The ISTE Essential Conditions are the 14 critical elements necessary to effectively leverage technology for learning. They offer educators and school leaders a research-backed framework to guide implementation of the ISTE Standards, tech planning and systemwide change.
Learn more about each condition below and find out how they apply to your school or district. Share the information with your colleagues!
For a deeper look into your school or district’s strengths and weaknesses, use the Lead & Transform Diagnostic Tool to generate a free custom report that will help guide your tech integration planning based on the Essential Conditions.
Shared Vision
Proactive leadership in developing a shared vision for educational technology among all education stakeholders, including teachers and support staff, school and district administrators, teacher educators, students, parents and the community.
Empowered Leaders
Stakeholders at every level empowered to be leaders in effecting change.
Implementation Planning
A systematic plan with a shared vision for school effectiveness and student learning through the infusion of information and communication technology (ICT) and digital learning resources.
Consistent and Adequate Funding
Ongoing funding to support technology infrastructure, personnel, digital resources and staff development.
Equitable Access
Robust and reliable connectivity and access to current and emerging technologies and digital resources, with connectivity for all students, including those with special needs, teachers, staff and school leaders.
Skilled Personnel
Educators, support staff and other leaders skilled in the selection and effective use of appropriate ICT resources.
Ongoing Professional Learning
Technology-related professional learning plans and opportunities with dedicated time to practice and share ideas.
Technical Support
Consistent and reliable assistance for maintaining, renewing and using ICT and digital learning resources
Curriculum Framework
Content standards and related digital curriculum resources that are aligned with and support digital age learning and work
Student-Centered Learning
Planning, teaching and assessment centers around the needs and abilities of students
Assessment and Evaluation
Continuous assessment of teaching, learning and leadership and evaluation of the use of ICT and digital resources
Engaged Communities
Partnerships and collaboration within communities to support and fund the use of ICT and digital learning resources
Support Policies
Policies, financial plans, accountability measures and incentive structures to support the use of ICT and other digital resources for learning and district/school operations
Supportive External Context
Policies and initiatives at the national, regional and local levels support schools and teacher preparation programs in the effective implementation of technology for achieving curriculum and learning technology standards
Join the movement
Based on the ISTE Essential Conditions, the Lead & Transform movement provides district superintendents, CTOs, CIOs, school leaders and other decision makers with a roadmap for planning and building a successful systemwide tech initiative.
Get a custom report
Evaluate your school or district’s progress toward technology integration with the Lead & Transform diagnostic tool. You'll get data that will help you identify where you align with the ISTE Essential Conditions and where you have room to grow.