CoSN’s K-12 IT Leadership Survey 2013

Since the education technology profession is constantly evolving, we at CoSN always keep an eye on the trends in the field in order to best serve our members. With that in mind, CoSN launched its first annual IT Leadership survey in the fall of 2012, sponsored by Education Networks of America (ENA) and in partnership with MCH Strategic Data.

The survey provides valuable information about how education leaders are leveraging technology to achieve engaging learning environments and paints a picture of potential changes in the field. CoSN plans to conduct the survey annually to capture technology trends, challenges, and priorities. The results of the survey will inform the decisions we make to serve our members going forward.

Over the past decade, ed tech professionals have transformed themselves from information technology specialists into strategic leaders whose work plays a critical role in all aspects of the education environment. We're excited to see what the next decade has in store!

For a short video on key findings, click here.

10 Key Findings

Among the key findings of the IT Leadership Survey are:

1. Crushing budget realities face ed tech: 80% of school district IT leaders predict flat or declining IT budgets.

2. The top 3 priorities leaders named for 2012-13 are Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, assessment readiness, and broadband access.

3. The 3 biggest challenges facing CTOs are budget and resource limitations, changing the culture of teaching, and breaking down district-wide barriers.

4. Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) are the most common job titles, a big change from 10 years ago and indicative of the increasing importance of their roles.

5. 58% of IT leaders report directly to the superintendent, a best practice identified by CoSN.

6. IT leadership is remarkably stable: unlike superintendents, a sizable majority of CTOs have been in their positions for 6+ years.

7. An overwhelming 80% of IT leaders are in charge of both instructional and administrative technology for both central and school-based staff.

8. CTO salaries lag behind salaries in the business field.

9. A vast majority of survey respondents were familiar with CoSN's work within the field.

10. More than half of survey respondents were familiar with CoSN's Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) program, a strong showing for a year-old program.

Access a full copy of the survey report for more information!

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