ISTE Distinguished Schools Program

 

Prove Your Technology Investment Is Working. Earn the Recognition That Says So.
 

Every school or district leader fields the same questions. Is technology helping our students or distracting them? Why doesn’t this result in stronger learning outcomes? Should we be doing less, or more?

ISTE Distinguished Schools status is that answer. It recognizes schools that build what research shows moves outcomes: leaders, teachers, and technology aligned around clear learning goals, backed by real professional learning. This is recognition earned, going far beyond any tool purchase.

Distinguished Schools build the coherence that makes technology worth having.

The lowercase letters i-s-t-e in bright blue inside two rings of light blue and gold. The rings do not fully close as they stop above and below the letter e. Next to the image are the words Distinguished Schools in bright blue.

Two Paths to Distinction

For schools that want to partner with the ISTE+ASCD team to map their path.

  • Map a realistic path to distinction based on where your school is today.
  • Plan professional learning and Standards adoption to suit your staff and schedule.
  • Gain discounted package pricing for a predictable investment.
  • Support your team through every step of the application.

Both paths lead to the same recognition. Choose the one that matches how your team works.

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For schools that have strong PD capacity and want to set their own pace.

  • Build capacity on your school's own timeline.
  • Select the distinction tier that matches your readiness.
  • Complete and submit your application when your team is ready.

Both paths lead to the same recognition. Choose the one that matches how your team works.

Submit Your Portfolio

The Distinguished Schools Model

Distinction is earned in three stages. Each one is designed around what the research says works: quality over quantity, and implementation that fits your context.

Four interlocking circles of dark orange, light blue, light green, and gold. The intersection where all 4 meet is a bright blue color with the words ISTE and standards in white lowercase letters.

1. Commitment and Planning

Your school commits to a systemic shift. This means adopting the ISTE Standards as your instructional through-line and ensuring your infrastructure can support the vision you're setting before you ask teachers to change their practice. 

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2. Building Educator Capacity

Teachers and leaders complete professional learning designed to build practices that use technology for learning. Prepared teachers turn technology into real results. That is what this stage delivers.

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3. Earning Distinction

Your school earns ISTE Distinguished School designation once your educators have completed the professional learning and your application reflects real practice. Your designation lasts for three years because meaningful change deserves lasting recognition.

ISTE Distinguished Schools Tiers

Each tier reflects how deeply new teaching practices have taken hold across your staff, rather than how many boxes you've checked.

Silver

Building the foundation. A first cohort of teacher leaders and a shared standard for your staff to grow toward.

  • Educator Standards Course: 20% of FTE
  • ISTE+ASCD Edtech Teacher Certification: 5 teachers
  • ISTE+ASCD Edtech Leader Certification: 1 educator
  • Portfolio Required

Gold

Scaling what works. Enough certified teacher leaders that good practice stops depending on one or two champions and starts becoming how your school teaches.

  • Educator Standards Course: 40% of FTE
  • ISTE+ASCD Certification: 10 educators
  • ISTE+ASCD Certification: 2 educators
  • Portfolio Required

Platinum

Systemic transformation. The majority of your staff working from a shared standard, with enough certified leaders to sustain the culture even as staff turns over.

  • Educator Standards Course: 60% of FTE
  • ISTE+ASCD Certification: 15 educators
  • ISTE+ASCD Certification: 4 educators
  • Portfolio Required

Your Recognition as an ISTE Distinguished School Earns You

  • A credential your board and community can verify.
  • A listing on ISTE+ASCD's website.
  • School interview, highlight report, and profile page.
  • School banner to display on campus.*
  • Speaking spot at ISTE+ASCD’s annual conference.**
  • Educational Leadership® Magazine feature.**

* Gold tier and above  ** Platinum tier only

Contact us to learn more about the program

Frequently Asked Questions

An ISTE Distinguished School is an educational institution recognized internationally for integrating global educational technology standards into its teaching and learning. This certification validates the school's commitment to pedagogical innovation and digital transformation.

Requirements include: a committed management team, access to student devices, adequate technological infrastructure, and a willingness to provide ongoing teacher training.

Yes, the program is designed to adapt to different educational levels, from primary to secondary education, adjusting the content and practices according to the context of each institution.

The certification process takes approximately one year per level (Silver, Gold and Platinum), including teacher training, implementation of pedagogical practices, and evaluation of evidence.

ISTE Distinguished Schools Delivery Partners

ISTE Distinguished Schools Delivery Partners support school leaders and educators in their quest to make their institution an ISTE Distinguished School. Contact us to learn more about becoming a Delivery Partner.