Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA)

The Bangor School Department utilizes a variety of software applications and web-based tools operated by third party vendors to support student learning. These instructional supports are vetted through a review process to ensure compatibility with the goals of the BSD. The use of these tools by students is governed by the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), enacted in 1998 and amended in 2012 with the amendments effective as of July 2013.

The intent of COPPA is to safeguard students’ personal information when students are accessing online services including apps and websites directed primarily to audiences under age 13. This legislation applies to a general audience site that acknowledges it is collecting personal information from users under 13.

To allow student access to the application, site, or tool certain identifiable information-generally, the student’s name and school provided identification number are required by the operator. COPPA grants schools the authority to act as the parent’s agent consenting to the use of student information for educational purposes only. Operators and vendors are required under COPPA to provide schools with appropriate notices and statements.

The Bangor School Department presently supports teaching and learning by accessing applications, websites, and online services operated by third parties.
These include Google Apps for Education, Savvas Learning Company web-based products, Houghton Mifflin web based products and numerous other educational related tools. A list of these learning resources is offered below. This list is updated as required.

Parents with questions regarding the use of these instructional supports by their child are encouraged to contact the principal at their child’s school.