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ISTE Lauds Ed Tech Bill
ISTE CEO Brian Lewis praised the
Transforming Education through
Technology Act, a bill that is making
its way through the U.S. Congress.
The bill, introduced by Rep. George
Miller (D-Calif.), aims to underscore
the key role digital technology plays in
all aspects of learning and teaching
to ensure every student is college
and career ready. In short, it would:
• Improve the achievement and college and career readiness of students
who have developed the ability to think critically, apply knowledge to
solve complex problems, work collaboratively, communicate effectively,
be self-directed, and be responsible digital citizens
• Ensure that all students have access to individualized, rigorous,
and engaging digital learning experiences
• Ensure that educators have the knowledge and skills to develop and
implement digital learning curricula, use technology effectively to
personalize and strengthen instruction, and effectively deliver and use
assessments to measure student outcomes and support student success
• Ensure that administrators have the leadership, management, knowledge,
and skills to design, develop, and implement a school or districtwide
digital age learning environment
“We’re a strong supporter of Congressman Miller’s Transforming Education
through Technology Act,” Lewis said. “The legislation’s focus on professional
learning for teachers and administrators is the key to developing and imple-
menting effective and engaging curriculum.”
U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.)
ISTE Teams Up with
ISTE Professional Development Services is training New York City Teach for
America (TFA) volunteers to effectively implement technology in the classroom.
ISTE is delivering two series of trainings for 32 TFA teachers focused on
using iPad apps in instruction across the curriculum. ISTE will also help the
organization select teachers who will train New York City classroom teachers
to use technology in the classroom.
Accreditation Organization
Approves ISTE Standards
The Council for the Accreditation
of Educator Preparation (CAEP,
formerly known as NCATE) has
granted final approval of ISTE’s
Technology Coach Standards and
Technology Director Standards
for use in advanced programs at
colleges of education. The Computer
Science Educator Standards were
approved with modifications.
For more than 20 years, ISTE
has served as one of 22 national
organizations charged with developing the standards that CAEP uses
to accredit colleges of education
throughout the United States.
“Now ISTE’s standards serve double
duty—as CAEP standards for preservice teachers and NETS for inservice
teachers,” said Carolyn Sykora, senior
project manager for ISTE’s Professional Development Services Department. “States or districts can use these
standards for hiring, job descriptions,
self-assessments, professional growth
plans, and professional development.”
ISTE has helped transform teacher
preparation programs through its
standards to integrate technology into
learning, teaching, and leading. The
Technology Coach, Technology Director, and Computer Science Educator
standards will be refreshed on a seven-year cycle. CAEP accredits nearly 700
U.S. schools of education.
