# 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.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/district-app-approval
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**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?

| Area | Typical questions |
| --- | --- |
| Privacy | What student data is collected? Is there a signed data privacy agreement? |
| Law | Does it meet FERPA and COPPA? |
| Accessibility | Does it work with assistive technology and meet accessibility standards? |
| Evidence | Is it based on evidence-based practices? Is there research? |
| Cost and support | Pricing, 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.

**Where The Autism Kit stands.** Children's routines and photos stay on the device, and there are no ads. We're happy to review your district's student
  data privacy agreement and work through your approval process with your team.

## What can I do next?

- [ ] Find your district's approved apps list
- [ ] Gather the vendor's privacy details
- [ ] Submit a request with a pilot plan

Talk to us about your school or district: [For schools](https://theautismkit.com/schools)

## Common questions

### Can a teacher use an app that isn't approved?

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

### How long does approval take?

It varies from days to months, depending on the district, whether a data privacy agreement is already on file, and the cost.

### Has The Autism Kit signed our district's agreement?

We're happy to review your district's student data privacy agreement. Contact us through the schools page to start.

## Sources

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

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.