[ GLOSSARY ]
What is an approved app list?
Definition
Policy and practiceApproved app list
An approved app list names the digital tools a school or district has reviewed and allowed for teaching and learning.
Why it matters for schools
Vetting is now routine: in CoSN's 2026 survey, 86% of districts vet tools before use, 65% require IT review and 61% keep an approved-app list. The list keeps growing: districts accessed an average of 2,982 tools in 2024-25 (Instructure). AI tools add questions a standard review may miss: provider terms for minors, learning rules students cannot switch off, and who reads a safety flag.
Reviewing AI tools
Use our IT review checklist for AI-specific questions.
[ FAQ ]
Questions and answers
How many districts keep an approved app list?
61% in CoSN's 2026 survey; 86% vet tools before use.
What should an AI tool review add?
Provider terms for minors, learning rules students cannot switch off, visibility of student chats, safety routing and training on student data.
Who should approve AI tools?
A named school leader or committee with IT, not an individual teacher.
[ SOURCES ]
Sources
Facts checked Oct 18, 2026.
- 1CoSN, U.S. State of EdTech 20262026-05 · cosn.org
- 2Instructure, 2025 EdTech Top 40 reportJun 30, 2025 · instructure.com
[ AI FOR SCHOOLS ]
The AI your school can approve.