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Updates 9/12 |
Dear Colleagues,
In June, we communicated that Google had updated its practices related to extensions, websites, and other third-party Google logins. That change has been taking effect on some platforms with complete implementation by October. We understand that this change is stressful, and we want to share additional information based on questions we have received through this process.
What does this change mean for me?
If you are a teacher using an application that is not on the district’s approved resource list, it may stop working in October. This is typically related to applications that student’s login to or student data is shared too, but there could be other impacts. Essentially, Google is requiring the district to “allow” the right for any website, browser extension, or software to use the “login with Google” option as it passes protected information to perform the login.
Why can’t we allow any applications?
School districts are obligated under federal regulations to comply with a variety of requirements including but not limited to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These regulations provide guidelines for what types of data schools can share with vendors as well as situations where schools can provide consent on behalf of parents. In some instances, application’s terms are written in a way that prohibits a school from consenting on behalf of a parent or the vendor does not provide the protections required under the above requirements related to student data.
The application is free, can I use it?
In some instances yes, please check the district’s approved application list to be sure. We are updating it weekly. In some cases, no. Providers of free applications will highlight the company’s ability or dedication to student privacy which is causing confusion for our teachers. What is important to understand is that these protections for students and teachers sometimes do not take effect until the district pays for the service and enters into a “district contract” with the company. Until that time anyone using the software is treated like a “user” and their data is not protected under student privacy provisions. In addition, some resources have age restrictions in their terms of use preventing children under 13 or at times even children under 18 from using the resource.
Why was an application denied?
There can be a variety of reasons why an application was denied. We are currently working with external legal counsel related to these changes to navigate what we can and can’t use moving forward. This typically comes down to needing a district license for software, but at times the terms of use for the application would prevent us from proceeding without written parental consent. In these cases, parent’s also have the option to opt-out of the service and this could quickly become unmanageable for teachers.
Things to Remember
This does not impact YouTube or general website access. This is focused on applications that students and teacher’s “login” to outside of Google.
Outside of the educational focus, this could impact teachers who have used their district account with a “Login with Google” option on external things like Fantasy Football, shopping sites, etc.
We understand the difficulty associated and how impactful it is for teachers. This also has had a variety of impacts on the IT department and our current processes that need to change.
This change is already creating conversations about district needs and we will continue to work with curriculum, coordinators and teachers to find maintainable solutions moving forward.
Applications may be denied and free applications do not always protect teacher or student data unless we pay for the application
IT Services is currently prioritizing finding a suitable option for our coaches, music and other groups that need additional communication tools, like Remind and BAND, with students and parents. We should have a working solution by October.
We are temporarily allowing Quizziz and Blooket for staff use only based on feedback that we received. We are hopeful that this will allow teachers to move content to one of the approved alternatives before October.
I hope this information helps and we will continue to provide updates. For more information or to review past communications related to this change, please visit our blog.
Sincerely,
-Justin Hetrick
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Updates 8/29 |
Dear Colleagues,
In June, we communicated that Google had updated its practices related to extensions, marketplace apps, and third-party Google logins. That change will be taking effect immediately on some platforms with complete implementation by October. This will impact what platforms district employees can use to communicate with students and families.
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