Education and Reform

Smart Infrastructure, a research report from the Center for Digital Education and Converge, discusses the critical and changing need for IT support for educational institutions. Traditional learning models are being replaced with technology infused learning models, a transition that involves student and classroom devices, learning engagement tools, new assessment tools, and enhanced communication platforms. Budget and transparency challenges will require more innovation and more creative thinking to address these issues. Here are some resources to help with this process:

Related to Evolving Learning Environments

The Lumina Foundation
The League for Innovation in Community Colleges
The Instructional Technology Council
The Sloan Consortium
WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET)
The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)

Related to Online Assessments

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers

Related to Software-Defined Networking and Open Flow

Internet 2's "SON Collaboration Space"
The Open Networking Foundation (ONF)

Related to Big Data

The Predictive Analytics Reporting (PAR) Framework
The National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA)

Related to Technology in Education

The Center for Digital Education
Educause
The New Media Consortium

Allan Bergman, consultant with High Impact in Illinois, prepared a policy paper, "Expanding Employment and Career Options for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum in 21st Century Digital Media and Communications Technology." This policy paper addresses ongoing issues related to increased employment and career opportunities that, in spite of numerous federal laws and funding, have yet to be realized. The reauthorization of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Workforce Investment Act in 2012, provide an opportunity to urge and advance an employment agenda for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.   BergmanDI4.pdf

Is your school ready for preparing students for the 21st Century? The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) has surveyed 500 educators throughout the US to determine how well schools are educating students using 21st Century tools. It is the belief of SIIA that technology can help:

1. Schools meet the needs of all students
   
2. Support accountability and inform instruction
   
3. Deepen learning and motivate students
   
4. Facilitate communication, connectivity, and collaboration
5. Manage the education enterprise effectively and economically
   
6. Enable students to learn from any place at any time
   
7. Nurture creativity and self expression

The survey results can be found in this report: 09-RSV-SIIA.pdf

The 21st Century Partnership Skills (P21) is a national organization that advocates for 21st Century readiness for every student. As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation, P21 and its members provide tools and resources to help the U.S. education system keep up by fusing the three Rs and four Cs (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity/innovation). While leading districts and schools are already doing this, P21 advocates for local, state, and federal policies that support this approach for every school.

These links provide background information about P21:

Top 10 Actions for Educators

Information and resources about education and technology, and digital literacy to better prepare students for successful employment and future careers in the digital age.

The Linked Learning Alliance is a statewide coalition dedicated to improve California high schools, and prepare students for both postsecondary education and careers. Academics, technology skills, and work based learning are integrated in 15 major industries including arts and media, information technology, health science, engineering, and public service.

Horizons Report