The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) is launching a new leadership initiative aimed at giving superintendents the tools and resources they need to understand the transformative role of educational technology, as well as to lay out a blueprint for technology leadership and action.

The initiative, called Empowering the 21^st Century Superintendent, will help superintendents strengthen school district leadership and communication, infuse 21^st-century skills into the curriculum, create engaging learning environments, support professional development, and improve assessment. CoSN will announce the project March 31 at this year's National School Boards Association (NSBA) Annual Conference.

"In school districts, innovation and new ideas for enhancing the educational experience come from educators at all levels--but often some of the most effective efforts begin with a visionary perspective from the top, which then permeates through every level of the district," said Keith Krueger, CoSN's chief executive.

"That is precisely why we worked with superintendents to develop this initiative. They best recognize the many challenges and responsibilities superintendents face, and based on their shared experience they can offer up some valuable insights and begin an in-depth discussion about common educational issues that technology might help address."

The initiative was designed to help superintendents build their knowledge and skills to become more effective, visionary technology leaders in their communities. An advisory committee of superintendents gave direction for the initiative, and CoSN conducted focus groups and personal interviews to help develop a robust set of resources for superintendents.

CoSN's 2004 survey of 455 technology decision makers found that visionary technology leadership--and the community support fostered by district leaders--made the difference in districts that were able to bolster their technology plans, budgets, and implementation. The report of those findings, "Digital Leadership Divide," is available online.

As part of the initiative, CoSN has developed a detailed toolkit, "Empowering the 21^st Century Superintendent: Five Themes and Action Steps for Technology Leadership," which also is available online.

The initiative's web site features resources to help superintendents strengthen district leadership and communication, raise the bar in teaching 21^st-century skills, create compelling learning environments, support professional development and communities, and create balanced assessments. The site soon will feature best practices in each one of these categories, as well as links to relevant organizations, articles, and reports.

In conjunction with this effort, the Pearson Foundation and CoSN also have developed a four-minute video that presents superintendents' personal thoughts about their own roles as catalysts for 21^st-century learning.