Technology to Support Learning

Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and effective digital learning environment for all students. We work to protect students, support instruction, and partner with families as technology becomes an everyday part of teaching and learning.

Technology plays an important role in today’s classrooms, helping students learn, collaborate, and create. At the same time, it requires thoughtful oversight to ensure students remain safe and focused.

CCPS uses a layered digital safety system, meaning we rely on multiple tools and practices working together rather than a single solution. This approach allows us to support learning while responsibly managing technology use. Each layer is intentionally designed to serve a specific purpose.

Our Approach

Over several years, CCPS has developed a comprehensive digital safety system designed to:

• Protect students wherever learning occurs – Whether students are learning at school or at home, safeguards are in place to help prevent access to harmful content.
• Support focused instruction in the classroom – Digital tools are managed to minimize distractions and keep students engaged in meaningful learning activities.
• Strengthen partnerships with families – We believe digital safety works best when schools and families work together. Our systems are designed to support transparency, communication, and shared responsibility.

Providing students with access to district-managed devices helps ensure equitable learning opportunities, consistent instruction, and safe use of technology across all grade levels. CCPS thoughtfully selects and manages student devices to support learning while protecting students and maintaining strong digital safety practices.

Why Student Devices are Important

Student devices allow teachers to deliver instruction that is interactive, personalized, and aligned with today’s learning standards. They also help students:

• Access learning materials anytime, whether at school or at home
• Collaborate with teachers and classmates
• Build digital skills needed for future education and careers

By providing CCPS-managed devices, the school system can ensure consistent access while applying appropriate safety protections.

More Information on Student Devices

CCPS uses a layered digital safety system designed to protect students, support instruction, and strengthen partnerships with families. Rather than relying on a single tool, multiple solutions work together, each serving a clear and intentional purpose. This approach ensures students can safely access learning resources, stay focused in the classroom, and develop responsible digital habits. Explore the sections below to learn how each part of our system supports a safe and effective learning environment.

Internet Filtering (Linewize)

Online Safety Hub for Families

Supporting Focused Learning with Classwize

Qustodio Parent App

Why this Matters

Protecting student data is a top priority at CCPS. Every digital tool used in our classrooms is carefully reviewed to ensure it meets strict security, privacy, and compliance standards before it is approved for use. This process ensures alignment with district policies, federal laws such as FERPA and COPPA, and Maryland regulations to help safeguard student information. Tools that do not meet these requirements are not permitted.

Before any digital tool is used in CCPS classrooms:

• It must go through our Software Request and Review process
• Accessibility of the digital tool is evaluated
• IT reviews security, data privacy, and compliance
• Tools are evaluated against student data protection policies
• Data-sharing agreements are required when applicable

This process ensures alignment with:

• CCPS Student Data Governance Policy
• Federal privacy laws such as FERPA and COPPA
• Maryland regulations as set forth in COMAR

FERPA | Protecting Student Privacy

COPPA | Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule

COMAR | Code of Maryland Regulations

Why this Matters

CCPS balances student safety and instructional access through a structured review process that protects students while supporting effective classroom learning.

Websites may be blocked in error, may require temporary access for instruction, or may need to be restricted further to protect students. To address this, CCPS has a formal review process that allows staff to request changes to website access when needed.

This process may include:

• Reclassifying a website if it has been incorrectly categorized
• Allowing (whitelisting) a website for specific instructional use
• Blocking (blacklisting) websites or content that may be harmful or inappropriate

Why this Matters

CCPS recognizes that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, create opportunities and responsibilities.

Our approach includes:

• Clear AI guidance for staff and students
• Data protection standards
• Academic integrity expectations
• Human oversight requirements
• Ongoing review and monitoring

Artificial Intelligence supports teaching and learning and does not replace educators.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance