Focus Less on Touting Products, More on Responding to Specific Questions, a Georgia CIO Says
The companies that make the most effective presentations before district purchasing committees tend to be great listeners, says Brian Blanton, the CIO of the Henry County, Ga., schools.
One of the Biggest Lessons Learned Is to Involve the End User From the Beginning
One of the biggest lessons learned is to involve the end user from the beginning of the process, asking educators the key questions they need the data to answer.
California's Oakland Schools Weigh Racial, Gender Makeup of Companies When Making Purchasing Decisions
Diversity in education company leadership and the workforce helps vendors understand educational “context,” explains an Oakland, Calif., schools official.
High School Principal and Author Says Schools Need to Think Globally and Have Vision
Technology, access to information, and broad societal shifts such as immigration pose many challenges to districts, and the private sector can help schools adjust, said Dwight Carter, the author of “Leading Schools in Disruptive Times.”
Washington District Superintendent Relies on Referrals, Team Feedback
Susan Enfield runs a high-profile district in Washington state, and wants you to understand what superintendents are up against in procurement.
Tools That Help Educators 'Learn the Product as They're Using It' Are Appealing to This Ed-Tech Leader
Ed-tech tools that help educators “learn the product as they’re using it” appeal to Mark Garrison, the director of technology and innovation for Minnesota’ s White Bear Lake Area Schools.
Administrators With Experience Leading Training Talk About What They Want From Vendors
District staff from the Denver and Hillsborough County, Fla., schools want specific information about how PD products pitched to them will improve the work of teachers.
Companies Don't Spend Enough Time Trying to Understand the Problems They're Attempting to Solve, He Says
Education companies don’t spend enough time trying to understand the problems they’re attempting to help schools solve, says the former Palm Beach County, Fla., superintendent.
Innovation and Tech Officials Talk About What They Expect From Companies and the Products Educators Need
The 125-school district wants to move toward more student-centered learning as it works to close opportunity and achievement gaps.
Smaller Vendors Who Pay Attention to the Issue Can Win the Confidence of Districts
District demands for ed-tech interoperability are already shaping K-12 buying decisions, to the benefit or detriment of companies, one Indiana school official explains.
Actionable K-12 intel for business leaders powered by data and original research you can trust.