Equity | Tech & Learning

She Was Discriminated Against as a Black Woman in Edtech. She Succeeded Anyway

By Erik Ofgang published 23 May 23

Lorrie Owens is the first female and still the only Black woman to lead the technology division of a county office of education in California. Here is her story.

Dr. Courtney L. Teague sits at a table with a laptop open.

5 Tips for Finding Effective DEI Coaching

By Erik Ofgang published 29 March 23

The right coach can help education leaders build their DEI programs in effective and meaningful ways, says Dr. Courtney L. Teague, who shares tips for finding that coach

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Three Essential Questions

By Christine Weiser published 29 March 23

At CoSN’s 30th anniversary 2023 conference in Austin, attendees gathered for the second annual meeting of “The Network” to discuss what DEI looks like in practice in their companies and school districts - and what more work needs to be done.

Lady Luck: The Challenges of Women Moving Into Education Leadership

By Dr. Kecia Ray published 14 March 23

Despite long making up more than half the education workforce, women have had a long struggle getting to the highest leadership positions

Reimagining Search Committee Service

By Jonathan L. Wharton, Ph.D. published 8 March 23

How serving on a search committee can help reshape your institution

Putting the MEN in Mentoring: Practical Ways Men Can Be Better Allies

By Ivy Nelson published 1 March 23

How men can improve their mentoring and allyship efforts

The Admiral Squad: How One School District Promotes Staff Diversity

By Erik Ofgang published 9 February 23

Middletown City Schools does not have many Black male employees. The Admiral Squad was formed to help change that.

4 Ways Rural School Districts Can Accelerate Digital Equity

By Todd Dugan published 6 February 23

Rural school districts can accelerate digital equity by considering the roles of devices, connection, and instruction

Best Lessons and Activities for Teaching Black History Month

By Diana Restifo published 23 January 23

Black history is American history

How One Edtech Leader Supports Equity

By Erik Ofgang published 21 December 22

James Batson says his district’s approach to edtech equity has been successful because of the intentionality behind it more than any one initiative.

Two Bayonne students work on a coding project

4 Ways to Encourage Girls to Code

By Erik Ofgang published 7 November 22

Tips for encouraging girls to code, from Innovative Technology Director award winner, Dr. Karee McAndrew

Improving DEI District-Wide

By Erik Ofgang last updated 24 October 22

The David Douglas School District's DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts have led to restorative justice practices in the classroom and more diversity among educators.

Eric Graves , a white middle aged man with sandy blonde hair , is sitting and working on a project for school with his hands. He is wearing a tan prisoner uniform.

Getting Your College Degree in Prison

By Erik Ofgang published 1 August 22

The Second Chance Pell pilot program has permitted more than 28,000 students in prison to access Pell Grants in order to pursue higher education while imprisoned. The program will soon expand to all incarcerated individuals.

The State of the Digital Divide

By Erik Ofgang published 15 July 22

Despite progress closing the digital divide, millions of students remain on the wrong side of it. Advocates say the solution is more funding that includes digital knowledge education.

Students Less Likely to Be Suspended by Teacher of Same Race

By Erik Ofgang last updated 18 May 22

New research finds that Black, Latino, and Asian-American students in New York City were about 3 percent less likely to be suspended if their teachers shared their racial or ethnic background.

How Can Teachers Reduce Bias?

By Stephanie Smith Budhai, Ph.D. published 22 April 22

Insights and simple strategies for addressing and reducing teacher bias

What Does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Look Like in Practice?

By Christine Weiser published 18 April 22

At the CoSN conference in Nashville, school district administrators gathered for the first annual meeting of “The Network” to discuss what DEI looks like in practice in their districts - and what more work needs to be done.

Analytics-Based Strategies to Equitably Address Opportunity Gaps

By Ray Bendici published 17 March 22

How schools use analytics and data to personalize the learning experience for all students

Overcoming Digital Deserts: The Birth of Bronx Digital Equity Coalition

By Erik Ofgang published 14 January 22

To help overcome the digital desert in the Bronx, a charity organization gave away more than 3000-plus devices and brought community stakeholders together.

Chronic Absenteeism: Why It’s On The Rise and How to Overcome It

By Erik Ofgang last updated 24 November 21

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to increase rates of chronic absenteeism, but there are proven strategies for improving attendance.