You might use an app at school called iReady for math or reading. It's supposed to ask you questions to check what you're learning. But one Wyckoff student was asked something different — questions about grown-up topics, like whether 18-year-olds should be allowed to run for president.[1] Her mom didn't think that sounded like it was testing reading or math at all, so she asked the school board a big question: is it okay for an app to collect a kid's opinions like that, without asking parents directly?[3]
It turns out there isn't one clear answer. iReady's own rules say the school can give permission for the app on a family's behalf, instead of asking each family directly.[2] There are also rules meant to protect kids from being asked about their opinions on things like politics — but the rules don't say for sure whether these specific questions count.[4]
Here's what you can do: if an app at school ever asks you something that doesn't feel like it's really about your schoolwork, tell a parent or teacher. Families have the right to look at their child's school records and ask questions about them[5] — you don't have to just wonder about it.