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The Worcester Public Schools utilizes a number of computer software applications and web-based services to supplement educational services provided by school- based staff. While these tools are reviewed to ensure that they provide students with effective tools for learning, the applications and services are not operated by the district but by third parties. In order for students to use these programs and services, certain personal identifying information – typically the student’s name and e-mail address – may be provided to the website/application operator. The Worcester Public Schools enters into a data sharing agreement with third parties to ensure student data is handled in a manner not in violation of federal requirements.

 Under the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the websites/ application operators must provide caregiver notification and obtain consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. The law permits school districts to consent to the collection of personal information on behalf of its students thus eliminating the need for individual caregivers to consent directly to individual website/application providers. A list of the sites used in our classrooms with links to privacy policies, terms of service and our data sharing agreements can be found on our Student Data Privacy Consortium website.