Even before COVID-19 created online, remote, and hybrid learning environments in school districts across the country, most district and school leaders struggled with chronic absenteeism in their schools. Researchers like Dr. Todd Rogers, Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University and Chief Scientist at EveryDay Labs, have tirelessly worked with school districts to identify, develop and implement strategies to reduce absenteeism at scale.

While gaps in technology access were highlighted during the pandemic, many school and district leaders are trying to make strides with an even older issue: educational equity for children of all races and economic backgrounds. In the edWebinar, “Leading for Equity: Pursuing an Equity Agenda,” hosted by AASA, The Superintendents Association and AASA’s Leadership Network, Dr. Frank Barnes, Chief Equity and Accountability Officer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), and Kimberly Vaught, Principal, Allenbrook Elementary School, discussed their approach to building equity.

The current crisis has highlighted the disparity between students with and without equitable access to technology, especially in rural schools. While most teachers are being asked to take their lessons directly to the students’ homes, many administrators know that the challenges in their district go beyond whether or not students have enough devices to do their classwork. During CoSN and ClassLink’s edWebinar, “Leading Digital Transformations in Rural School Districts,” the presenters talked about how the COVID-19 situation amplifies the obstacles rural schools face transitioning to a 21st century learning environment.

Presented by Dr. Baron R. Davis, Superintendent, Richland School District Two (SC); Dr. Helen Grant, Chief Diversity and Multicultural Inclusion Officer, Richland School District Two (SC); and Dr. Sabina Mosso-Taylor, Principal, Jackson Creek Elementary School (SC)
Moderated by Dr. Valerie Truesdale, Assistant Executive Director, AASA, The School Superintendents Association

Presented by Dr. Luvelle Brown, Superintendent, Ithaca City School District (NY); Lily Talcott, Deputy Superintendent, Ithaca City School District (NY); and Deborah Ptak, Principal, Lehman Alternative Community School, Ithaca City School District (NY)

As school districts have become more diverse and focused on the importance of providing an equitable education for students from different cultures, the need has grown for a consistent and effective approach to improving the achievement of all learners and engaging their families in the process.

Budgets. Student outcomes. Constituent communications. Previously, these were key elements in developing a strategic technology plan. And while those issues are still important, school and district leaders must now factor in that schools may never function the same way again. In the edWebinar, “Strategic Technology Planning: Aligning Priorities, Costs, Outcomes and Sustainability,” the presenters discussed new items that must become part of strategic plans.

Beyond just the ability to pivot and be prepared for any type of learning, the pandemic has brought new concerns with “Zoom bombing” and increased outside access to school networks. As part of a series on technology best practices for school district leaders, presenters in an edWebinar sponsored by ClassLink and co-hosted by CoSN and AASA discussed five key reasons why everyone needs to be on top of their cybersecurity plan and continuously evaluate its effectiveness.

Rural school districts face many unique trials, and access to educational technology is no different. But the obstacles aren’t just about location. In many cases, school leaders need to justify why the district should invest in the first place. During the edWebinar “Technology in Rural Schools: Leading with Why,” the presenters discussed how they overcame challenges and helped the community understand the value of tech in schools.

Presented by Dr. Stacie Stanley, Associate Superintendent, Eden Prairie Schools (MN), Tim Beekmann, Principal, Eden Lake Elementary School (MN), and Valora Unowsky, Associate Principal, Eden Lake Elementary School (MN)
Moderated by Dr. Valerie Truesdale, Assistant Executive Director, AASA, The School Superintendents Association