# data[].attributes.headline
Tech companies not always sure what districts need!

# data[].attributes.subject
Tech companies not always sure what districts need!

# data[].attributes.body
70% of superintendents satisfied with the process vs. 32% of teachers/principals/students.

We need to get classroom-level and building-level practitioners more involved in the procurement process!

# data[].attributes.body
-Current purchasing practices were designed for print-based resources, not modern technology.

-One contributing factor may be the limited involvement of those close to teaching and learning – principals, teachers, and students – in the process. These important stakeholders are much less involved in the ed-tech procurement process than CTOs, curriculum directors, and other district staﬀ, according to respondents.

-It is diﬃcult for technology providers to help districts address their instructional needs because they -often do not know what they are...

-Many districts view learning technologies as items to be purchased with a separate, supplemental budget, rather than as part of a larger budget for core curriculum and instruction.

6 Important Take-Aways

1) Know what you need = formal processes for needs assessments

2) Discover what's out there = find more sources for TRUSTED information

3) Involve the end users = teachers' input should be valued, people most directly affected should have a CENTRAL role in selecting and testing

4) Level the playing field = allow more open market, don't just rely on big companies

5) Focus on evidence = look for innovative ways to evaluate effectiveness

6) Design better pilots = structure pilots that are data-driven

# data[].attributes.headline
3 Focus Areas of Evolving Procurement Process

# data[].attributes.subject
3 Focus Areas of Evolving Procurement Process

# data[].attributes.body
1. Connecting with entrepreneurs and Vendors - Create new ways for districts and entrepreneurs to engage, maintain and increase the development of relevant products. (i.e. hosting a local education startup on site)

2. Connect within districts - Enable culture change through communication strategies that build empathy, create clarity, and infuse new thinking. (i.e. creating a map, story, or case study to communicate the process to key stakeholders)

3. Connect across districts - Leverage the League's scale to increase transparency into district purchases and increase district buying power. (i.e. sharing best practices for implementing an ed-tech solution.)

# data[].attributes.headline
BUILDING SOLUTIONS:                                                                                                                                   C O N C E P T #1: SIMPLIFYING PROCUREMENT  - Simplifying Procurement demystifies the
procurement process by creating user-centered
tools to spur dialogue with key stakeholders
(vendors, administrators, and teachers), helping
them navigate the process.
Tools include district-specific maps of the
procurement process and a collection of case
studies and stories that describe how a product
or service successfully entered the school
district. 

# data[].attributes.subject
BUILDING SOLUTIONS:                                                                                                                                   C O N C E P T #1: SIMPLIFYING PROCUREMENT  - Simplifying Procurement demystifies the
procurement process by creating user-centered
tools to spur dialogue with key stakeholders
(vendors, administrators, and teachers), helping
them navigate the process.
Tools include district-specific maps of the
procurement process and a collection of case
studies and stories that describe how a product
or service successfully entered the school
district. 

# data[].attributes.body
Concept/Solution #2: Ed Tech Incubator

Definition: Working with startups from the beginning and having schools/educators working collaboratively to develop products for schools/districts.

Concept/Solution #3: Open Procurement

Definition: Districts being more transparent about how money is spent on technology with tax payers. This in turn creates smarter purchases by the district level.

Concept/Solution # 4: 7 Steps to Creative Financing

Definition: Designed to help districts identify the best means for financing ed-tech solutions.

1. Set Vision 2. Build Team 3. Build the Case

4. Brainstorm Solutions

5. Meet the Board

6. Build Based on Input 7. Apply Process Elsewhere

Concept/Solution #5: Better Planning, Better Process

Definition: Getting your procurement office to connect directly with the teachers and administrators to start from the bottom up on making financial decisions on tech.

via: http://b.3cdn.net/dpromise/26d9101de6ad913ea4_mlbr83xdr.pdf

# data[].attributes.headline
Post your 3-5 takeaways from the technology funding resources you and your partner(s) read.

# data[].attributes.subject
Post your 3-5 takeaways from the technology funding resources you and your partner(s) read.

# data[].attributes.body
Feel free to add links/resources to support your ideas.