Digital Discourse / Education Policy

SIIA Policy Forum Supports Dialogue between Education Leaders and Technology Developers

April 23, 2013 By

SIIA’s long tradition as liaison between education leaders and technology developers was continued recently at SIIA’s annual Ed Tech Government Forum in Washington, DC. The annual forum brings SIIA member developers of educational applications and digital content together with policymakers, administrators and non-profit leaders.

The discussions help both inform publishers about the impact of publich policies on education so they can better meet the needs of students and educators, as well as drive conversations regarding the public-private partnerships needed to address educational (technology) challenges and opportunities. This year’s forum was enhanced by the participation of some 75 local and state education administrators attending the second half of the event through SIIA’s partnership with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA).

Among the highlights this year:

  • Keynote speakers U.S. Rep. George Miller,  Mary Esselman (MI Achievement Authority), and Michael Yudin (USED Acting Assistant Secrtary) all spoke about the critical role of technology and digital learning to meeting the goals of educational access and personalized learning.
  • Leaders from the PARCC and SBAC CCSS state assessment consortia solicited support to better prepare students for the new standards and assessments, talked through the challenges of ensuring technology readiness, and indicated that some states and districts may delay their shift to online testing.
  • Leading policy analysts and advocates outlined the growing digital learning momentum in state capitals across the country, discussed the politics of education reform, and identified key policy initiatives in NC, AZ, HI, ME, LA and other states.
  • Higher education leaders Amy Sherman (CAEL) and Hal Plotkin (USED) shared how federal policy changes are poised to drive a shift from seat-time credit hours to competency-based learning, including the expanding use of prior learning assessments to better target instruction and improve learning efficiencies in time and resources.
  • FCC Commissioner Rosenworcel announced a package of proposed changes to the E-Rate, which would increase its funding, improve its administration, and enhance digital learning access to students and teachers.
  • Capitol Hill advocacy day with education and industry leaders helping inform Members of Congress and their staffs about the important federal role in supporting educational improvement through technology and digital learning.
  • Education leaders also addressed the issues of funding, NCLB waivers, ESEA reauthorization, and the balance between data-driven improvement and student privacy.

Speaker presentations, audio recordings and session summaries will be made available to SIIA members.

 

Mark SchneidermanMark Schneiderman is Senior Director of Education Policy at SIIA.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Education, Education Events, Education Policies, Education Policy, Events, Personalized Learning, Policy, Uncategorized

Commission Calls For More Streamlined, Accountable Standards for Online Learning

April 18, 2013 By

A commission led by former education secretary Richard Riley is leading an effort to make online learning more streamlined and accountable.

The panel, called The Commission on the Regulation of Postsecondary Distance Education, released a report Thursday calling for a simplified process that would make it easier for students to take online classes from institutions in other states. The report says:

“Unless alternatives are developed to the current 50+ state compliance system, many providers may choose to limit the states where distance education is offered, thereby denying access to students who otherwise would not have those educational opportunities.”

Streamlining the regulations for online learning would also make it easier to ensure that the classes meet criteria for institutional quality, consumer protection, and institutional financial responsibility. The report says:

“… concerns persist regarding possible abuses in the delivery of distance education that may require specific forms of government oversight that is not now being consistently and coherently provided.”

Today, 30% of college students will take least one online course during their educational career. Now is the right time to make it easier and more accessible for them to fulfill their degree requirements.

View the full report, called “Advancing Access through Regulatory Reform: Findings, Principles, and Recommendations for the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).

Laura Greenback is Communications Director at SIIA. Follow the SIIA Public Policy team at @SIIAPolicy.

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Filed Under: Education, Education Policy, Policy Tagged With: ,

K-12 Education Technology Leaders and Policymakers Convene in Washington for ‘2013 Ed Tech Policy Summit’

April 18, 2013 By

Last week, the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), in conjunction with the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), co-hosted the 2013 Washington Education Technology Policy Summit. Bringing together 125 participants from more than 25 states, the annual summit featured remarks from policymakers and meetings with Members of Congress on education technology-related policy issues, including Common Core State Standards, Elementary and Secondary Education Act(ESEA) and E-Rate.

