There are several reasons why a digital resource may not be listed below:

• The resource may exist online but there is no exchange of student data with the site. For example, a teacher may ask students to read an article on www.theatlantic.com. In this instance, students are simply consuming information and not exchanging personally identifiable information in any way.

• The resource may be an installed application on a computer that does not require the exchange of information over the internet. Photoshop installed on a desktop computer lab represents one such example.

• The resource has not be evaluated by the Westwood Public Schools. In this case, a teacher is welcome to head over to our Digital Resource Request page to request the resource.

Many online resources offer a free version with limited functionality. For example, PearDeck is an approved resource with a basic version that can be used for free. This version lacks some of premium features such as 'draggable responses' or 'teacher dashboard'. Teachers are encouraged to try out these resources in the classroom and collaborate with their ITC to explore the merits of acquiring a paid version to unlock some of these premium features.

To view a resource's current subscription status, scroll down this page to the Database of Approved Resources section of this page and apply the Subscription Status filter. 

If you are interested in acquiring a paid subscription for a specific resource, head over to our Digital Resource Request Page to make this request.  The district's curriculum resource team will evaluate all requests at periodic intervals throughout the school year and notify you of our decision within a few weeks of receiving your request.

This site was originally developed because of Westwood's goal to provide a safe and secure online experience for students and staff while also empowering them to access the best tools and resources to help achieve academic success. There are several federal and state laws that govern student data privacy and these laws have implications for how Westwood uses its online resources. Additionally, in an era where issues of data privacy go far beyond the classroom walls, it is imperative for staff to model good data security habits for our students.

Resources on this site continue to be vetted on the basis of student data privacy. Resources that do not meet Westwood's standard for privacy will be tagged Not Approved. 

Note: There are some resources that meet the District's privacy standards but are tagged Not Approved. In such cases, the District does not support the use of such resources because they do not align with Westwood's curriculum and instructional standards.