can be combined with other information to identify specific individuals, including, for example, a combination of gender, birth date, geographic indicator and other descriptors.

What happens if a resource I request is not approved?

Online resources are tagged Not Approved because the vendor’s privacy policy does not meet the minimum standards to legally comply with student data privacy laws. Teachers cannot use these online resources with students and should contact their ITC to seek an alternative.

What does Conditionally Approved mean?

The vendor associated with a Conditionally Approved resource has not signed a privacy contract with the Westwood Public Schools. However, the privacy policy associated with this resource has been reviewed and the District has determined that it meets acceptable legal student data privacy standards. Parents/guardians can choose to opt their child out from using Conditionally Approved resources. Teachers will be notified if such consent has not been granted.

What does Approved if Anonymized mean?

The vendor associated with an Approved if Anonymized resource has not signed a privacy contract with the Westwood Public Schools and their privacy policy does not comply with the standards set forth by the District. However, it has been determined that the resource can be used without sharing student personally identifiable information. For example, students can answer questions on a Kahoot game being managed by the teacher without signing into the resource. In this scenario, not data is shared with the site that can be linked to a specific student.

For resources with active privacy contracts in place, what types of provisions are contained within them?

Our TEC SDPA contracts includes a number of provisions to help protect student data and privacy including, but not limited to:

• All data is considered the property of the Westwood Public Schools.

• Parents have the right to review PII associated with the resource.

• The provider shall not use student data for any purpose other than the agreed upon services spelled out in the DPA (data privacy contract).

• The provider will comply with all applicable laws including FERPA, COPPA, PPRA, and Massachusetts specific laws.

• Data will only be used for the specific purposes outlined in the agreement (i.e. educational purposes only).

• Provider must dispose/delete all PII within 3 months of termination of contract or within 30 days of written request from LEA.

• Provider is prohibited from using student data for marketing and advertising purposes.

• Security protocols must be in place that meet/exceed industry best practices. Data must reside in a secure computer environment.

Do privacy contracts with providers expire?

Yes. Most privacy contracts are good for three years.

What are the laws that govern student data privacy?

The prevailing laws include the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and applicable Massachusetts privacy laws. Our Student Data Privacy Resources page contains additional information about these laws.