A centerpiece of the summit was an address by FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who laid out her “E-Rate 2.0” plan to summit participants: “Access to adequate broadband capacity in our schools and libraries is not a luxury – it is a necessity for our next generation to be able to compete… We need to protect what we have already done, build on it, and put this program on a course to provide higher speeds and greater opportunities in the days ahead.”

Rosenworcel’s five point proposal to “reboot, reinvigorate and recharge E-Rate” includes: 1) more funding; 2) clear capacity goals; 3) new and creative public-private partnerships; 4) a simpler process for applicants; and 5) a study of the impact of the FCC’s School Spots program closing the school-to-home digital learning gap. She concluded her remarks by saying: “E-Rate has already done so much good – and there is opportunity to do so much more.” The full speech can be found at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-320122A2.pdf.

Representative George Miller, Senior Democrat on the U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee, also addressed the gathering and thanked participants for their support for his recently introduced Transforming Education Through Technology Act (H.R. 521), which would advance digital learning environments.

CoSN, ISTE, SETA and SIIA issued the following statement:

We thank both Commissioner Rosenworcel and Representative Miller for their continued leadership in modernizing federal policies to ensure that all students gain access to the best digital education resources so necessary to their schooling and preparedness. Commissioner Rosenworcel’s bold proposal to remake and grow the E-Rate is much needed, while Congressman Miller’s proposed legislation would provide complementary educational resources and teacher support through the U.S. Department of Education. We look forward to working further with them and other national leaders to advance these critical policies.

The event concluded with Congressional visits on Capitol Hill, where summit participants advocated:

  • Reestablishing a dedicated educational technology program in any Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization legislation now before Congress; and
  • Raising the E-Rate’s annual cap to ensure that schools and libraries can provide a technological infrastructure that is sufficient to equip all students for college and careers.

Mark SchneidermanMark Schneiderman is Senior Director of Education Policy at SIIA. Follow the SIIA Policy team on Twitter at @SIIAPolicy

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Education, Education Events, Education Policy, Policy

February’s What’s New in Common Core Standards & Assessments?

March 7, 2013 By

In February data and pilots for the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) became available. As the implementation date creeps closer, more decisions are being made, steps taken and information made available. To help SIIA members better track the details and trends, SIIA has created a monthly report for SIIA members on the newest and most relevant information, aggregated and summarized.

Highlights from this month include more information on accommodation regulations, an example of curriculum selection in New York, and pilot tests. These are all in the February CCSS document with summaries and links to more information for member companies and links to share with their client schools as they prepare for the transition.

The SIIA monthly series will contain information on both the major assessment organizations, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), as well as on the standards definitions and implementation.  This will provide a comprehensive archive for members to access and reference.

Look for more updates by SIIA Education Policy in a month!

Meanwhile, SIIA members can review past SIIA webinars on CCSS, SBAC and PARCC, as well as register for SIIA’s Ed Tech Government Forum, April 9-11 in Washington, DC featuring several sessions addressing these issues.

 

Lindsay HarmanLindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division. Follow the Education team on twitter at @SIIAEducation

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Ed Tech Industry Summit, Education, Education Policy Tagged With: , , , ,

State of the States: What Governors are Saying about Digital Learning

February 28, 2013 By

State policies, budgets and regulations have a significant impact on school implementation of educational technology.  Since the beginning of the New Year, governors across the country have been delivering their State of the State speeches and presenting their budget proposals for the next fiscal year. As outlined in a new SIIA members-only report, education including technology was a key theme for many governors.

Many governors spoke of the importance of literacy and competency by 3rd grade, and some proposed additional spending for that goal. Common Core transition was less mentioned. There was more funding proposed for scholarship funds than for internal investments in higher education institutions and systems. Performance based funding was also a hot topic amongst the governors, and many proposed shifting of more funds into performance based formulas, especially in higher education. Flexible funding was another topic that many governors focused on and proposed in both speeches and budget proposals.

