About ETSC

What is the Educational Technology Support Center (ETSC) Program?
In 1993, the Washington State Legislature approved the Educational Reform Bill, which funds the statewide ETSC program. Administered through OSPI, this program is designed to provide school districts in the state of Washington with leadership, support and training as they move forward with their technology implementations. An Educational Technology Support Center is located at each of the nine Educational Service Districts in Washington state.

In what ways does the ETSC Program provide leadership to school districts?
The Educational Technology Support Center Director at each of the nine ESD’s meets regularly with technology directors from districts in its region to disseminate information, plan regional efforts and to develop the leadership skills of the district technology leaders. Other ways in which the ETSC’s provide leadership include:

Assist districts in the writing of their strategic district technology plans. This not only helps them coordinate their efforts with technology purchases and implementations, but it also ensures their continued eligibility for eRate discounts and federal technology grants.
Provide districts with quality assessment and planning methods called ETSC Tools. These electronic tools help teachers assess their own technology competencies, schools assess their integrated use of technology, and districts evaluate the status of their district technology efforts.
Assist districts with the selection and procurement of online curriculum and staff development products.

How do the ETSC’s help schools in increasing student achievement?
The expert staff at each ESD understands the connection between the meaningful use of technology and the need for improved student learning. They promote the use of technology for this purpose by:
Providing high-quality professional development that ties the use of technology to Washington’s Essential Academic Learning Requirements and best classroom practices.
Sponsoring special events and conferences that showcase the use of technology for authentic learning.
Identifying and disseminating examples of how technology is being used to improve student learning.
Assisting districts with the selection and procurement of online curriculum and staff development products.

What are some special projects that are delivered through the statewide ETSC Program in Washington State?
Several projects are delivered by each regional ETSC:

The NoLimit! project (New Outcomes: Learning Improvement In Mathematics Integrating Technology) is a federally-funded effort that promotes the use of technology and best teaching practices that result in increased learning in math in grades five through nine.
The ETSC’s in Washington have partnered with Microsoft to develop technology and learning coaches through the Peer Coaching Initiative.

Is that all that the regional Educational Technology Support Centers do?
By meeting with district personnel on a regular basis, the ETSC staff learn what the needs of the districts are, and responds accordingly. Some examples include:

Writing grants on behalf of districts in the region;
Evaluating and selecting K-12 technology tools to put out to bid for districts to purchase;
Negotiating K-12 software and online product agreements with various companies