Web Applications’ Role in Student Learning
Arlington ISD is fundamentally committed to creating exceptional learning experiences that inspire all students, empower their dreams, and prepare them for their future. The school district has an absolute commitment to ensure that every student-graduate is exceptionally prepared for college, career and citizenship. Learn more about the district’s strategic plan.
One part of being exceptionally prepared for life in the 21st century is the ongoing development of critical skills including:
- digital literacy
- digital citizenship
- communication & collaboration skills
- creative & critical thinking
- effective use of resources
Student growth in these areas is impossible without student access to, and use of, district-approved web applications and instructional systems.
Examples of these applications and systems include, but are not limited to:
Digital Textbooks
Instructional Applications
Library Resources
Required Testing Applicatons
Technology is a requirement for Texas school districts:
- Mandatory State Delivery Format: Texas state law requires that standardized assessments—including STAAR, TELPAS, and EOC—be administered in an online format. Regular use of school technology throughout the academic year ensures that students develop the necessary digital literacy and familiarity with the testing interface to accurately demonstrate their subject matter proficiency.
- Curricular Alignment: Technology integration is a requirement of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards, rather than a local district preference.
- Data Security & Privacy Compliance: In compliance with TEC § 32.1021 and the SCOPE Act, all district-provided devices and testing applications adhere to rigorous data privacy regulations, content filtering, and security standards. These measures are specifically designed to safeguard student safety while they fulfill required coursework.
AISD’s web application approval process is rigorous and includes checks for:
Instructional Validity
The application has a purposeful and appropriate instructional use in AISD classrooms.
Accessibility
The application is accessible to all learners, including those with visual, hearing, or mobility disabilities.
Impact on Infrastructure
The application works with existing devices and existing network capacity.
Data Sharing & Privacy
The application complies with all federal laws regarding student privacy protection (CIPA, COPPA).
Contractual Law
The application’s terms of service do not jeopardize the school district, its employees, or its students.
Arlington ISD uses approved applications to help your child learn, solve problems, and work with classmates. Using these tools also helps students practice the technology skills they need for state STAAR tests, which Texas requires all students to take online via an application called Cambium Assessment.
To use these tools, apps need basic student information like names, email addresses, and usernames. Federal privacy laws require parent permission before apps can collect this information. To save parents from filling out dozens of separate forms, the district automatically signs all students up for these approved tools, unless the parent or guardian opts students out of their use during the student enrollment process.
What Happens If You Opt Out
These digital tools are a main part of daily learning. If you choose to opt out, the district will block your child’s access to core learning systems, including online textbooks, digital library resources, and classroom learning applications like Canvas or Seesaw. Teachers and campus principals will be notified and staff will do their best to provide equivalent and offline learning experiences.
