Technology equity has evolved over the years, and we must be open to the needs of tomorrow, next year, and five years down the road.
Since 2016, CoSN has been honoring innovative school districts that address digital equity. This year, the prestigious Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity was awarded to Louisa County Public Schools in Virginia.
Presented by Doug Straley, Division Superintendent, Louisa County Public Schools (VA); David Childress, Director of Technology, Louisa County Public Schools (VA); Kenny Bouwens, Director of CTE/STEAM and Innovation, Louisa County Public Schools (VA); and Keith Krueger, Chief Executive Officer, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking) EmpowerED Superintendents Initiative
Every year, CoSN awards a school district with the Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity to encourage and recognize those districts that are working to eliminate inequities and narrow the digital access gap. In a recent edWebinar, sponsored by ClassLink and co-hosted by CoSN and AASA, representatives from Desert Sands Unified School District, CA (the 2021 winner) and Santa Fe Public Schools, NM (the 2020 winner) presented their keys to success.
Presented by Scott Bailey, Superintendent, Desert Sands Unified School District (CA); Kelly May-Vollmar, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Desert Sands Unified School District (CA); Dr. Veronica Garcia, Superintendent, Santa Fe Public Schools (NM); and Dr. Tom Ryan, Retired Chief Information and Strategy Officer, Santa Fe Public Schools (NM)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, EmpowerED Superintendent Initiative, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
“Techquity,” as defined by educator and consultant Ken Shelton in a recent edLeader Panel, sponsored by NetRef, is the intersection of the use of technology and ensuring equitable learning environments. He defines equity simply as access and opportunities for all learners to realize their full potential. Whether it is a classroom, the school, or the whole school experience, if a student’s learning environment is not culturally affirming, culturally responsive, and culturally relevant, they cannot connect learning to their real-world environment.
Presented by Dr. Peter Aiken, Superintendent, Manheim Central School District (PA); Dr. Amy Carter, Superintendent, Meridian Public School District (MS); Dr. Matthew Dillon, Superintendent, Petal School District (MS); and Dan Leffingwell, Superintendent, Noble Local School District (OH)
Moderated by Ann McMullan, Project Director, EmpowerED Superintendent Initiative, CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)
Presented by Martin Ricardo Cisneros, Modern Learning Advisor and Director of Technology, Berryessa Union School District (CA)
With the pandemic has come a reckoning on how big the digital equity gap is in the United States. During an edWebinar sponsored by ClassLink and co-hosted by CoSN and AASA, three superintendents discussed their observations about digital equity and what their districts need to do next.