TERI / Layer 1 — Foundations (Policy, Data & Systems) / 1.1
Checkpoint 1.1

1.1 — Vision for the K-12 Technology EcosystemSustainability lens

What this is

The district's board-adopted strategic vision for the K-12 technology ecosystem — a multi-year document that treats policy, practice, and student development (cognitive development, attention, ethical reasoning) as one integrated frame. Names AI, algorithms, persuasive design, screen time, and cognitive development as forces the district intentionally navigates, not merely integrates. Distinct from classroom-level AI use guidelines (1.4): this is the binding plan that frames every downstream decision.

Why it matters

A shared vision lets decisions cohere across tools and across time. Strategic visions can vary in how they treat technology — TERI surfaces whether the vision names policy, practice, and student development as connected concerns.

Connects to

The Framework: Condition #1 (Shared Vision), Condition #2 (Shared Language). ISTE Essential Condition: Shared Vision.

Maturity levels

Not Started
No written vision for the technology ecosystem, or vision is technology-forward without naming cognitive development, attention, ethical reasoning, or digital wellness as organizing concerns — and without integrating cross-cutting considerations (state law, sustainability, budget) into the vision frame. Decisions are reactive and tool-specific.
Emerging
Vision exists and mentions some pieces of the ecosystem (e.g., AI, digital wellness, digital citizenship), but as separate concerns rather than one integrated frame. Policy, practice, and student development (cognitive development, attention, ethical reasoning) are addressed in different plans. Not widely known or consistently referenced in decision-making.
Established
Board-adopted vision explicitly names the integrated technology ecosystem — policy, curriculum, professional practice, classroom culture, family partnership, and student development (cognitive development, attention, ethical reasoning) — as connected concerns, with AI, algorithms, persuasive design, and emerging technologies identified as forces requiring intentional navigation. Treats the K-12 technology ecosystem (policy to practice to student development) as integrated rather than separate initiatives. Referenced in school-level planning and budget decisions.
Expanding
Vision is co-developed with students, families, staff, and community; reviewed annually; and explicitly connected to every downstream decision (procurement, curriculum, PD, policy, environment). Publicly articulated in plain language. Aligned to state frameworks without letting external compliance requirements fragment the integrated vision. Cognitive development, attention, and ethical reasoning are treated as connected concerns alongside academic achievement — not separate initiatives, and not in competition with it.

Go deeper with

Example resource
TERI Self-Audit (prompt-ed.org/teri/assessment) + ISTE Essential Conditions for Effective Technology Use
Also consider