ISTE Launches Diagnostic Tool, Resource Library for Schools and Districts Navigating the Road to Technology Integration
WASHINGTON, D.C. (PRWEB) October 27, 2014 -- Now schools and districts navigating the path to technology integration will have a comprehensive roadmap to guide their journeys with the International Society for Technology in Education’s (ISTE®) launch of the Lead & Transform Movement. Based on ISTE’s Essential Conditions, the 14 critical elements for effective technology integration, the initiative provides educators with a free diagnostic tool and resources to guide them through the system-wide transition to technology-rich and standards-ready learning environments. Today teachers from around the country will take a guided tour of Lead & Transform with a special online open house, held in conjunction with Connected Educator Month.
During the Lead and Transform Town hall at ISTE 2014, “Overcoming the Barriers to Innovation,” Clark County (Nevada) School District Superintendent Pat Skorkowsy shared the way that the nation’s fifth largest district consulted the ISTE Essential Conditions to travel a successful path to technology integration. Describing the journey, he said, “Though technology is sprinting ahead of us, education is a marathon. We have to learn how to balance the two. We have to have a shared vision.”
Continuing Skorkowsky said, “We have to ensure the success of every one of our students in every one of our classrooms. Technology is a tool that can help us get there and if we are looking at things differently and being innovative, we can change the way that education is perceived across the nation and the way that we are able to move our kids forward.”
The ISTE Lead & Transform diagnostic tool allows CTOs, CIOs, school leaders and other decision makers to evaluate their school or district’s progress toward technology integration. A free resource, the diagnostic tool provides a snapshot of how a school or district measures up in meeting the 14 Essential Conditions, which are for learning and teaching with technology. The tool generates a free report that helps pinpoint strengths and areas for growth. With the data in the report, educator leaders can measure their schools progress toward becoming technology standards ready; support the development of comprehensive plans and decision-making; and identify the resources they need to meet their goals.
The Lead & Transform Resource Portal provides educators with additional information for developing a deep understanding of the 14 Essential Conditions that are foundational to the ISTE Standards and how using them supports effective technology integration.
ISTE Chief Innovation Officer Wendy Drexler, said, “Clark County School District’s transformation to a digital learning environment exemplifies the way that districts around the country can use the ISTE Essential Conditions to successfully implement change. Lead & Transform provides all schools and districts with the tools and resources to design and follow the unique paths necessary to make the transition and increase student engagement and achievement.”
For more information, visit http://www.iste.org/standards/lead-transform-movement.
About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) is the premier nonprofit organization serving educators and education leaders committed to empowering connected learners in a connected world. ISTE serves more than 100,000 education stakeholders throughout the world.
ISTE's innovative offerings include the ISTE Conference & Expo — one of the biggest, most comprehensive ed tech events — as well as the widely adopted ISTE Standards for learning, teaching and leading in the digital age and a robust suite of professional learning resources, including webinars, online courses, consulting services for schools and districts, books, and peer-reviewed journals and publications. For more information, visit iste.org. Connect with ISTE via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Jodie Pozo-Olano, International Society for Technology in Education, +1 804-986-6911, [email protected]
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