Tool allows leaders to evaluate and plan for effective transition to digital learning  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oct. 21, 2015 – The Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) is the winner of a 2015 Award of Excellence from Tech & Learning magazine. The prestigious award program, now in its 33rd year, honors innovative applications that break new ground as well as significant enhancements to proven educational tools.

Based on the 14 Essential Conditions for effective technology integration that are foundational to the ISTE Standards, the free diagnostic tool allows CTOs, CIOs, school leaders and other decision makers to evaluate their school or district’s progress toward technology integration. The tool provides a snapshot of how a school measures up in meeting the Essential Conditions and then automatically generates a report that helps pinpoint strengths and areas for growth.

In just a year since its launch, the Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool has been used by thousands of leaders around the world to evaluate their schools’ progress and develop a roadmap to effective technology integration. For example, Jess Kuemmerlin, eLearning coordinator at Escola Americana de Campinas, in Campinas, Brazil, turned to the tool to support his school team as it creates a strategic plan that includes e-learning and technology integration. He said, “It is difficult to find a tool that assesses where you are as a whole school in terms of eLearning or technology use, but the Diagnostic Tool does just that.”

Kuemmerlin said he was extremely impressed by the amount of time that was saved by using the Lead &Transform Diagnostic Tool. His school team is already using the data from the report by identifying the top three priorities to focus on and integrating those into next year’s work plan. Moving forward, they plan to use the tool and purchase the analysis report each year to help gauge their progress, measure success and prioritize initiatives.

“The Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool is illustrative of our commitment to providing leaders with tools and resources to develop paths for navigating the transition to digital in a way that will increase student  engagement and achievement in their schools,” said Jim Flanagan, chief learning services officer, ISTE. “It is exciting for it to be honored by Tech & Learning as one of the most innovative solutions of 2015.”

"Once again this year, the Tech & Learning judges examined hundreds of entries to select the winners of 2015’s Awards of Excellence. This wasn't just checking off spec sheets and surfing other people's reviews. Each product was handled and scored individually. Not an easy task,” said Kevin Hogan, editorial director for NewBay Media's Tech & Learning Group. “ISTE can be proud that the Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool was selected as a winner by this prestigious team of judges."

About Tech & Learning
For over 35 years, Tech & Learning has been – and continues to be – the leading resource for K-12 leaders. Its publications, websites and events provide factual and evaluative information on trends, products, and strategies to educators who purchase technology products in their districts and schools. Tech & Learning delivers the highest quality content and essential resources to manage, train, and teach technology. For more information, visit www.TechLearning.com.

About ISTE
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) is the premier nonprofit organization serving educators and education leaders committed to empowering connected learners in a connected world. ISTE serves more than 100,000 education stakeholders throughout the world.

Innovative offerings include the ISTE Conference & Expo – the world’s most comprehensive ed tech event – as well as the widely adopted ISTE Standards for learning, teaching and leading in the digital age. The organization’s robust suite of professional learning resources features online courses, consulting services for schools and districts, books, and peer-reviewed journals and publications. For more information, visit iste.org. Connect with ISTE via Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.