Highline Digital Tools

Denied digital tools are tools that do not meet Highline’s standards. Below is a list of why a tool may be denied.  

• The digital tool does not meet data privacy standards (WA State Privacy Agreement, FERPA, COPPA etc).
• The tool does not meet our intellectual property policy and procedure.
• The digital tool does not meet the requirements outlined in HPS’s equity policy.
• The digital tool does not align with our instructional frameworks.
• The digital tool does not meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities (WCAG or VPAT).
• We already have an approved digital tool that fulfills the same purpose.
• The digital tool does not meet archiving standards.

To see reasons of denial for a specific tool, click the tool in LearnPlatform and click the document under “Resources.” An alternative tool will be suggested. 

Conditional Digital Tools are approved for use and may require certain qualifying requirements for use (e.g. specific account setup options).

To see conditions, click the tool in LearnPlatform and click the document under “Resources.” Conditions of use will be listed. 

If a tool or website is blocked by our firewalls or GoGuardian, it is because the tool is a denied tool and does not meet Highline’s standards. 

With increased state guidelines (SUPERACT) and federal legislation related to FERPA and COPPA, Technology Services blocks denied tools and applications that may have been allowed in the past.  

Please see the following resources related to student data privacy and security.

• Student Data Privacy Consortium 
• WSIPC Student Data and Privacy 
• Washington Student Data Privacy Consortium (WASDPC) 
• Washington's SUPERACT

The Digital Tools Review Committee meets every two weeks to review tools. Many tools can be immediately approved or denied, while others require research and follow up. Some factors that may require a longer period of review include:

• Vendors that are slow to respond to our questions
• Tools that involve communication since they have to meet archiving criteria
• Limited information in the request
• Followup with other Highline specialists 

Approved Digital Tools are tools Highline has purchased for use equitably across the district. These tools are necessary for ensuring our students have access to high-quality resources and graduate with the problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary to live and work responsibly in a digital world.  Approved Digital Tools meet state and district requirements for data security and archival. They are are in alignment with Highline’s Acceptable Use Policy and Equity Policy. The tools also align with our instructional framework outlined by the Teaching Learning & Leadership Department.

Unless adopted as core material, any digital tool is supplemental, used to support the core material. Digital tools play a role in supporting a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum, but unless specifically adopted, do not replace adopted core material.

These tools are safe to use but they are not purchased or supported centrally. Approved tools can be used to supplement or support core instruction.

Approved Digital Tools meet state and district requirements for data security and archival. They are are in alignment with Highline’s Acceptable Use Policy and Equity Policy. The tools also align with our instructional framework outlined by the Teaching Learning & Leadership Department.

Conditional Digital Tools are vetted and approved for use with Highline students and may require certain qualifying requirements for use (e.g. specific account setup options).

Digital tools that are listed as Pending have been submitted by Highline staff for review by the committee but have not yet been reviewed.

Denied Digital Tools are tools that do not meet Highline’s standards for use with students and families according to the criteria (listed below). Denied tools are blocked by our firewalls. Refer to "Resources" in the details of a tool for suggestions for alternative tools in our library of tools. Or, submit a request to review a tool from the Learn Community. 

• The digital tool does not meet archiving standards.
• The digital tool does not meet data privacy standards (WA State Privacy Agreement, FERPA, COPPA etc).
• The digital tool does not align with our instructional frameworks.
• The digital tool does not meet the requirements outlined in HPS’s equity policy.
• The digital tool does not meet accessibility standards for people with disabilities.
• We already have an approved digital tool that fulfills the same purpose.

These tools are currently denied due to an unresponsive vendor. Consideration may be reopened if vendor becomes responsive. These tools are denied in the interim due to privacy and data usage concerns. 

If the digital tool provided learning content, it must indicate standards-alignment and provide useful instructional data that supports instruction in service of Highline's Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum.

The digital tool supports Highline's Equity Policy.

If the tool [state when it is required], the digital tool must fully archive all content in a manner that allows HPS to retrieve all archived content directly from the company or application.

Duration of content retention matches state/federal requirements for archived content as mandated by the Freedom of Information Act (foia.gov).  

Not Applicable

The digital tool does not include student data exchange or technical support from HPS staff. 

Denied

The digital tool allows for limited or no district administration of accounts and limited or no reporting on activity and system use.  

The digital tool requires moderate technical (or other) support from Highline staff. 

Approved Conditionally

The digital tool will be used with a few classes within the district and does not require Highline Technology Services to set up or manage accounts. 

Versions of the digital tool can be used without the support from Technology Services without compromising student data security. 

Approved

The digital tool allows for district administration of all accounts and reports on activity and system use.  

The digital tool requires no technical (or other) support from HPS staff. 

Not Applicable

Always applicable. 

Denied

The digital tool does not comply with state and federal guidelines for accessibility.

Approved Conditionally

The digital tool complies with state and federal guidelines for accessibility.   

Approved

The digital tool complies with state and federal guidelines for accessibility and explicitly identifies accessibility features.