How to Advocate for Transparent Edtech Vetting in Your State
Introduction
Screen time concerns in schools have sparked a new battleground: the vetting process for educational technology. While many parents and teachers have fought against cellphones in the classroom, school-issued laptops and the software that runs on them have largely escaped scrutiny—until now. As Kim Whitman, co-lead of Smartphone Free Childhood US, noted, “A lot of the issues with personal devices can move to the district-issued devices.” Proposals in Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont are taking on these concerns by demanding better oversight of edtech products. This guide will walk you through the steps to advocate for a more transparent and rigorous vetting process in your own state or district, ensuring that the digital tools used by students are safe, effective, and aligned with educational goals.
What You Need
- Access to your state’s legislative websites and education department resources
- Contact information for local school board members and state legislators
- A small group of fellow parents, teachers, or community members willing to collaborate
- Basic understanding of how your district currently selects educational software (e.g., who makes decisions, what criteria are used)
- Copies of the proposed bills from Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont (available online via state legislature sites)
- Email and social media accounts for outreach and awareness campaigns
- Notebook or digital document to track progress and contacts
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand the Problem with Current Vetting
Start by educating yourself on why the existing vetting process is flawed. Today, most school districts rely on vendors’ own data to prove safety and efficacy. As Whitman explains, “There is nobody right now that is confirming these products are safe, effective and legal… It should not fall on the district’s IT director; it would be impossible for them to do it.” This means that software used for teaching may include hidden features like targeted advertising, geotracking, or AI that aren’t properly reviewed. Note that even when schools ban personal cellphones, students can still message friends on Chromebooks or through Google Docs, shifting screen time concerns to school-issued devices.
Step 2: Research Your State’s Current Edtech Purchasing Process
Every state and district operates differently. Contact your local school board or district IT department to ask: Who reviews educational software before it’s adopted? What criteria are used? Are there any certification standards? Check if your state has any existing laws about edtech vetting. In many cases, there is no independent third-party review—vendors self-certify. Document this information to use as evidence for why change is needed.
Step 3: Build a Coalition of Concerned Stakeholders
Reach out to other parents, teachers, school psychologists, and even local pediatricians who are concerned about screen time and digital safety. Use social media, school newsletters, or community meetings to find allies. A larger group has more influence when speaking to legislators or school boards. Create a shared document or group chat to coordinate efforts and share research.
Step 4: Study Model Legislation from Rhode Island, Utah, and Vermont
Examine the bills proposed in these three states. For example, Vermont’s “Act relating to educational technology products” passed the House in March and is now before the Senate. It requires edtech providers to register annually with the secretary of state, pay a $100 fee, and provide terms, conditions, and privacy policies. The secretary of state, in coordination with the Vermont Agency of Education, reviews each registration based on criteria like compliance with curriculum standards, advantages over non-digital methods, whether the product is designed for education, and design features such as AI, geotracking, and targeted advertising. Note that the original fine of $50/day up to $10,000 for uncertified providers was removed from the House version—track such details to learn what is politically feasible.
Step 5: Draft Your Own Proposal and Contact Legislators
Based on what you’ve learned, outline a proposal for your state or district. Key elements could include mandatory vendor registration, an independent certification process (perhaps run by the state education agency), and criteria similar to Vermont’s. Write a clear, concise document with your coalition’s support. Then schedule meetings with your state representative and senator. Prepare a one-page summary that explains the problem, your proposed solution, and why it matters for students’ health and learning. Bring examples from other states to show this is a growing movement.
Step 6: Build Public Support and Media Attention
Generate momentum by sharing your concerns through op-eds, letters to the editor, and social media. Tag local journalists who cover education or technology. Hold a small community forum or webinar to educate others. The more people who understand the issue, the harder it is for legislators to ignore. Use the story of the three states as a news hook: “If Vermont can do it, why can’t we?”
Step 7: Monitor Progress and Follow Through
Once a bill is introduced or a district policy change is proposed, stay engaged. Attend committee hearings, testify if possible, and send emails of support. If the bill stalls, ask your coalition to help keep the pressure on. Celebrate small wins, like a school board agreeing to review their process, even if full legislation takes time. The Vermont experience shows that some provisions (like fines) may be stripped—know that compromise is part of the process.
Tips for Success
- Start local: If state legislation seems too big, begin by asking your school board to adopt a more rigorous vetting policy for new software purchases. Success at the local level can build momentum for state action.
- Be patient and persistent: Legislative change often takes multiple sessions. Don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t pass. Use the time to build a stronger case.
- Collaborate with experts: Reach out to organizations like the Smartphone Free Childhood US or the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood for resources and guidance. They can provide talking points and data.
- Emphasize both safety and education: Frame your argument not just as limiting screen time, but as ensuring that edtech truly enhances learning without hidden privacy or safety risks.
- Stay informed: Follow the progress of the Vermont, Rhode Island, and Utah bills. Their outcomes will provide valuable lessons for your own advocacy.
By following these steps, you can help create a system where educational technology is vetted by independent, qualified bodies—protecting students and giving parents peace of mind.