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 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 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 MoreInsert language from our partners at EdFi in your requests for proposals so that your school or district procures only technologies that are interoperable.
Read MoreLearn more about the Project Unicorn initiative.
Read MoreIn partnership with Lea(R)n Platform, Project Unicorn has launched a free service for schools to research EdTech products with a Project Unicorn Index. The hub is designed to allow for comprehensive edtech management, informed decision making and increased transparency in purchasing for schools and districts.
Read MoreIn this resource, we show four tiers of interoperability illustrating how you can gradually save time and glean important insights from interoperable systems in your classroom.
Read MoreUse this email template to reach out to your school and district leadership. Let them know how the lack of interoperability impacts your everyday life as an educator.
Read MoreWatch this short video by Digital Promise to learn about what data interoperability is and how it makes education better.
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 MoreRead MoreProgress reports go out on Thursday and the teachers are up in arms because they can’t enter scores into their online gradebook. This isn’t because the internet is down or due to a device malfunction—it’s because the online gradebook isn’t able to share data with the student information system (SIS)...
Marisa Kaplan, EdSurge
EdMatrix is a cooperative effort to create a directory of Education Standards. The emphasis is on Education Data standards but important Competency & Achievement standards and Design & Practice standards are also included.
Read MoreFrom the Center for Democracy and Technology, read this resource to learn more about the role of Chief Privacy Officer and why they are important to district teams.
Read MoreRead major takeaways, lessons, and highlights from the event held by Project Unicorn and Future of Privacy Forum in December 2018.
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.
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