Get Connected - February 2008 - (Page 5) 10 articulated a vision and invested in technology leadership responsible for realizing that vision. These districts have started to think of information technology as a way to change and restructure how core services and priorities are developed and delivered. These are districts where the superintendent has a clear and articulated vision and mission, and understands how technology will enable that vision in new strategic ways. The school board and the community acknowledge, support and provide the financial resources to realize this vision. Typically, these districts think of technology as a horizontal and crosscutting process (as opposed to a vertical department) that underscores everything the district does. CoSN believes our nation must advance K-12 education by following their example. They suggest five over-arching strategic goals that superintendents should undertake: • UNDERSTAND the current landscape and opportunities around the use of technology in schools today. • Encourage a compelling VISION around 21st century learning. Technology is not an add-on. Using technology effectively in education involves more than integration; it requires embedding technology strategically across the learning environment. • INVEST in the professional development of all educators, particularly administrators (principals and district staff). Enable them to see, experience and use technology in powerful, transformative ways. • SUPPORT the creation of senior-level CTO/CIO positions in school districts – experts with the skills and expertise to implement and enable this vision. • ENGAGE all stakeholders in the vision. To get started, CoSN is creating an online Superintendent Tool Kit that provides access to best practices and innovative ideas from school districts across the county. In addition, CoSN will be providing professional development opportunities for superintendents during key regional and national conferences. These new resources designed with the busy superintendent in mind will be launched at the end of March. Look for announcements and information in the next few weeks on the CoSN website, www.cosn.org. It can be a daunting challenge for superintendents to keep up with the latest in effective technology solutions. As one superintendent noted, “A superintendent will need to read a lot, be willing to pilot new things and understand how to tie it all in with standards. We need to adopt assessments to allow us to see if students are learning. The biggest change we have to adjust to is that students now learn 24/7. If we are not the leaders in this world, there are a lot of companies that will step in and do it for us. A superintendent needs to understand this and be ready for it. Technology needs to be as accessible at school as it is at Starbucks or at home.” CoSN stands ready to support superintendents in creating a sustained vision for technology and a culture of adoption. CoSN invites superintendents to participate and take advantage of these resources to create their own vision and means for change with a systemic approach to technology. “Hallmarks of Excellence” for Tech Savvy Superintendents The following criteria are the ones used by eSchool News in identifying tech-savvy superintendents for award recognition: 1. Is a general superintendent. (This is a criterion of the award.) 2. Models the effective use of technology in the day-to-day execution of the superintendency. are equitably distributed among students and staff. 3. Ensures that technology resources 4. Insists that adequate professional development is a component of every technology initiative. 5. Demonstrates exceptional vision in leading the development and implementation of a district-wide technology plan. 6. Exhibits a thorough understanding of the role of technology in education and can articulate that understanding to all school district stakeholders. supporting the integration of technology into the curriculum. 7. Provides exceptional leadership in 8. Demonstrates exceptional vision in employing technology to streamline school district business operations. 9. Demonstrates curiosity and open-mindedness in considering emerging technologies and weighing non-traditional solutions to traditional problems. about the long-term challenges and opportunities of technology in the school district and in education at large. 10. Thinks creatively and strategically For more information, visit www.eschoolnews.com 5 http://www.cosn.org http://www.eschoolnews.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Get Connected - February 2008 Get Connected - February 2008 CoSN’s Small District & Superintendent Initiatives Contents New E-mail Archiving “Exceeds Expectations” Now that E-Rate Season Is Over Digital Learning Spaces 2010 Get Connected - February 2008 Get Connected - February 2008 - CoSN’s Small District & Superintendent Initiatives (Page 1) Get Connected - February 2008 - New E-mail Archiving “Exceeds Expectations” (Page 2) Get Connected - February 2008 - Now that E-Rate Season Is Over (Page 3) Get Connected - February 2008 - Now that E-Rate Season Is Over (Page 4) Get Connected - February 2008 - Now that E-Rate Season Is Over (Page 5) Get Connected - February 2008 - Now that E-Rate Season Is Over (Page 6) Get Connected - February 2008 - Digital Learning Spaces 2010 (Page 7) Get Connected - February 2008 - Digital Learning Spaces 2010 (Page 8)
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