SETDA

Seven major education organizations have joined forces to establish quality indicators for ed-tech tools in the EdTech Index, achieved by validation through a variety of third-party certification processes.

The Consortium for School Networking at its annual conference last week announced two free assessment tools for K-12 districts: a questionnaire to assess an ed-tech vendor’s data risks, and a rubric on AI readiness.

SETDA, CoSN and 10 other nonprofits or professional associations applaud the Federal Communications Commission’s initiative but ask the federal agency to protect sensitive data during the pilot.

According to SETDA, 32 states have statewide digital learning plans, a dozen require local districts to come up with their own plans, and some have provisions other than mandates to encourage classroom technology use.

The second annual report on education technology trends by the State Educational Technology Directors Association notes that the emergence of ChatGPT has given state education leaders new problems to worry about.

A coalition of education advocacy groups have asked the FCC to allow schools to use federal E-rate funding to strengthen their IT security infrastructure amid an onslaught of cyber attacks targeting the education sector.

A nationwide survey of education and state leaders conducted by the State Educational Technology Directors Association revealed that cybersecurity and digital equity remain top issues for K-12 schools.

The Washington, D.C., event brought policymakers and other ed-tech stakeholders together to discuss policy proposals geared toward closing the digital divide, putting Wi-Fi on buses and other topics.

Education policy advocates say the bill provides crucial funding for K-12 Internet access necessary for online learning, which continues to be popular following last year's COVID-19 school closures.

The Enhancing K-12 Cybersecurity Act hopes to bolster funding for school cybersecurity, as well as federal data tracking of cyber crimes amid an increase in ransomware and phishing incidents in schools.

The association of ed-tech leaders gave its inaugural SETDA Candice Dodson Influencer Award to Richardson for her work championing digital learning and her involvement with several state-level teams and initiatives.

Ed tech policy advocates are asking the FCC for help funding cybersecurity in public schools, as virtual learning continues and K-12 education is the most-targeted public sector for ransomware attacks.

Working with industry, leading education organizations can further opportunities for students.

A new report emphasizes equitable Internet access at school and elsewhere.