For years, the central question surrounding educational technology was relatively straightforward: What new tools should schools adopt? Today, district leaders are asking a very different set of questions: What technology is already being used? Who approved each product? What student data does it access? Is it delivering measurable value? Are…
Artificial intelligence may feel like an entirely new governance challenge for school districts. It introduces important questions about accuracy, bias, transparency, student data, intellectual property, human oversight, and the appropriate use of automated recommendations. These risks deserve focused attention—but they do not require districts to build an entirely separate governance…
EdTech governance should not belong to one department. It should be a districtwide responsibility supported by clear leadership, defined decision rights, and a shared system for managing every technology product throughout its lifecycle. For years, school districts have often treated educational technology as primarily an IT concern. Technology teams were…
A new school year brings new tools, new requests, new contracts—and often, the same old spreadsheets. For many K-12 technology leaders, spreadsheets have become the unofficial system of record for managing EdTech. One spreadsheet tracks software. Another tracks contracts and renewals. A third may track AI tools. Someone else maintains…
Artificial intelligence will enter schools this year through more than new, stand-alone tools. Teachers will experiment with generative AI platforms. Students will encounter AI-powered learning experiences. Departments will use AI to improve productivity. Vendors will continue adding AI features to products districts already own—sometimes without calling attention to how those…
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday teaching and learning. Educators are using AI to brainstorm lessons, create instructional materials, personalize activities, provide feedback, and save time on administrative work. But a tool that is easy to access is not necessarily approved—or appropriate—for classroom use. Before using a new AI…
The first weeks of a new school year can overwhelm even the most prepared district technology team. New employees need access to systems. Returning staff members forget passwords or struggle to locate familiar resources. Teachers want to know which tools are approved, how to use them, and where to get…
A new school year brings new employees, new students, new instructional priorities—and often, new technology. Before classrooms fill and support requests begin pouring in, districts have an opportunity to make sure their EdTech ecosystem is ready. That means looking beyond whether applications are technically available. Employees also need to know…
Summer may feel quieter across a school district, but technology teams know it is anything but slow. While classrooms are less active, district leaders are preparing devices, reviewing contracts, updating systems, supporting summer programs, and getting ready for the new school year. It is also one of the best opportunities…
EdTech governance is the process of ensuring every technology tool aligns with district goals, instructional priorities, compliance requirements, budget constraints, and operational standards. It answers critical questions such as: Why are we using this tool? Who approved it? Does it align with curriculum goals? Is student data protected? What contracts…
