Policies that Improve Teaching & Learning

ISTE believes strongly that the best way to increase the effectiveness of educational techniques is through the utilization of technology. Technology is a powerful tool for increasing student achievement and for expanding the range of educational opportunities available in all schools. Federal and state governments can have a powerful impact in teaching and learning by not only increasing funding, but also leveraging the way technology funds are spent.

ISTE's Public Policy & Advocacy Committee

ISTE's policies are guided by a Public Policy and Advocacy Committee comprised of educational leaders who come from local school districts, state affiliates, and ISTE's Board of Directors. The Public Policy and Advocacy Committee holds an annual meeting to prioritize legislative issues and set an agenda for the upcoming year. One product of the annual meeting is a series of position papers (www.edtechactionnetwork.org/positionpapers.htm) detailing ISTE's guidelines for improving the impact of educational technology. The annual agenda also informs the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee's meetings throughout the year where the group decides on actions to take on current Ed Tech issues.

Read the Latest News and Developments From Inside the Beltway

As a service to members, ISTE tracks Ed Tech legislative and regulatory issues at the federal level of government through the publication of Washington Notes. Washington Notes is published ten times a year, contains a summary of recent Ed Tech policy developments, and provides in-depth information about the policy developments including a synopsis of actions taken by ISTE.

ISTE's 2007 Legislative Proposals

ISTE provides leadership and service to improve teaching, learning, and school leadership by advancing the effective use of technology in PK–12 and teacher education. ISTE represents more than 85,000 professionals worldwide, and in support of our primary mission, we advance and support a targetted legislative agenda.

Here are ISTE’s proposals and recommendations sent to Capital Hill during the 110th Congressional Session:

ISTE Recommendations for HEA Reauthorization  (PDF, 84 KB)

ISTE Recommendations for ESEA/NCLB Reauthorization  (PDF, 84 KB)

CoSN, ISTE, SIIA, & SETDA Recommendations for ESEA/NCLB Reauthorization  (PDF, 169 KB)

Innovation and Achievement for Competitiveness with Technology  (one page description) (PDF, 94 KB)

ISTE Policy Brief

The first in a series of policy briefs focusing on the role of technologyand learning. This first brief entitled, Technology and Student Achievement—TheIndelible Link, will be a useful tool for ISTE members and other education technologysupporters as we collectively advocate to ensure students are provided the technologyand information skills and tools necessary for success in the 21st century. Technology and Student Achievement—The Indelible Link (PDF, 296)