The New Global Economy is calling for us to renovate our Education System by creating Empowered Learners. The International Society for Technology in Education (ITSE) provides a framework for accomplishing this task with guiding principles dedicated to all levels of education, from the student to the state level.  2016 initiated the release of updated and more intuitive standards for Students, Educators, and Educational Leaders, that moves from simply using technology in education, to empowering and creating innovative thinking with the global connectedness technology offers.  An update to the standards for Administrators is scheduled for release in June, 2018.

The Standards are a framework that assists in creating conditions and actions that support digital age learning which is essentially 21^st Century learning.  ISTE is a lighthouse of Digital Age Learning.  Inside the framework are meaningful guidelines that encourages the enhancement of the learning environment with technology.

I have Compiled the Essentials here for a quick overview, as well as links to take you directly to the content described.  In my overview I describe each standard as a characteristic of a possessed skill set.  Each characteristic (standard) is supported by indicators of success (evidenced traits).  I really do suggest taking time to see what else ISTE offers in addition to the Standards.  ISTE makes available ideas and action plans to support integrating standards in your learning environment.

ISTE ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS

A framework of 14 elements required for a School or District to successfully use technology for learning.

1. Shared Vision, 2.  Empowered Leaders, 3.  Implementation Planning, 4.  Consistent and Adequate Funding, 5.  Equitable Access, 6.  Skilled Personnel, 7.  Ongoing Professional Learning, 8.  Technical Support, 9.  Curriculum Framework, 10.  Student-Centered Learning, 11. Assessment and Evaluation, 12.  Engaged Communities, 13.  Support Policies, and Supportive External Context.

ISTE STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS

Describes the characteristics that define the skills students need to be successful stewards in the 21^st.

            7 Characteristics (Standards)

1. Empowered Learner, 2. Digital Citizen, 3.  Knowledge Constructor, 4.  Innovative Designer, 5.  Computational Thinker, 6.  Creative Communicator 7.  Global Collaborator.

ISTE STANDARDS FOR EDUCATORS

            Describes the characteristics of Learning Leaders in the 21^st Century Classroom.

• Characteristics (Standards)

1. Learner, 2. Leader, 3. Citizen, 4.  Collaborator, 5. Designer, 6.  Facilitator, 7.  Analyst.

ISTE STANDARDS FOR LEADERS

Describes characteristics of School Administrative Leaders in understanding and supporting the 21^st Century Classroom.  Leader standards have a unique feel, as they appear to call the Leaders to action.

5 Characterizes (Standards)

1. Equity and Citizenship Advocate, 2.  Visionary Planner, 3.  Empowering Leader, 4.  Systems Designer, 5.  Connected Learner.

ISTE STANDARDS FOR COACHES

Highlights characteristics that should be modeled by the Coach to enhance experiences for the Educators.

6 Characteristics (Standards)

1. Visionary Leadership, 2.  Teaching, Learning, and Assessment, 3. Digital Age Learning Environments, 4.  Professional Development and Program Evaluation, 5. Digital Citizenship, 6.  Content Knowledge and Professional Growth.

Which standards are/will you be working on?  Leave a note below.

  For some real fun check out their upcoming events.  https://www.iste.org/events/iste-events