k-12-education
Filtering by topic k-12-education(2)Clear all filters
- NewsEdSurge29 Jun 2026
International Society for Transforming Education Expands its “AI-Ready Graduate” Framework
The International Society for Transforming Education released an expanded version of its 'Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate' framework, designed to help K-12 educators teach higher-order skills for working with AI. The updated framework defines six student roles—Learner, Researcher, Synthesizer, Problem Solver, Connector, Storyteller—with 30 specific skills, moving beyond basic AI literacy to practical applications. The framework is available for free download and aligns with existing educational standards.
Original abstract
<p>On June 28, the International Society for Transforming Education — the organization behind the editorially independent news site EdSurge — released an expanded version of its “<a href="https://iste-ascd.org/ai-ready-graduate">Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate</a>,” a framework designed to help K-12 educators teach students how to work with artificial intelligence.</p><p>The updated framework, designed with support from the nonprofit Britebound, goes beyond basic literacy to higher-order skills. It identifies six roles the organization says students should fill when using AI tools: Learner, Researcher, Synthesizer, Problem Solver, Connector and Storyteller.</p><p>“Today, we are releasing a fully fleshed out version, 30 skills aligned with each of these roles to help model using AI to support our uniquely human skills,” said Richard Culatta, CEO of the organization. “Humans have always used tools to accomplish human tasks. AI is no different, but when we teach AI as a way to support us being better at being human, it is far more relevant and far more meaningful than when we just talk about what AI is.”</p><p>The announcement was made at the organization’s annual conference in Orlando, Florida, one year after the initial rollout of the Profile. While the original framework focused on basic technical understanding of AI, the updated version shows what those skills look like in practice — with role-by-role descriptions, classroom examples and articulations for middle and high school. </p><p>The framework is intended to layer on to the work educators are already doing and aligns with the International Society for Transforming Education’s existing student standards and “Transformational Learning Principles.”</p><p>The updated Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate is available as a free download <a href="https://iste-ascd.org/ai-ready-graduate">here</a>.</p><p><em>(Editor’s note: EdSurge is an editorially independent newsroom of the International Society for Transforming Educati
- NewsEdSurge24 Jun 2026
Outgrowing the Chromebook: Why Advanced STEM Demands Better Student Tech
K-12 schools' one-to-one Chromebook programs support basic digital literacy but lack the computing power needed for advanced STEM coursework like engineering CAD and data science, prompting districts to evaluate more capable student devices.
Original abstract
<p>Across the United States, K-12 schools have spent the past decade building one-to-one device programs. These initiatives have established an essential baseline for digital access, making it easier for students to complete daily schoolwork across grade levels and subjects. By putting a device in the hands of every learner, districts have created a standard foundation for digital literacy, research and everyday classroom engagement.</p><p>As STEM programs continue to grow and mature, however, school leaders are beginning to encounter new questions about how well those devices support more advanced coursework. Pathways in fields like robotics, engineering, cybersecurity and data science increasingly rely on specialized professional applications that reach well beyond general-purpose classroom software.</p><p>In many cases, students can successfully complete introductory work on school-issued devices. But as instruction progresses, the tools required for STEM programs place different demands on student computing resources. As a result, educators and technology directors are taking a closer look at how hardware capacity can keep pace with shifting curricular needs.</p><h2>STEM Tools and Computing Demands</h2><p>While web-based applications work well for introductory coursework and daily assignments, many expanding STEM pathways introduce entirely different technical requirements. Courses in engineering, 3D modeling, cybersecurity and data science rely on industry-standard applications that demand substantial local computing capacity, robust memory and dedicated graphics processing.</p><p>A prime example is <a href="https://www.solidworks.com/"><u>SolidWorks</u></a>, a professional computer-aided design (CAD) platform used in both higher education and engineering industries. When students build detailed, multi-part models or run stress-test simulations, the performance of the device they’re using directly affects how efficiently they can work. Insufficient hardware can