PRESIDENT OBAMA's FY2011 BUDGET's EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITMENT

Statement from International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) CEO Don Knezek

We have deep misgivings about the Administration's decision to 'consolidate' the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program in the FY 11 budget. This decision removes direct funding for education technology at a critical time.  We do, however, commend the Obama Administration's stated commitment to infuse technology throughout PK-12 education and we look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to make this vision a reality.

In the 21st century, a world-class education is dependent on a strong foundation of digital skills, robust connectivity and 21st century teaching and learning. ISTE represents more than 100,000 members and affiliates from all 50 states, and we know all too well that ed tech is central to our ability to race to the top, our chances of investing in innovation, and our hopes to ensure our schools are able to compete in a global marketplace. 

We cannot and must not lose sight of the value and impact of education technology in our classrooms. As ISTE noted in its Top Ten in 2010 just last month, education technology is the lifeblood of lasting school improvement. Working from best and promising practices in the field, we must continue to use technology as the backbone of school improvement. We must ensure technology expertise is infused throughout our schools and classrooms—particularly through programs like EETT—and that we are continuously upgrading educators' classroom technology skills as a pre-requisite of 'highly effective' teaching. We must boost student learning through real data and assessment efforts. And we must work together to leverage education technology as a gateway for college and career readiness so that our K-12 systems can help fulfill the President's pledge to make the United States tops in the world when it comes to college-completion rates. We cannot and must not deny policymakers and educators the resources they require to provide all students with the globally competitive education they so desperately need.  

On behalf of ISTE and the millions of educators, policymakers, community leaders, and families committed to improving the technology knowledge and skills of all of our young people, I look forward to working with the Obama Administration and Congress to ensure that education technology remains a major focus of our nation's education improvement plan and that funding for our education technology continues. If we are serious about school reform and global competitiveness, we must be equally serious about investing in education technology."

About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the trusted source for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy and leadership for innovation. ISTE is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in improving teaching and learning by advancing the effective use of technology in PK-12 and teacher education. Home of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and ISTE's annual conference and exposition, ISTE represents more than 100,000 professionals worldwide. We support our members with information, networking opportunities and guidance as they face the challenge of transforming education.

Visit www.iste.org to learn more about ISTE and its new initiatives—including the next generation of NETS for Students, Teachers and Administrators.
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