At this year’s CoSN Annual Conference, the newly updated Accelerating Innovation: A Guide to Leveraging the 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report was released during a hands-on session led by members of CoSN’s EdTech Innovation Committee.
More than a static resource, the guide serves as a practical, “grab-and-go” framework.
About the Guide
The Accelerating Innovation Guide provides a systematic framework for establishing the core focus and objectives of an edtech / education innovation initiative. By following these steps, users will gain clarity and alignment, while ensuring key stakeholders are collaborating toward shared goals.
Steps of the process include:
- Center: Define Your Purpose
- Include: Identify Stakeholders
- Diverge & Converge: Determine Topics for Consideration
- Discuss: Explore & Analyze Each of Your Selected Topics
- Prioritize: Choose the Most Important 1-3 Topics in Each Category
- Strategize: Explore Intersections Between the Most Important Topics
- Communicate: Update Stakeholders on Your Process, Progress & Next Steps
Applying the Guide
The interactive session walked attendees step by step through how to use the guide and its process to turn persistent challenges into actionable progress.
Presenters included:
- David Jarboe, CETL (Committee Co-Chair), D2 Harrison Schools, Colorado
- Ryan Cox (Committee Co-Chair), Osseo Area School District ISD 279, Minnesota
- Samantha Reid, Jenks Public Schools, Oklahoma
- Melissa McCalla, Pasadena ISD, Texas
- Jennifer Porter, Arizona Technology Education Association, Arizona
- John Hummel, Community Unit School District 300, Illinois
- Ruben Puentedura, Hippasus, Massachusetts
- Laura Geringer, EdTech Innovation Committee Project Director, Colorado
The session focused on a clear premise: districts need a repeatable process for moving from big-picture hurdles to meaningful, stakeholder-informed action. Using the updated guide, committee members demonstrated how education leaders can clarify priorities, engage the right people, and design strategies that align with existing district goals. “A structure and protocol to guide your thinking and collect your thoughts,” said Jarboe.
A highlight of the session was an intersectional approach to innovation strategy. Rather than viewing challenges, accelerators, and technology in isolation, participants were encouraged to explore how they overlap. For example, pairing leadership development with retention strategies, or using AI to strengthen Critical Media Literacy and Learner Agency. This approach helps districts identify solutions that address multiple priorities at once, maximizing impact without overextending capacity.
Throughout the session, one message was repeated: communication is essential. Leaders were encouraged to prioritize dialogue and share progress often, reinforcing that transparency builds trust and keeps stakeholders engaged as active partners in the work. “Surprises don’t build trust — updates do,” said Reid. “Make sure you’re letting people know all you’re doing.”
Ultimately, the EdTech Innovation Committee offered more than a set of ideas. They provided, via the session and guide, a structured, adaptable process for operationalizing innovation in K–12 education: start with purpose, engage stakeholders, prioritize strategically, explore intersections, and communicate consistently. Access the guide to get started today!
CoSN’s EdTech Innovation Committee meets virtually every month to develop resources on CoSN’s Driving K-12 Innovation Top Topics and other timely trends that have the potential to significantly impact K-12 education.
AUTHOR: Stephanie King, Writer and Communications Manager,
CoSN’s EdTech Innovations Committee and Driving K-12 Innovation
Published on May 19, 2026
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