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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Data interoperability is the seamless, secure, and controlled exchange of data between applications. Interoperability allows schools to bring together siloed data and leverage it in new ways to improve teaching and learning. Implementing interoperable standards allows edtech vendors to link their products to a broader ecosystem and increase product value. Learn more about interoperability and Project Unicorn with this resource!
Read MoreWhen it comes to data interoperability, sometimes it's hard to know what is fact and what is fiction. This resource tackles some of the most common myths and misconceptions about interoperability. Discover the truth with this resource from the Project Unicorn Technical Advisory Committee!
Read MoreNow more than ever, educators are facing both known and unknown challenges to ensure that learning keeps going - no matter what. This toolkit from Project Unicorn provides support for Educators looking for better ways to leverage interoperable technology to support student learning.
Technology is helping schools use student data to unlock insights into a student's learning to boost academic growth and understanding. But when our technology doesn't work well, it can hinder our ability to assess and meet the needs of our students. One way to fix this is by making education technology interoperable. Click here to learn more about how data interoperability advances student success and gives you back your Sundays.
Read MoreFrom improved instruction to data quality and efficiency, interoperability can help schools, states, students, teachers, districts, and families in ways you may not even realize. Read this resource to understand what interoperability is and what it means for groups across the education spectrum, from students to edtech vendors to state teams. See how real classrooms and school teams across the country have used interoperability to help their schools be better.
Read MoreLet’s be honest, interoperability doesn’t sound like a fun word and doesn’t do enough to talk about the magic that it gives us. Give this resource to the biggest skeptic of investing in interoperability to understand how interoperability is part of our everyday lives by going on a theoretical trip to Colorado.
Read MoreClassrooms across the country went dark in a matter of days when COVID-19 spread. For many schools, this meant that learning stopped as educators struggled to get their students' curriculum, learning materials, devices, and more without a digital ecosystem in place that allowed for quick solutions and online learning. In these stories from districts across the country who dealt with the 48-hour transition, learn what struggles and challenges they faced and how having a connected digital ecosystem supported all aspects of that transition, from logins and assessments to equity and inclusion. Read about how they tackled interoperability challenges and worked towards their edtech connectivity goals to create a digital atmosphere to ensure that learning kept going for students.
Read MoreSchools are demanding interoperable technology. If you’re on the non-technical side of things at your company, check out this resource to learn more about what interoperability means, how your company can implement it, and how you can better discuss it with your customers.
Read MoreAre you a software architect or developer looking to learn more about how to implement data interoperability within your tool? Read this resource for the first three steps to help you get started with the tools that can help you along the way.
Read MoreSchools across the country had the herculean task of transitioning to fully digital classrooms, effectively overnight. From the Project Unicorn Technical Advisory Committee, read this resource to see how interoperability standards can support a fully remote classroom through different use-cases. A must-read for tech directors and data teams.
Read MoreWe are excited to announce that the Project Unicorn Community Platform is now open! The Community Platform is a place for Project Unicorn Signatories to access new resources, start a community chat, apply for scholarships, and more.
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 how you can get started with Data Interoperability if you are a state leader.
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 why Data Interoperability matters for Vendors.
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.
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