The Sioux Falls School District is committed to identifying and implementing instructional technology tools that are safe for student use, support our learning objectives, and encourage innovative teaching and learning. To achieve this, we have established a process for evaluating and assessing these resources before they are approved for use in our classrooms.

If you're a staff member interested in using a new App, Website, or Extension, please follow these steps:

1. Initial Review: Before submitting a request, conduct an initial review of the tool:

   • Has this technology already been reviewed? See the current approval status of software here.

   • Evaluate its instructional use and alignment with learning objectives

   • Consider its functionality and whether it fills a need not met by currently approved tools

   • Review privacy considerations, including student account requirements and age restrictions

   • Assess technical aspects, such as installation requirements and offline availability

2. Consult with Your Instructional Coach: Discuss the tool and its potential benefits with your school's Instructional Coach.

3. Submit an Approval Request: If you decide to proceed after the initial review, submit an AWE Request.

4. District Review Process: Once submitted, your request will go through the following review stages:

   • Curriculum review by the District Technology Integrationist and appropriate Curriculum staff

   • If approved by Curriculum, District admin will set necessary parameters

   • ITS department will review technical considerations and impact on device and network usage

5. Implementation: If approved, Apps will be distributed to devices and/or added to Self-Service options, websites will be unblocked, and extensions will be installed on browsers

6. Publication: Approved tools will be added to our public-facing website and IIQ Knowledge base.

Please note that the approval process may take time as we thoroughly evaluate each tool to ensure it meets our standards for student safety, data privacy, and educational value. We appreciate your patience and commitment to finding the best tools for our students' learning.

For any questions about the AWE request process, please contact our Technology Integration Facilitator, Chris Martin.