ISTE Seal of Alignment: How EdOptions Academy Maps to the ISTE Standards

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards, a globally recognized framework which supports students, educators and education leaders, awarded Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy with a Seal of Alignment for Readiness earlier this year. Of course, we still are very excited about this news, but we realize that you may be left wondering, “What does that really mean?” Let us take a moment to explain.

ISTE establishes academic guidelines for the skills and strategies needed to successfully navigate the interconnected and digital modern world. These standards help instructors rethink education, and prepare students to keep up with the fast pace of progress.

The Seal of Alignment for Readiness indicates that EdOptions Academy courses focus on teaching students to effectively use technology, and build the foundational technology skills needed to support the ISTE Standards. It sets EdOptions Academy apart as a globally recognized, uniquely and highly qualified online learning experience.

To be awarded the Seal of Readiness, a panel of education experts reviewed multiple EdOptions Academy courses across various subject areas including english, science, math, computer programming, social studies and electronic communication. Each course’s content, delivery and features were mapped to different requirements of the six main ISTE Standards for Students. These standards include: Creativity and Innovation, Communication and Collaboration, Research and Information Fluency, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Digital Citizenship, and Technology Operations and Concepts.

We’re proud to report the reviewers determined that EdOptions Academy courses help build foundational technology skills needed to support all six ISTE Standards for Students! With the use of digital tools and resources required to complete course assignments and unit projects, EdOptions Academy students develop a useful foundation in technology skills throughout each course and align to ISTE Standards in several ways. 

The integration of podcasts, articles and other online web resources in EdOptions Academy unit and lessons activities were awarded for their creativity and innovation. Activities integrated within course lessons were also acknowledged for building student skills in research, information fluency, critical thinking, and problem solving.  

Threaded discussions and teacher-student (two-way) messaging were just a couple features of EdOptions Academy recognized for supporting proficiency in communicating information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences using a variety of media formats.

EdOptions Academy’s alignment with guidelines for legal and responsible use of information and technology was also acknowledged. Our student policies, student and family toolkit, online teacher guide and adherence to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act all correspond with the ISTE standards of Digital Citizenship.

Finally, the dedicated and driven technical support offered to all EdOptions Academy students correlated with the ISTE standard for technology operations and concepts regarding the understanding and use of technology systems. Students and parents have access to step-by-step instructions to optimize their user experience, real-time phone support and IM services, as well as 24/7 support options 365 days a year.

The Seal of Alignment for Readiness indicates that ISTE’s panel of education experts has determined EdOptions Academy courses build the critical digital skills embodied by the ISTE Standards for Students. Ultimately, this award establishes EdOptions Academy as a leader in online education and solidifies its value for students and educators. In short, EdOptions Academy gets results!

Interested in finding out more about how your school or district can partner with EdOptions Academy to offer your students rigorous, expanded course options aligned to ISTE Standards? Check out our complete course listing!