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 develops 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 are empowered to be leaders in effecting change.
Implementation Planning
All stakeholders follow a systematic plan aligned 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 supports technology infrastructure, personnel, digital resources and staff development.
Equitable Access
All students, teachers, staff and school leaders have robust and reliable connectivity and access to current and emerging technologies and digital resources.
Skilled Personnel
Educators, support staff and other leaders are skilled in the selection and effective use of appropriate ICT resources.
Ongoing Professional Learning
Educators have ongoing access to technology-related professional learning plans and opportunities as well as dedicated time to practice and share ideas.
Technical Support
Educators and students have access to reliable assistance for maintaining, renewing and using ICT and digital learning resources.
Curriculum Framework
Content standards and related digital curriculum resources align with and support digital age learning and work.
Student-Centered Learning
Planning, teaching and assessment all center on the needs and abilities of the students.
Assessment and Evaluation
Teaching, learning, leadership and the use of ICT and digital resources are continually assessed and evaluated.
Engaged Communities
Leaders and educators develop and maintain partnerships and collaboration within the community to support and fund the use of ICT and digital learning resources.
Support Policies
Policies, financial plans, accountability measures and incentive structures support the use of ICT and other digital resources for both 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 (ICT) 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.