Applying the four levels of evidence laid out by ESSA to decision-making can feel daunting, especially for administrators and teachers without an academic research background. However, understanding and putting to use the ESSA framework is not only critical to maintaining compliance for use of federal funding, but it’s also a key tool to make informed edtech decisions that will positively impact student achievement. That’s where LearnPlatform by Instructure’s ESSA Evidence Badges come in. These credentials can be earned by K-12 solutions, and offer a quick, trustworthy means for educators to understand a solution’s existing evidence base. 

Keeping digital learning environments safe for student and teacher data rests in part on knowing what education technology is being accessed. With this information, districts can then more easily identify areas of potential risk and begin to take action by reviewing privacy practices of unvetted edtech tools that are in use, improving communication about approved and available edtech tools, optimizing internal workflows and processes, and more. Kate Masterson, Assistant Director for Digital Security and Privacy for Carmel Clay Schools District, knows all too well how important addressing student data privacy challenges is.

Christopher Thieme, Executive Director of Educational Technology at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Illinois, takes on much of the responsibility of ensuring that these processes run smoothly for his team and district. Read on for a look at how LearnPlatform by Instructure supports his and his team’s efforts to modernize their processes to ensure they meet the district’s needs as priorities and requirements evolve. 

District leaders want to make informed decisions when it comes to the products they invest in and realize maximum return on investment. Making these decisions involves many stakeholders, so it is crucial that there is an efficient way to communicate and collaborate between teams.

There are thousands of edtech solutions available, and the right ones can have a big impact on teaching and learning. However, with so many options, it can be difficult to identify which tools work best for your teachers and students. That’s why holistic, evidence-based edtech management is imperative for district leaders to ensure tools being used are having positive impact on student outcomes.