Specific digital technology funding and initiatives came from the speeches and budget proposals. Both Ohio and Arizona proposed $20 million in funding for 21st century assessments (PARCC & SBAC). Increased IT infrastructure funds were mentioned in budgets by Georgia, Arizona, & Florida. STEM education initiatives were proposed by Virginia, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Many governors encouraged in speeches or through funding the continued development of virtual higher education resources.

SIIA has produced a summary of the policy agendas and budgets from governors of the 15 most populous states, with a focus on their proposals regarding education technology.  SIIA members can download the SIIA State of the States summary document for a state-by-state breakdown with links to the budget proposals and speeches. The importance of state funding is another topic to look for at the SIIA Ed Tech Government Forum April 9-11 in Washington DC, members should register to learn more.

Lindsay HarmanLindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Ed Tech Industry Summit, Education, Education Policies, Education Policy Tagged With: , , , , ,

New SIIA California State Report Highlights Impact of Prop 30 and Other California Programs

February 20, 2013 By

After many years of budget crisis, California schools and colleges are expecting a much needed funding increase after voter passage in November of California Proposition 30.  The measure increases taxes on the highest earners in California and distributes those funds into the “Education Protection Account.” A per-pupil increase of at least $200 is expected, though it is unclear if funds will simply go into the general education fund or will be earmarked for specific programs.  In recent years, school districts have received funding flexibility in light of funding cuts, freeing up many previously restricted funds to be used for many locally-determined purposes, including for technology, content and software.  SIIA’s recently released California State Report includes details of key state programs and funding.

Governor Brown released his budget plan in January 2013, calling for continued and increased funding of education mostly through additional flexible funds provided through Proposition 30.  Look for an upcoming SIIA State of the States report for a summary of proposals by Governor Brown and governors in the 15 largest states.

The SIIA California State Report is the first in a new SIIA series of reports detailing the educational programs within the largest states.  As the more populous state in the U.S. and the home of Silicon Valley, California is certainly one of the major education technology markets. While funding for education initiatives has been generally tight in California, this report contains valuable information to help companies navigate these murky waters.  This report summarizes the key funding that local districts rely on, including for educational technologies and instructional resources.  It also outlines the state agency structure with specialized programs, contact information, links, and descriptions of certain key policies and procedures such as around instructional materials.

This report is designed to be a one-stop navigation tool for member companies interested in operating within California.  The California State report is available to SIIA members only.  Look for more State Reports and updates from SIIA on our Education Policy Page.  We also encourage members to register for SIIA’s Ed Tech Government Forum, April 9-11 in Washington, DC which will also address the role the of the state in education policy and funding.

Lindsay HarmanLindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Ed Tech Industry Summit, Education, Education Policies, Education Policy, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

What’s new in Common Core Standards & Assessments?

February 13, 2013 By

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) continue to be a core driver of educational policies and practice, including for education technology and digital learning. As the deadline inches closer, more decisions are being made, steps taken and information made available. To help SIIA members better track the details and trends, SIIA is launching a new series of monthly reports for SIIA members on the newest and most relevant information, aggregated and summarized.

Notable releases from the SIIA January 2013 report include new system framework guidelines and accommodation policies by the two assessment consortia. Also included are studies with data supporting implementation and recommendations to both developers and school districts as they create their plans for the transition to CCSS.

The SIIA monthly series will  contain information on both the major assessment organizations, Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) and Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), as well as on the standards definitions and implementation.  As information is released, it will be added as well, creating a one-stop resource for SIIA members working to ensure their products and services help meet education common core related needs.

Look for more updates by SIIA Education Policy in a month!

Meanwhile, SIIA members can review past SIIA webinars on CCSS, SBAC and PARCC, as well as register for SIIA’s Ed Tech Government Forum, April 9-11 in Washington, DC featuring several sessions addressing these issues.

 

Lindsay HarmanLindsay Harman is Market and Policy Analyst for the SIIA Education Division.

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Filed Under: Ed Tech Government Forum, Ed Tech Industry Summit, Education, Education Events, Education Policies, Education Policy, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
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