DOE Cutting Nearly Half Its Workforce: Implications for New York Schools
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced a significant reduction in its workforce, laying off approximately 1,300 employees—nearly half of its staff. This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the agency altogether, aiming to transfer educational oversight to individual states. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that this reduction reflects the department’s […]
Beyond Reading and Writing: How K–12 Educators Can Build Digital Literacy
What Do K–12 Educators Need to Know About Literacy in the Digital Age? Today’s classrooms demand more than just reading and writing skills. Literacy now includes digital fluency, media awareness, and data interpretation. Students must navigate a complex digital world, and educators play a crucial role in preparing them for this challenge. Redefining Literacy for […]
Returning Education to Our States Act: What Eliminating the Department of Education Could Mean for New York Schools
The recently introduced S.5384 – Returning Education to Our States Act has sparked heated debate as it proposes abolishing the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and decentralizing federal oversight of schools. This transformative legislation would transfer key responsibilities to other federal agencies and state governments, fundamentally reshaping education governance. For schools in New York State, […]
2025 EdTech Predictions: AI, Cybersecurity, and the Future of Learning
What to Expect for Ed Tech in 2025 As education technology continues to evolve, 2025 promises significant advancements and challenges that will shape the future of learning. From the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to policy changes, here are the key trends and considerations to watch in the ed-tech landscape. 1. Pedagogy First: Training Teachers […]
The Top 3 Tech Challenges Facing Private, Charter, and Independent Schools (And How to Solve Them)
As technology continues to transform education, private, charter, and independent schools face unique challenges in balancing innovation, security, and simplicity. From safeguarding student data to navigating the complexities of new tools like generative AI, administrators are tasked with addressing critical issues that impact both learning and safety. Here are three of the most pressing tech […]
Last-Minute E-Rate Tips: Form 470 Filing Guide
Are you an E-rate eligible school or library preparing to file your Form 470? Don’t wait until the last minute! To help you out, here are some last-minute tips to ensure that your Form 470 is submitted correctly and on time. Learn how to navigate the E-rate filing process and maximize your potential savings with […]
Stay Compliant: New Email Security Requirements Every School Must Know
Did you know major email providers like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo are implementing new email security requirements? These changes aim to combat the increasing issues of spam and malware, which accounted for nearly half of all emails sent globally in 2023 and are a primary delivery method for ransomware. Potential Risks for K-12 Schools […]
Summer Tech Checklist for K-12 Schools: Maximizing the Break for a Seamless School Year
Summer break offers an invaluable window of opportunity for technology directors in K-12 schools to plan and execute essential tech projects. At IKON Edutech Group, we understand the importance of utilizing this time efficiently to ensure your school’s technology infrastructure is primed and ready for the new academic year. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to guide […]
Bridging the Divide: A Look at the U.S. Department of Education’s 2024 National Educational Technology Plan
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education unveiled its 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), titled “A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides.” This comprehensive plan outlines a strategic roadmap for ensuring all students have equitable access to powerful learning experiences empowered by technology. At IKON Edutech Group, […]
Federal Laws that Protect Student Data
In the digital age, the protection of student data has become a paramount concern for K-12 school leaders. As educational institutions increasingly incorporate technology into their curricula, they also inherit the responsibility of safeguarding their students’ privacy. To navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial for educators to be well-versed in the federal laws designed to […]