Featured Resources

Oct 10, 2024

TAC Series: Navigating the K-12 Education Procurement Landscape

Oct 10, 2024

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.

Oct 10, 2024

Aug 28, 2024

TAC Series: Safeguarding Student Data - Supporting Data Security and Privacy in K-12 Edtech

Aug 28, 2024

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.

Aug 28, 2024

Aug 13, 2024

TAC Series: Supporting Different Standards and Why It Matters to You as an Edtech Vendor

Aug 13, 2024

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.

Aug 13, 2024

Jul 30, 2024

TAC Series: The Value of Using Data Standards for State-Level Data

Jul 30, 2024

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.

Jul 30, 2024

Jul 16, 2024

TAC Series: Interoperability Certification for Empowering Data Stewardship

Jul 16, 2024

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.

Jul 16, 2024

Jul 2, 2024

TAC Series: Ensuring Data Quality in K-12 Education

Jul 2, 2024

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.

Jul 2, 2024

Jun 20, 2024

TAC Series: Data Modernization in K-12 Education

Jun 20, 2024

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.

Jun 20, 2024

Jun 13, 2024

LER Series: LER Credential Interoperability and Portability are Just the Beginning

Jun 13, 2024

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.

Jun 13, 2024

Jun 11, 2024

LER Series: Standards & Protocols That Ensure Credential Interoperability and Portability

Jun 11, 2024

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.

Jun 11, 2024

May 23, 2024

LER Series: A State's Perspective on Policy and Data Interoperability

May 23, 2024

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.

May 23, 2024

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Posts tagged PDF

First 3 Steps for Superintendents

Learn more about starting your journey towards interoperability as a superintendent.

District/School, EducatorsProject UnicornJanuary 1, 2020PDF, Guide

Leveraging Data for Academic Excellence

Read more about how highlights how state leaders tackle data interoperability with the emergence of data standards for student information, assessment, digital content, and other educational applications. Provided by SETDA.

StatesProject UnicornNovember 7, 2019PDF

Project Nessie

Read this 1-pager to learn more about Project Nessie a state initiative by CCSSO and SETDA focused on Nurturing Engagement & Support for State Education Interoperability Efforts.

StatesProject UnicornNovember 7, 2019PDF

Teachers Know Best

Read this study from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on making data work for teachers and students.

EducatorsProject UnicornDecember 1, 2014PDF