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CONTACT:
 Lan Neugent
Interim Executive Director
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Friday Institute and SETDA Release State Digital Learning Exemplars National Report
Highlights from states leading change through policies and funding

June 2, 2015 (Washington, DC) – The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) and the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State’s College of Education co-released the national report, State Digital Learning Exemplars National Report: Highlights from states leading change through policies and funding. States are striving to support the expansion of technology tools and resources in K12 education through state policies, programs and funding in order to provide digital learning opportunities for all students. This paper highlights examples of states with policies in support of 5 key areas: innovative funding streams and policy, digital content, human capacity, network infrastructure and data management and privacy.

“In Indiana, we are focused on all students graduating both college and career ready,” stated Glenda Ritz, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “At the state level, that means empowering our teachers and students with the resources, skills and support needed for their success in this digital age.” Ritz continued. “With innovative policies, professional learning opportunities, dedicated funding sources, and an emphasis on collaboration we are seeing true classroom transformation in the Hoosier state. This paper provides collaborative expertise and shared state examples that will benefit educators throughout the state.”

“This report will be of great value to policymakers and educators as they seek to support the changes in schooling needed to prepare today’s students to be successful in the global, digital, interconnected, rapidly changing world. The Friday Institute is pleased to have contributed to preparing this report,” shared Glenn Kleinman, Executive Director, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, NC State’s College of Education.

“Alabama is honored to be featured in SETDA’s Digital Learning Exemplars paper as helping to lead the way in digital transformation due to work already underway,” stated Dr. Tommy Bice, Alabama’s State Superintendent of Education. “Starting with our students as the focus for all teaching, leading, and learning improvements, the Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE), Office of Educational Technology, is leading the charge with Alabama’s Digital Transform 2020 Plan to guide legislation, policies, funding, infrastructure, and professional development.”

“SETDA is pleased to have collaborated with the Friday Institute to develop this national report. The report will be an asset to educators nationally, the exemplar states have set a high standards and provide comprehensive approaches for other states to consider as they move forward,” said Lan Neugent, Interim Executive Director, SETDA.

For more information visit: https://www.setda.org/priorities/digital-learning/digital-learning-state-policy-exemplars/

About the Friday Institute: The mission of the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at the NC State’s College of Education is to advance education through innovation in teaching, learning, and leadership. The Friday Institute conducts research, develops educational resources, provides professional development programs for educators, advocates to improve teaching and learning, and helps inform policy-making. http://fi.ncsu.edu/

About the State Educational Technology Directors Association:
 Founded in 2001, the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) is the principal association representing the technology leadership of state departments of education. The SETDA membership includes educational technology directors and colleagues from the state departments of education of all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Bureau of Indian Affairs, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands and the US Virgin Islands. www.setda.org