Procuring educational technology (edtech) in K-12 education presents numerous challenges for both the buyer (school districts and states) and the seller (educational technology solution providers). These challenges necessitate more effective communication between the supply-side vendors and the demand-side consumers - local education agencies (LEAs). In an era when technology and education intersect, these tools must meet specific quality benchmarks around safety, usability, accessibility, interoperability, and evidence-based design to support informed decision-making in this space.
Privacy and security in K-12 have never been more critical. As technology matures and advances, the use of education technology and artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widespread, the risks of attacks, human error, and other privacy and security concerns will only continue to grow. All roles involved in K-12 education must understand how to protect student data.
Standards are the backbone of interoperability in K-12 education technology. Whether moving data within a single platform or across multiple systems, having a clear set of criteria is essential. These criteria can be custom-built or adopted from existing community standards. This resource aims to help edtech solutions providers understand the importance of standards, the benefits of community collaboration, and expectations around navigating/implementing various standards to achieve seamless interoperability.
Understanding student achievements, resource allocations, and educational outcomes across demographics requires comprehensive data. However, many state education agencies (SEAs) maintain data in isolated silos with varying types and formats, hindering cross-state comparisons and national trend analyses. This inconsistency complicates educational planning and resource distribution.
The significance of product certifications in education technology software cannot be overstated. Among the myriad of certifications available for different product dimensions, those focused on data interoperability are crucial in signaling tool practices responsible for data stewardship. This resource delves into the rationale behind interoperability certification for education software providers, emphasizing the importance of data ownership, stewardship, and aligning certifications with core organizational objectives.
Data validation enhances data quality by ensuring the data in a source system is accurate and reliable. When strong data validation practices exist, K-12 leaders can make informed decisions and keep schools running smoothly. This resource dives into the essential aspects of data validation in education.
Data modernization is a multi-step process that improves an organization's data infrastructure, tools, and practices. It involves moving data from legacy systems to modern technologies, often in the cloud, to make data more accessible. It involves adopting contemporary technologies and strategies to address outdated data management practices.
For K-12 organizations, including local education agencies (LEAs), state education agencies (SEAs), and education service centers, data modernization is a critical journey that enables them to use the power of data to drive better decision-making and improve student outcomes.
Learning and Employment Records (LERs) are revolutionizing how we document and share our skills and achievements. These digital records include academic transcripts, licenses, certifications, and informal experiences, offering a comprehensive view of our lifelong learning.
LERs are comprehensive digital records that capture academic achievements, professional licenses, certifications, and even informal experiences. These records are dynamic and offer a holistic view of an individual's skills and accomplishments, aiding them in their educational and career journeys.
This resource covers credential creation & issuance, interoperability, secure sharing, and data privacy.
Focusing on data interoperability, particularly within the state policy context, provides significant opportunities for individuals to benefit from access to their own information and for state systems to serve residents through program improvement better. However, policymakers should keep in mind that other issues must remain a priority if they are to realize these outcomes. Data privacy and security, particularly in the K-12 space, must be considered alongside the advancement of technology solutions.
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To provide more insight and guidance into how edtech purchasing happens and consider how educators and leaders can work together to make more informed purchasing decisions, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and Project Unicorn have released Better Edtech Buying: A Practical Guide - Revised Edition.
Read MoreWhy One Supports the Other: Data interoperability is a helpful component to building and maintaining quality software. Interoperability isn't a panacea, but making intentional and informed choices about implementing an interoperability standard contribute to better development practice, better privacy practice, and better security practice. Here are 5 ways interoperability, privacy, and security enhance each other.
Read MoreThe Standards Glossary by Project Unicorn is a directory that contains a list of Interoperability Standards in K-12.
Read MoreClarity around how the Ed-Fi Alliance Standards and IMS Global Learning Consortium® Standards can be used in support of educators is a common and increasingly frequent request from the Ed-Fi Community. In many cases, Ed-Fi and IMS Global standards often seek to solve different problems, and therefore a better understanding of the tools and functionality available for various use cases is important to selecting the best solution for a given use case. Each organization’s technologies provide real, and distinct, value to users in their daily lives and work….
Read MoreAs local and state governments, businesses, and institutions across the country implement the first phases of reopening after weeks of lockdown, schools are beginning to plan for learning this fall…
Read MoreThis infographic illustrates that, when all the important people in their lives have appropriate access to information, individuals get the support they need to succeed.
Read MoreLearn about the benefits of signing the Project Unicorn pledge which includes joining a community of districts and vendors, access to other resources, scholarships, and technical support.
Read MoreLearn about the different organizations in K-12 that provide data standards to make Data Interoperability possible.
Read MoreLearn more about why Data Interoperability matters to schools.
Read MoreLearn more about starting your journey towards interoperability as a superintendent.
Read MoreThis issue brief shares state policy recommendations and action steps for policymakers who are supporting the redesign of educator workforce systems.
Read MoreSchool District Administrators: If you are just getting started with interoperability, use these first practical steps to begin.
Read MoreHow does your school network rank? Review the rubric to assess your tier of interoperability.
Read MoreYour customers are demanding interoperability. As more and more school districts commit to procuring interoperable EdTech products and platforms, it's important for vendors to stay ahead of the curve.
Read MoreCoSN has developed this Interoperability Toolkit to help districts increase the interoperability of their academic and operational systems.
Read MoreThis guide has been developed with input from CIOs/CTOs and is meant to address both data management and data privacy which are two major concerns that schools face each day.
Read MoreInsert language from our partners at A4L in your requests for proposals so that your school or district procures only technologies that are interoperable.
Read MoreIn this guide, you’ll find case studies from the perspective of educators and administrators, as well as a series of profiles that share how companies are thinking, planning and guiding their product development process to address these user needs.
Read MoreCheck out this resource from our partners at DQC to see how critical information is to supporting a student's unique path to graduation.
Read MoreRead why interoperability standards matter in K-12 education. CoSN has produced a report that showcases perspectives from district and school leaders and makes the case for data interoperability.
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