Education’s Role in Competitiveness
Technology is the Catalyst for Modernizing Teaching & Learning
Mechanisms for Sharing the Benefits of Successful Programs

There are many examples of successful programs using educational technology that states and local school districts have developed to help teachers teach and students learn.  It is important to share these programs and their successes with community leaders, parents, and federal, state, and local legislators – they are the ones who will make the policy and funding decisions for these programs. Sharing the benefits of these successful programs also enables other states, districts, and schools to replicate these programs.  Listed below are some of the mechanisms states are using to share information about their programs.

• Online monthly newsletter distributed to multiple stakeholders
• Website
• Program brochures/information sheets
• Educational technology professional organizations
  
• Conferences
  
• Workshops to demonstrate new technology to administrators, teachers, students
  
• Reports to local school boards
  
• Marketing strategy – regular communications with school superintendents, principals, other local officials to promote program
  
• Invite federal, state, and local legislators, community leaders, and parents to visit schools
  
• Targeted emails to federal, state, and local legislators and community leaders
  
• Meet with federal, state, or local legislators
  
• Provide testimony to legislators
  
• Host a technology fair – parents and community members can see the results of students’ work
  
• State Superintendents’ newsletter
• Press release for new program
• Publish an article in an education journal

Examples

Texas Capitol Schoolhouse - legislative event to give students and teachers across the state an opportunity to demonstrate how technology is being used to improve the way teachers teach and students learn

Host a contest showcasing students’ use of technology – 1Vision Showcase -