'ISTE Distinguished Schools Program' provides schools with tools to improve teaching, strengthen students' digital literacy, and implement innovative teaching strategies in the classroom.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 19, 2025) - Two of the world's most influential educational organizations, ISTE+ASCD and Santillana, have joined forces to launch an innovative and unparalleled program in Latin America, the ISTE Distinguished Schools Program, in Partnership with Santillana.

The goal of the program is to transform teaching practices through the use of technology in service of learning, offering schools in the region a unique opportunity to lead in educational innovation.

The program is designed around the ISTE Standards, an internationally recognized framework to guide the effective use of technology for learning. Both organizations deliver high-quality professional learning for educators and Santillana provides additional resources and consulting as part of this program. Participating school educators will leave with concrete tools and innovative teaching strategies to improve their teaching and to strengthen students' digital literacy.

"The ISTE Distinguished Schools program, in partnership with Santillana, recognizes and empowers schools that are at the forefront of leveraging technology to create transformational learning experiences,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of ISTE+ASCD. “By combining the research-based ISTE Standards with professional development, we are equipping educators in Latin America with the tools and knowledge needed to transform teaching and learning. This program recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in creating student-centered learning environments, preparing them for success in a digital world."

Francisco Cuadrado, Executive President of Santillana, states that "this program not only represents a step toward the future of education in Latin America but also positions participating institutions as leaders in classroom technology integration. The collaboration between Santillana and ISTE ensures an equitable, innovative educational experience focused on developing essential digital skills."

All these components are developed over a three-year cycle, allowing schools to progress annually and recertify to maintain their level of excellence. This ensures lasting impact and continuous commitment to best technological practices.

A Collaborative Effort

The program is the result of the partnership and joint work between ISTE+ASCD and Santillana. Santillana plays a central role in the consulting process, guiding institutions in program implementation, classroom application of learning, and building evidence for recognition. Additionally, they monitor progress and provide continuous support to ensure alignment with program standards. ISTE+ASCD works hand in hand with Santillana in evaluating and providing feedback on the process, ensuring schools meet ISTE Standards criteria and adjusting the educational framework to guarantee its relevance and effectiveness. 

About Santillana

Santillana is Latin America's leading educational company, with over 60 years of experience and operations in 19 countries. In an environment of digital and pedagogical transformation, besides maintaining quality and innovation in all its content, it offers schools, teachers, families, and students a more comprehensive service that incorporates technology, training, and consulting. The company has a strong commitment to the 2030 Agenda and acts as a transformative agent in education, helping create better life opportunities for millions of students. More information at https://santillana.com/es/

About ISTE+ASCD

In 2023, ISTE and ASCD merged to create a unified organization dedicated to ensuring every student has an amazing learning experience every day. Today, ISTE+ASCD is the largest innovation-focused education non-profit worldwide, serving over a million educators in every US state and over 100 countries around the world. ISTE+ASCD offers inspiring events, professional certifications, dynamic member communities, and innovative thought leadership to help educators create transformational learning experiences.