The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and its Texas state affiliate chapter, The Texas K-12 CTO Council, are honored to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.

Last month we addressed the issues involved with ensuring accessibility for all. As learning environments continue to move toward digital learning settings, it is critical that schools assure that an equitable, effective learning ecosystem exists everywhere, at all times, for all students. CoSN is pleased to provide school leaders (and all the stakeholders they serve) with five compelling steps to take now to ensure accessibility in the CoSN Critical Focus Area: Issue One Pager on Accessibility.

This month we focus on the topic of leading digital transformations in rural school districts and also on how school district leaders can safely and successfully leverage technology resources during the current COVID-19 national crisis.

COVID-19

CoSN has created a special webpage with resources to provide information for school leaders as they deal with this current national emergency: Responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Under the “CoSN Resources” tab there is a document titled, “Preparing To Take Your Schools Online” and another on Cybersecurity Consideration in a COVID-19 World.” More resources and papers to come in the next weeks and months.

Leading Digital Transformations in Rural School Districts

More than half of school districts and about one-third of public schools in the United States are in rural areas. Rural districts have unique challenges, ranging from poverty and vast travel distances to lack of affordable internet access. However, along with the challenges facing rural school districts, there are also some unique opportunities rural school districts can leverage due to their smaller size and direct impact on their communities. Learn more and access a copy of the CoSN Report, Challenges and Opportunities of Rural Districts in Taking the Digital Leap.”

CoSN, in partnership with edWeb.net, hosts The EmpowerED Superintendent monthly webinar series on topics that are essential for all educators engaged in leading digital transformations. The focus of the April 13 webinar (4 p.m. CT) is “Leading Digital Transformations in Rural School Districts.” Three superintendents will share the strategies they use to maximize the opportunities and overcome the challenges in leading digital transformation within their rural school districts. Each will also update webinar participants on how they are leading learning in their school districts during our current national COVID-19 health crisis. Their stories and expertise have great value for all school leaders. You are invited to register for this free webinar, as well as access recordings of previously broadcast CoSN/edWeb webinars, at https://home.edweb.net/supers/.

If your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN and/or Texas K-12 CTO Council, please contact Dr. Alice Owen, Executive Director, Texas K-12 CTO Council at exdir@texask12ctocouncil.org or call 855.458.9286.