CALIE Districts and Schools of Innovation
A starting point for schools ready to make technology work better for teaching and learning
Helping Schools Use Technology With Purpose
The CALIE Districts and Schools of Innovation (CDSI) initiative is designed to help schools and districts take a closer look at how technology is being used and whether it is truly improving learning. Grounded in the Effective Technology Guidelines, CDSI provides a structured, practical way for teams to evaluate their current technology tools, identify gaps in implementation, and strengthen instructional practices so every classroom benefits from thoughtful, intentional use of digital resources.
This work is about ensuring the tools already in place are being used effectively, equitably, and in ways that support meaningful learning for all students.
CDSI Helps Educators and Leaders
Through collaborative planning, guided reflection, and targeted professional learning.
01
Measure the effectiveness of current technology tools and initiatives
02
Build a shared understanding of what high-quality technology use looks like in practice
03
Align instructional and technology teams around common goals for teaching and learning
04
Identify and address inequities in access, design, and implementation across classrooms
05
Develop sustainable systems for continuous improvement
A Flexible Partnership Tailored to Your Priorities
Rather than a one-size-fits-all program, CDSI is a flexible consulting and professional learning partnership tailored to each school or district’s priorities. Engagements may include strategic planning sessions, facilitated use of the Effective Technology Guidelines and Gap Analysis Tool, customized professional learning, and ongoing support to help teams turn insights into action.
For districts participating in the initial pilot phase, this work also offers an opportunity to contribute to the development of shared tools, resources, and implementation models that will support schools across California.
CDSI is for schools that want to move beyond technology adoption and toward clear evidence of impact on teaching and learning.
What You Can Expect
Our goal is to help your team move from questions to action, quickly and thoughtfully. In the early stages of partnership, schools and districts typically walk away with:
A Clear Improvement Focus
A shared understanding of where technology is supporting learning and where it may be creating barriers or inconsistencies across classrooms.
A Prioritized Action Plan
A practical roadmap that identifies what to tackle first, who is responsible, and how progress will be monitored.
Three Immediate Steps
Specific, achievable actions your team can put into practice right away to strengthen teaching and learning.
Early implementation steps include:
- Selecting one priority tool, program, or initiative to evaluate using the Effective Technology Guidelines and Gap Analysis Tool
- Creating a small implementation team to gather information and evidence about current technology use and identify priority areas for improvement
- Testing one targeted improvement strategy in a classroom, grade level, or department and gathering quick evidence of impact on student learning
This early progress builds momentum and helps teams focus their energy where it will make the greatest difference for students and educators.
Start the Conversation
Every school’s context is different. We work alongside teams to understand their goals, challenges, and priorities before designing a plan of support.
Schedule a conversation with our team to explore how CDSI can support your next steps.