Lessons in EdTech Decision-Making and Data Privacy with Northside ISD

Northside Independent School District (NISD) in San Antonio, Texas, one of the largest districts in the state, has developed a robust strategy for app review and approval to maximize the effectiveness of their digital tools. With over 100,000 students, they faced challenges understanding app usage, efficiently staying compliant, and evaluating the instructional impact of their digital learning investments. With Lightspeed Digital Insight, they streamlined their processes to maximize edtech decision-making. Here are key lessons learned from their experience:

1. Prioritize Cost-Savings by Tracking Usage

Northside ISD’s approach to budget management involves closely monitoring app usage to identify underutilized apps. As Carrie Squyres, Director of Academic Technology, shared, “Budgets aren’t getting larger, especially with funding sources like ESSER phasing out. Digital Insight helps us see exactly which apps are being used and how often. This data informs decisions on whether to renew or discontinue licenses.”

By analyzing complete, real-time engagement data rather than vendor-reported metrics, they ensure their spending aligns with student needs, saving significant costs on underused applications.

2. Stay Compliant with Student Data Privacy Regulations

Protecting student data is a top priority for Northside ISD, especially with complex privacy laws like Texas’s SCOPE Act.

Miranda Snider, Director of Technology Training, explained how Lightspeed Digital Insight’s data privacy tools – like privacy policy scanning that tracks Terms of Service changes, and 1Edtech and SDPC integrations – make app vetting and collaboration more efficient: “With Lightspeed, we can quickly access terms of service and privacy details, allowing us to make informed decisions together.”

Haley Garza, who manages data privacy agreements, further emphasized how Lightspeed helps them stay compliant: “Being able to maintain an up-to-date list of approved apps with privacy agreements is crucial. It’s transparent, so teachers know which apps are approved and for what grade levels.”

By centralizing privacy agreements and compliance documentation, the district is better prepared for audits and ensures that student data remains secure.

3. Optimizing Digital Teaching & Learning Programs with App Data

Effective use of digital tools is crucial for maximizing student learning. Northside ISD uses app engagement data from Lightspeed to assess whether tools are truly enhancing instruction. Squyres noted: “It’s not just about having apps available; it’s about understanding how they’re being used. For example, we discovered apps like Cool Math were being overused for non-instructional activities, so we made decisions to turn those off during school hours.”

By evaluating app engagement at a granular level, the district can adjust access to (and investment in) tools that best support educational outcomes. Districts also use Lightspeed engagement data to identify professional development needs for teachers – for example, if actual vs. expected usage differs.

4. Streamline Communication with School-Level Staff

To empower principals and school leaders, Northside ISD rolled out training on how to use Lightspeed Digital Insight for instructional and budget evaluation. “We gave our principals a view-only role so they can monitor app usage at their schools,” said Squyres. This equips campus leaders to make data-driven decisions about instructional resources and the unique needs of their schools.

Northside ISD’s success with Lightspeed’s Digital Insight highlights the importance of having a structured and centralized approach to managing digital resources. By prioritizing cost savings, compliance, collaboration, and educational impact, they’ve created a model that other districts can learn from.

Watch our panel discussion with Northside ISD here:

Curious how your district can benefit from similar strategies? Schedule a demo to learn more about how Lightspeed Digital Insight can help streamline app approvals, expedite data privacy compliance, and optimize digital learning at your district.