Call for Beta-testers of the NETS Draft Rubric, Due November 30

ISTE's NETS for Students, the widely recognized and adopted education technology standards, were updated in 2007 to reflect the rapid changes in technology, instruction, and learning environments. We recently developed a summary rubric for NETS*S across grade bands and are seeking comments from educators before the end of November, 2009. Download the rubric and participate in the survey! And thank you for your contribution!

Join New Ning for ISTE 2010 Conference & Expo

Our past conference Nings have been very popular and a great way for educators to build their networks, learn about sessions, and get started discussing conference-related topics before the event. We've just migrated last year's conference Ning over to the new ISTE 2010 Ning, so please join us now.

Where in the World Is ISTE?

"If students need new skills, then teachers need new capacities as well," said ISTE CEO Don Knezek in his opening keynote to a 21st Century Learning conference being held October 31--November 4 near Shanghai, China. Knezek detailed ISTE's vision for transformed learning and teaching, challenging the assembled educators to "study digital age learners and what engages them, foster creative and inventive thinking...and prepare to contribute in an increasingly multicultural setting." ISTE member and 21st Century Learning conference presenter, Wes Fryer, is live-blogging conference sessions, including Knezek's keynote.

Podcast Contests: Vote for Six Sounds Entries through 10/29, Submit to Foley Art through 11/6

Don't delay! You have until Thursday October 29 to vote for your favorite podcast in the Six Sounds in Search of an Author contest. Vote here. As for the new contest, you have until November 6 to submit a short scene or situation using Foley sound effects.

"Race to the Top" Assessment Meetings Announced-Stakeholder Comment Welcome

The US Department of Education is holding several public meetings in November and December focused on the issue of assessment. $350 million has been pledged to support a consortia of states that will develop new assessments tied to common standards. The meetings will be held in Boston, Atlanta and Denver.