State Policy
State policy is set first of all by state law, which means that states vary greatly in their implementation of educational technology. Federal law also affects state policy, especially by citing the criteria for disbursement of funds. Within those bounds, there is frequently a large measure of discretion for SEAs and state telecommunications agencies in the design and implementation of technology. This leads to further differences between states. An attempt has been made by Dr. Chris Dede of Harvard University to establish a set of indicators and essential questions which form a framework for comprehensive state policy in educational technology. The framework includes seven categories:
- State technology standards and assessments for students
- State technology standards, assessments, professional development and assistance for teachers, teacher educators, and administrators
- Statewide subsidized electronic network linking districts and other stakeholders for information exchange, collaboration and distance education
- Statewide program providing data or administrative systems to districts (e.g., fiscal databases, student assessment results)
- State guidelines for technology-related facilities design, equipment, software, connectivity and infrastructure
- State sponsored research and evaluation of educational technology initiatives; development of educational technology devices, applications and approaches; dissemination and adaptation of educational technology
- State strategic plan for educational improvement, including technology; state funding for educational technology plans and initiatives
Under the sponsorship of Learning Point Associates, Dr. Dede has developed a rubric for assessing state educational technology policy which highlights 19 policy areas based on an analysis of state policies in the north central region and the framework above.