WASHINGTON, D.C. - SETDA, the primary association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders, is pleased to announce the receipt of a grant from Google.org, the company’s philanthropy. Working in partnership with Learning Forward and ISTE+ASCD, this generous grant will support the development of a new collaborative guide titled, Closing the Digital Design Divide with Title II-A.

Title II-A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act is the sole federal program focused on educator professional learning and growth. Title II-A funds have long been utilized by education leaders for their flexibility, allowing investment in a variety of priority instructional areas.

With schools facing growing questions about how to integrate technology, especially emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, effectively and responsibly into student learning experiences, Title II-A can serve as a reliable source of capacity building dollars. However, recent data from the U.S. Department of Education reveals that only nine states currently prioritize these funds for technology training, while fewer than 40 percent of districts use them to advance professional learning in technology.

This guide will provide actionable guidance to state and local education leaders on how to deploy Title II-A funds to close the digital design divide as articulated in the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP).

“As the lead contractor to the U.S. Department of Education in developing the 2024 NETP, we heard from educators across the country about the critical need for time and support necessary to design instruction that meaningfully integrates technology use,” said Julia Fallon, SETDA’s Executive Director. “We are excited to collaborate with Learning Forward and ISTE+ASCD to identify ways that the long-standing Title II-A program can be leveraged to address these challenges and drive the modernization of our education system.”

The guide, currently planned for publication by Fall 2025, will include:

• Research on current Title II-A investments and technology-focused professional learning,

• Strategies for effectively using Title II-A funds to close the digital design divide,

• Case studies showcasing successful implementations of Title II-A funded activities,

• And a roadmap for collaboration among states, districts, and key stakeholders.

By leveraging SETDA’s active Title II-A collaborative network, the report will draw insights from members that are responsible for implementing federal programs in their states.

“Developing educators' skills and knowledge around the use of technology must be planned and implemented as ongoing, job-embedded, and collaborative professional learning," said Melinda George, Learning Forward’s Chief Policy Officer. “Title II-A dollars provide an essential funding source for equipping teachers and leaders to meet the needs of all students."

“Every student deserves the opportunity to develop the essential digital fluency that will shape our future. This grant gives us the opportunity to equip educators and leaders with the resources they need to bridge that digital design gap in education,” said Tara Nattrass, ISTE+ASCD’s Managing Director of Innovation Strategy.

We are grateful for this generous grant from Google.org that allows us to advance the mission of closing the digital design divide.

About SETDA

SETDA is the principal association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology and digital learning leaders. Through a broad array of programs and advocacy, SETDA builds member capacity and engages partners to empower the education community in leveraging technology for learning, teaching, and school operations. For more information, please visit our website setda.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Learning Forward

Learning Forward is a professional membership association committed to all aspects of advancing high-quality professional learning in public education systems worldwide. We partner with states, provinces, and districts to develop and implement professional learning strategies grounded in Standards for Professional Learning in high-impact programs such as instructional coaching, leadership growth and development, new-teacher mentoring, and high-performing learning teams. Our member services include The Learning Professional bimonthly journal of professional learning research and best practices, virtual and in-person learning events, advocacy and legislative updates, and news alerts. More information is available at learningforward.org.

About ISTE+ASCD

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate innovation in education through the smart use of technology. ISTE sets a bold vision for education transformation through the ISTE Standards, a framework for rethinking education and creating innovative learning experiences. ISTE hosts ISTELive, one of the world's most influential education events, and offers a wealth of professional learning opportunities focused on technology in education. In 2023, ISTE merged with ASCD, combining expertise in technology and innovation with research-based professional learning for educators and education leaders, to advance student outcomes. For more information or to become an ISTE member, visit iste.org/.