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District begins systematic review of classroom software and subscriptions
Summary
Curriculum staff described a three-part review of instructional technology that uses a rubric to evaluate platforms for alignment to district instructional goals, with a teacher survey planned in January to categorize apps as essential, useful or expendable.
Cary CCSD 26 administrators described an ongoing review of classroom software and subscriptions on Dec. 16, saying the evaluation will use a rubric tied to the district's instructional framework and include a staff-wide survey next month.
Curriculum leader Miss Rivera said the work is intended to align technology choices to the district's top instructional goals and to reduce redundant or unused subscriptions. "Everything, all the moves that we're making when it comes to technology within instruction is to align ourselves with our goal number 1 of student success and goal number 2 to be fiscally responsible," Rivera said.
Why it matters: the district currently pays for multiple paid platforms that emerged during remote learning. Staff said some vendors are no longer free; consolidating overlapping tools could reduce costs and improve coherence across grades.
Process described: staff created a "BridLE" (engagement/enhancement/extension) rubric and a Google Form for committee members to evaluate each paid platform's instructional value, grade-level coverage and annual cost. The committee will revise the instrument and then distribute it to all teachers in January to gather broader input. Administrators plan to collect vendor usage data where available and then categorize tools as "essential, useful or expendable" before making recommendations for the 2025-26 school year.
Trustee and staff guidance: administrators noted that some teachers or schools may be unhappy if a platform used locally is discontinued, but they said the goal is data-driven decision-making and better alignment with curriculum. Technology asset and subscription renewals are not set to auto-renew; the district tracks renewals centrally.
Ending: staff said teacher participation in the January survey will be critical to the review and that the committee will return with findings and financial recommendations in subsequent months.
