DECEMBER 2018
Just released: ISTE guide to using ESSA
ISTE releases Using ESSA to Fund Edtech: Getting the Most Out of Title IV-A.
In late September, ISTE expressed support for the increased funding level for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program — authorized under Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) — to $1.17 billion for fiscal year 2019. While the increased investment from the federal government creates exciting new opportunities for edtech, it also requires district and state stakeholders to understand the program, its allowable uses and the most impactful ways to use the funds.
ISTE's guide, Using ESSA to Fund Edtech: Getting the Most Out of Title IV-A, makes specific recommendations for incorporating technology into all three major funding categories of ESSA Title IV-A (i.e. well-rounded education, safe and healthy schools, effective use of technology). The guide pulls evidence from current research and example cases around the country to show how innovative digital tools and edtech-related professional learning opportunities can reinforce many of the uses permitted under ESSA. It also provides clear next steps for state edtech directors and district technology coordinators to help them place edtech at the forefront of funding decisions.
TAKE ACTION
- Download the guide and use it as reference as you brainstorm how your state or district could leverage the Title IV-A funds for edtech purposes.
- Use the template email included in the guide (p.29) to communicate your ideas with the state or district Title IV-A officer(s).
- Share the guide with other Title IV-A stakeholders who may find this guide useful in influencing funding decisions.
Registration for the 2019 Edtech Advocacy and Policy Summit is now open!
Join ISTE, the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) in Washington, D.C., March 6-7 for the 2019 EdTech Advocacy and Policy Summit to help educate policymakers about the critical role technology plays in transforming education.
The 116th Congress will feature a Democratically controlled House, 10 new senators and more than 100 new House members. This Congress will also include a record number of female members, greater diversity and a number of armed forces veterans. Be among the first to engage with this historic group of Congressional representatives and their education policy staff.
TAKE ACTION
Make plans to attend the 2019 Edtech Policy and Advocacy Summit now! Register and learn more.
ISTE Standards adoption updates.
Congratulations to the state of Connecticut for continuing to lead education transformation by formally adopting the ISTE Standards for Education Leaders this month and becoming the first state to have adopted three sets of ISTE Standards: the Student Standards, Educator Standards and Education Leader Standards!
Alabama, Rhode Island, and Wyoming also recently adopted one or more sets of ISTE Standards. Alabama incorporated the ISTE Standards for Students in its refreshed Digital Literacy and Computer Science course of study. Wyoming adopted the ISTE Standards for Students through its updated Mathematics content and performance standards. Rhode Island endorsed the five sets of ISTE Standards (Students, Educators, Education Leaders, Coaches and Computer Science Educators). Additionally, New Hampshire included the ISTE Standards for Educators and Coaches in its new Digital Learning Specialist educator credential.
The ISTE Standards can be a catalyst for policy changes you'd like to see in your state in areas such as edtech for preservice teachers, professional development, digital citizenship and more.
TAKE ACTION
If you'd like ISTE's support in making the case for adopting the ISTE Standards in your state, reach out to us at advocacy@iste.org.
ISTE updates its policy platform.
ISTE's policy platform incorporates a number of priorities that guide our advocacy efforts and inform our work with policymakers, stakeholders and partner organizations in order to advance ISTE's vision and mission. Over the years, ISTE has been successful in championing federal and state policies, legislation and regulations that create the conditions for effective learning. In a constantly changing environment, ISTE continues to evaluate which issue areas are most vital to students' success and identify its new policy priorities.
TAKE ACTION
Read about ISTE's updated positions on key policy issues: educator preparation and professional development; broadband internet for learning; student privacy and security; digital citizenship; higher ed modernization; and computer science and computational thinking.