Educational technology: evaluation and selection.

Assembly Member Zbur's educational technology legislation mandates teacher participation in selecting digital learning tools while establishing a framework of state-guided best practices for California schools. The measure requires school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to involve teachers substantially when evaluating and choosing educational software that will be used system-wide by instructional staff. Parents and community members must also have opportunities to provide input during the selection process.

The bill directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop comprehensive guidelines by January 2027 for evaluating educational technology, which includes software applications used to manage instruction, attendance, grades, assessments and parent communications. These guidelines will address user interface design, learning activity customization, digital skill development, cultural inclusivity, assessment capabilities, and data privacy protections. While following the state's best practices becomes optional for schools starting in 2027, the bill maintains the requirement for teacher and community involvement in technology decisions.

Local educational agencies maintain responsibility for selecting educational technology that aligns with state academic standards and supports student achievement while respecting teacher autonomy to meet individual student needs. The measure classifies these new requirements as a state-mandated program, making local agencies eligible for state reimbursement of associated costs if determined necessary by the Commission on State Mandates.