Minnesota Education Technology Taskforce (METT)Learning Support :

The Minnesota Education Technology Taskforce (METT) was established in 2007-08 and has been working with technology coordinators from districts to develop a strong technology partnership between MDE and districts. MDE is positioned to provide a foundation of flexible shared services that support the development of new and more efficient educational business practices and provide modern analytic tools to help schools and districts make data driven decisions and spend more time on teaching and learning. The METT has identified several critical gaps between what is currently collected by MDE and what is needed to provide foundational services to districts. Items below are will be addressed by MDE over the next three years as systems are modernized:

• Student transcript information
• Teacher, student, and classroom relationships
• Timely access and completeness of test data at all levels
• Consolidation of data collections

The intent is for districts and Minnesota data management providers to leverage existing resources on top of the state foundation by providing technology tools and infrastructure for students to develop skills for success in an increasingly complex and information rich society. The METT determined that the lack of uniform information about district technology infrastructures also makes it difficult to have a unified partnership and effective strategic vision. Six key areas were identified as the core needed to provide effective 21st Century services to Minnesota students:

• Instructional Technology
• Technology Tools
• Shared Services
• Data Practices
• Data Management
• Physical Facilities

Beginning in late 2008 MDE will collect information about districts technology infrastructure in these core areas through the technology planning process. With input from education stakeholders MDE will maintain and publish a current set of standards and guidelines for district success in technology based on Gartner’s top ten list for Education. Visit the Gartner Website.