May 9, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) — On May 2, 2023, nearly 60 education technology leaders from 24 states met with policymakers on Capitol Hill. With stories of their experiences in hand, these edtech experts connected with key elected officials and their staffs to discuss actionable policies that will provide much-needed support for equitable access and secure student success.
This year’s annual event was led by SETDA, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking), ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), and SIIA (Software & Information Industry Association).
Participants began the morning by meeting with the Senators and House Representatives and discussing federal funding for edtech, the homework gap, cybersecurity, data privacy, and more. The group spent the afternoon at either the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Department of Education. At the FCC, the group heard from the staff of Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioner Simington, and Commissioner Starks. The Department of Education’s meetings included an update on current Office of EdTech (OET) projects as well as roundtable discussions on AI, accessible edtech, and other topics.
“We continue to urge Congress to invest in edtech to help modernize our classrooms, strengthen educators’ instructional practices, and prepare students for postsecondary success,” said Julia Fallon, Executive Director of SETDA. “It is time to look towards the future and to help policymakers see that vision.”
“Policymakers need to hear from their constituents to make wise policy. Our edtech advocates are subject-matter experts on how education is changing since the pandemic, and we must ensure equitable and safe access to technology to power learning. This was a great day for advancing understanding about the future of education, as well as making democracy work,” said Keith Krueger, Chief Executive Officer of CoSN.
“With improved device availability and connectivity, it’s time to use these resources more effectively, efficiently, and equitably. ISTE is committed to elevating educators’ voices with elected officials so they can advocate for the ongoing funding they need to expand their capacity to do so,” said Joseph South, Chief Learning Officer of ISTE.
“We are incredibly proud of the partnerships our edtech members form with schools to help America’s students learn and grow. Working side by side with educators, school administrators, and others on Tuesday as a unified voice in DC serves as a reminder to policymakers that our common issues are so very important,” said SIIA President Chris Mohr. “We will continue to work to amplify the voices of those championing these issues nationwide.”
To speak with senior representatives from SETDA, CoSN, ISTE, or SIIA, please contact Ellen Ullman.
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About SETDA
Founded in 2001, SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations.
About CoSN
CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education.
About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate the use of technology to solve tough problems and inspire innovation. ISTE hosts the annual ISTE Conference & Expo, one of the world’s most influential edtech events. The organization’s professional learning offerings include online courses, professional networks, year-round academies, peer-reviewed journals, and other publications. ISTE is also the leading publisher of books focused on technology in education.
About SIIA
SIIA is the only professional organization connecting more than 700 data, financial information, education technology, specialized content and publishing, and health technology companies. Our edtech membership develops and delivers software applications, digital instructional content, online and distance learning services, online assessment, and related technologies for millions of learners around the world.
