Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO (V. 2.0)
Introduction
The digital revolution has radically changed how knowledge is created, stored, accessed and communicated. Never before has the pace of change been so rapid and so pervasive. As the role of technology in education has progressed from a supplemental component of the educational environment to an essential, critical element, so too have the responsibilities of district-level technology leaders changed.
Known by any one of many titles (e.g., Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Technology Director), these leaders are now responsible for technology that is increasingly complex, greater in number and scope and ever more integrated into the daily instructional and administrative routines of today's school districts. Effective leadership is essential to ensure that technology is leveraged from an enterprise perspective in terms of improving and innovating learning and enabling our students to become literate for the 21st century.
School district leaders need to define a new vision and acquire appropriate skills in order to build 21st century learning environments. CoSN believes that the district technology leader can play a decisive role in that process as a member of the district-level leadership team. In all too many districts, that is not the case. Consequently, district technology leaders must be empowered with the range of skills and abilities needed to position them as educational leaders—not just technology leaders—providing the district with the necessary vision and leadership.
While other education leadership positions have long been defined and established, the executive role for technology leadership is relatively new and still only sporadically realized. CoSN has developed the following Framework that takes into account these changes and provides a conduit for defining the professional development needs of these executive-level technology leaders. It also lays the groundwork for a nationally recognized program for certification, which will help ensure that these executive-level technology leaders possess the skills and competencies necessary to provide school district technology leadership in the 21st century.
Additional information on the Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO (V.2.0)
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary of Terms
Framework of Essential Skills/Competencies
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