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How do school districts choose and approve special education apps?

Who is involved, the privacy and accessibility checks, evidence questions, and how teachers can request an app.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

Most districts keep an approved apps list managed by technology, curriculum and special education staff together. Before approval they usually check student data privacy (often a signed data privacy agreement), whether the app meets FERPA and COPPA, accessibility, fit with instructional goals and evidence, cost and support. Teachers typically submit a request, and many districts run a small pilot first.

Key takeaways
  • Districts usually keep an approved apps list.
  • Checks cover privacy, accessibility, evidence, cost and support.
  • A signed data privacy agreement is often required.
  • Teachers submit a request, and many districts pilot first.

Who decides?

Usually a mix of the technology department (privacy and security), curriculum or instruction (fit and evidence), and special education (student needs). Purchasing and legal may be involved for paid tools.

What gets checked before approval?

Common district app review checks
AreaTypical questions
PrivacyWhat student data is collected? Is there a signed data privacy agreement?
LawDoes it meet FERPA and COPPA?
AccessibilityDoes it work with assistive technology and meet accessibility standards?
EvidenceIs it based on evidence-based practices? Is there research?
Cost and supportPricing, licensing, training and help

Student education records are protected by FERPA.1 Many districts use the National Data Privacy Agreement from the Student Data Privacy Consortium.2 Evidence reviews often draw on the What Works Clearinghouse.3

How can a teacher request an app?

  1. Check the approved list first.
  2. Describe the need: which students, which goals.
  3. Share privacy details from the vendor.
  4. Propose a small pilot with clear measures.

What can I do next?

0 of 3 done

Talk to us about your school or district: For schools

Common questions

Check your district's policy. Many require approval before using any app with students, especially if student information is entered.

Sources

  1. US Department of Education, Student Privacy Policy Office: FERPA. studentprivacy.ed.gov
  2. Student Data Privacy Consortium (Access 4 Learning): National Data Privacy Agreement. privacy.a4l.org
  3. What Works Clearinghouse (Institute of Education Sciences). ies.ed.gov

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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