How to Advocate for Safer Edtech Vetting in Your School District
Amid growing concerns over screen time in schools, a new target has emerged: the vetting process for educational software. Parents and teachers have long fought against cellphones in classrooms, but school-issued laptops and their accompanying software often escape scrutiny. As Kim Whitman, co-lead for Smartphone Free Childhood US, notes, “A lot of the issues with personal devices can move to the district-issued devices.” Students can message friends on Chromebooks or via Google Docs, raising similar distractions and privacy risks. Now, proposals in Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont aim to reform how edtech products are evaluated. This guide walks you through advocating for a more rigorous, transparent vetting process in your own district.
What You Need
- Access to your school district’s policies on technology procurement and vetting
- A copy of any local or state legislation regarding edtech (e.g., Vermont’s H.537)
- Email addresses or meeting schedules for school board members, IT director, and superintendent
- A small group of like-minded parents, teachers, or community members
- A notebook or digital document for tracking progress and key points
- Patience and persistence
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand the Problem
Start by educating yourself on the current vetting landscape. Many districts rely on vendors’ own data to prove safety and efficacy. As Whitman says, “There is nobody right now that is confirming these products are safe, effective and legal. It should not fall on the district’s IT director; it would be impossible for them to do it. And the companies should not be tasked with doing it — that would be like nicotine companies vetting their own cigarettes.” Recognize that unchecked edtech can expose students to data collection, targeted advertising, and distractions — even on school-issued devices.
Step 2: Research Your District’s Current Vetting Process
Contact your district’s IT department or review public records to learn how they choose educational software. Ask questions like: Who makes the final decision? What safety and privacy criteria are used? Are products tested by third parties? Document any gaps, such as reliance on vendor promises rather than independent reviews.
Step 3: Connect with Like-Minded Parents and Teachers
Join local parent-teacher organizations or online groups focused on reducing screen time and protecting student privacy. Share your findings and recruit allies to strengthen your voice. A united group is more likely to be heard by school boards and administrators.
Step 4: Study Model Legislation
Review proposals like Vermont’s “Act relating to educational technology products.” This bill (passed by the House in March) requires edtech providers to register annually with the secretary of state, pay a $100 fee, and submit updated terms/privacy policies. The state would then review products against criteria such as: compliance with curriculum standards, advantages over non-digital methods, educational design intent, and features like AI, geotracking, or targeted advertising. Though the House removed a fine provision ($50/day up to $10,000), the core structure offers a model for accountability. Use this as a template for what your district or state could adopt.
Step 5: Approach Your School Board or Administration
Request a meeting to present your concerns and the research. Prepare a one-page summary of the issues, the Vermont example, and suggested improvements for your district. Emphasize that better vetting protects students and reduces liability. Be respectful but firm; offer to collaborate on a pilot program or policy draft.
Step 6: Advocate for Independent Certification Standards
Push for a district-level policy that requires independent review of all student-facing edtech, similar to Vermont’s certification process. Highlight that vendors should not self-certify. Suggest criteria: privacy compliance, educational value, age-appropriateness, and minimal distractions. Offer to help form a parent-teacher advisory committee to assist with evaluations.
Step 7: Monitor Progress and Follow Up
After your meeting, send a thank-you note and a timeline for next steps. Attend subsequent board meetings to track progress. If action stalls, gather more community support or escalate to state legislators. Celebrate small wins — like a pilot review of one tool — and build momentum.
Tips
- Be persistent: School change can be slow. Keep showing up and reminding officials of your ask.
- Focus on legal compliance: Privacy laws (like COPPA and FERPA) already require certain protections. Emphasize that improved vetting helps districts avoid violations.
- Work with the IT director: They are often overwhelmed; offer to help research alternatives rather than just criticize.
- Use data, not emotion: Cite examples of edtech products that leaked student data or increased screen time without learning gains.
- Build coalitions: Partner with local tech-safety nonprofits or national groups like Smartphone Free Childhood US for resources.
- Be strategic about timing: Advocate during budget discussions or when new software is being adopted.