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Technology in Education Standards

District 401's use of instructional technology is aligned with the globally recognized standards developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).

The Arlington, Va.-based organization describes these standards as follows:

ISTE Standards are a framework for students, educators, administrators, coaches and computer science educators to rethink education and create innovative learning environments. The standards help educators and education leaders worldwide re-engineer schools and classrooms for digital-age learning, no matter where they are on the journey to effective edtech integration.

Standards, whether subject-specific or state or federally mandated, tend to be content-based, but the ISTE Standards are usable across all content areas and age levels.

Rather than offering a checklist of content to cover, ISTE Standards spell out the essential characteristics, traits and competencies that students, teachers and administrators should possess in the technology-rich learning environments of the 21st century. 

Student Standards

Helping our students become active, lifelong learners is at the heart of what we do as educators. The ISTE Standards for Students describe the skills and knowledge that our students need to thrive, grow and contribute in a global, interconnected and constantly changing society.

Specifically, the standards call for students to become:

  • Empowered learners
  • Digital citizens
  • Knowledge constructors
  • Innovative designers
  • Computational thinkers
  • Creative communicators
  • Global collaborators

To learn more about these standards and the indicators that provide evidence of their attainment, please click here.

Educator Standards

Educators have always held the key to student success. But their role is changing. The ISTE Standards for Educators define the digital-age skills and pedagogical insights educators need to teach, work and learn in an age marked by rapid technological change.

Specifically, the standards call for educators to fully harness their abilities as:

  • Learners
  • Leaders
  • Citizens
  • Collaborators
  • Designers
  • Facilitators
  • Analysts

To learn more about these standards and the indicators that provide evidence of their attainment, please click here.

Education Leader Standards

The ISTE Standards for Education Leaders guide administrators in supporting digital-age learning and leading the transformation of the educational landscape. These standards target the knowledge and behaviors required for leaders to empower both teachers and students.

Specifically, the standards call for education leaders to marshal their talents as:

  • Equity and citizenship advocates
  • Visionary planners
  • Empowering leaders
  • Systems designers
  • Connected learners

To learn more about these standards and the indicators that provide evidence of their attainment, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional information about the standards discussed above for students, teachers and administrators, please visit the ISTE Standards FAQ.