Category: Partner News & Resources

How Microsoft 365 Education Creates Secure And Productive Learning

December 8, 2023, Trafera

How secure is the data in our schools? In a single breach, cyberattacks–such as the use of ransomware–have the potential to expose sensitive student data and disrupt the very tools that support learning and teaching. The impact can be immediate and the subsequent data theft and network outages can lead to serious disruption to learning and even temporary school closures. In fact, in 2022, there were over 50 schools with reported ransomware attacks, four of which were forced to cancel classes due to ransomware (StateScoop)

These scenarios bring to light the role of cybersecurity in education—as a nonnegotiable measure to ensure learning continues smoothly, day after day.

When it comes to your digital education landscape, your chosen tools and apps can play a big role in fortifying your environment. Take, for instance, the productivity suite your students and teachers use. Everything from email to file storage to spreadsheets are potential entryways for bad actors to obtain private school data. On the bright side, the right apps can act as solid bricks in your fortress walls, keeping hackers out.

Microsoft 365 for Education steps up to this challenge with a promise: to create secure, seamless educational experiences where productivity and protection go hand in hand.

What is Microsoft 365 Education?

It’s common to use Microsoft 365 and Office 365, but there are differences between the two. Office 365 for Education is an application suite that contains familiar app names like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Microsoft 365 Education extends beyond the applications Office 365 with the addition of services and tools like Minecraft Education and security features.

You’ll find Microsoft 365 Education broken down into three tiers – Microsoft 365 A1, Microsoft 365 A3, and Microsoft 365 A5. Each plan is loaded with tools that include both educational and security aspects, giving you the flexibility to choose an option that fits your specific needs.

Microsoft 365 A1

The A1 plan offers a straightforward, no-cost option for eligible students and educators, focusing on the essentials for modern educational workloads. It includes key cloud-managed services, delivering basic tools necessary for a secure and productive learning environment. This plan sets the stage for schools to build a digital foundation that supports everyday learning and teaching activities.

Microsoft 365 A3

Alongside all the benefits of A1, the Microsoft 365 A3 tier introduces full desktop versions of applications like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, offering more tools for creative and complex tasks. The standout feature of A3 is its advanced security and analytics, making it a go-to choice for schools aiming to enhance their digital capabilities while safeguarding against cyber threats.

Microsoft 365 A5

Think of A5 as the all-in-one package, offering the most comprehensive range of features, including streamlined licensing, top-tier security measures, and advanced management tools. Ideal for schools that demand the best in both safety and functionality, A5 is the premier choice for those who want to ensure their technology is not just up-to-date, but ahead of the curve in protecting and empowering their educational community.

For more details on what each tier offers, check out Microsoft’s comparison table.

 


Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Tim Peters
Account Manager
651-209-1098
tim.peters@trafera.com

Learn More About Trafera

HOW SCHOOLS CAN TAKE ACTION AGAINST DIGITAL SELF HARM

Adolescent mental health is a rapidly evolving area of study that has yet to be truly understood, and one of the newest topics of discussion is digital self-harm. Because digital self-harm has yet to be researched extensively, it’s likely that educators aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of this behavior.

That’s why ManagedMethods putting digital self-harm under the microscope — to help school districts understand the phenomenon and what they can do to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics and highlight some strategies you can use to detect and prevent self-harming behavior of all shapes and sizes.

UNDERSTANDING SELF-HARM

Before getting ahead of ourselves, let’s review self-harming behavior in general, which can be broken down into two types:

  1. Traditional self-harm
  2. Digital self-harm

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

David Waugh
Sales and Marketing Vice President
303-415-3643
dwaugh@managedmethods.com

Learn More About ManagedMethods

Discover STEM/STEAM Wonders: Embracing Innovation

By Abi Dreyer / November 07, 2023

Greetings, explorers of the STEM universe!

Mark your calendars because November 8 heralds the arrival of National STEM/STEAM Day! Get ready to embark on an exhilarating expedition into the realms of innovation and discovery. On this special day, we celebrate the profound impact of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEM/STEAM) in the lives of young learners.

At first glance, it might seem like just another entry in the calendar of national observances, but STEM Day is far more than that. It holds immense significance, especially for our dedicated educators.

Inspiring Futures

National STEM Day offers educators a unique platform to demonstrate the real-world implications of STEM. Teachers can guide their students to focus on problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance, sparking inspiration that could shape their future paths. It’s about fostering a mindset that encourages resilience and fuels a passion for exploration.

Students and teacher problem solving image

Captivating Engagement

Engaging students with captivating STEM activities is key to nurturing their curiosity. By designing activities that resonate with their interests, we can create authentic connections between students and STEM fields. These interactions foster genuine enthusiasm, making learning a delightful journey of discovery.

For instance, get inspired by Chocolate-covered learning: Seven STEM activities for kids or for younger learners you might try The Dot: Read-Aloud STEM kits.

Opening the Doors to Careers

One of the most significant impacts of this celebration is its ability to unveil diverse career opportunities. For many students, these paths remain undiscovered until exposed by their teachers. By introducing them to various professions, we empower them to explore their true calling, equipping them with insights that can shape their future careers.

Student thinking about careers image

Consider working with your local businesses and industry all year round to fill workforce gaps in your area.


Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Erica Lopez-Negrete Smith
Illinois Sales
800-835-0686
elopez@pitsco.com

Learn More About Pitsco Education
Pitsco Education Blog

Download The Complete MTSS Toolkit From Otus

The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework is crucial in addressing students’ varying needs. Download this free toolkit to set MTSS meeting norms and agendas, analyze data, and set growth action items. Every student deserves the right support – use our toolkit to ensure they get it.

What’s in the toolkit?

MTSS has become a vital framework in classrooms nationwide, addressing the diverse needs of students. By combining academic and behavioral strategies, MTSS ensures that every student, from those who excel to those who struggle, receives the right level of support.

This toolkit will provide you with everything you need to:

  • Understand and create MTSS meeting norms
  • Examples of MTSS meeting norms
  • Plan and prepare for MTSS meetings
  • Analyze and discuss MTSS data
  • Meeting agenda template
  • Data discussion guide
  • Set action items to support student growth

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Paul Kaskovich
Account Executive
paul@otus.com
773-789-5444 x110

Learn More About Otus

How To Recover From A Cyber Attack: 8 Tips For K-12

Worried about what might happen if your school district suffers a data breach?

You’re not alone. Schools across the United States are bracing for impact, awaiting the day a malicious incident puts their cybersecurity strategy to the test. And, as cybercrime rises worldwide, it’s only a matter of time before it does. In the spirit of planning ahead, let’s discuss how to recover from a cyber attack so that you can better protect your students from a future security breach.


Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

David Waugh
Sales and Marketing Vice President
303-415-3643
dwaugh@managedmethods.com

Learn More About ManagedMethods

Six Cybersecurity Tips for a Successful School Year

Headshot

By Jeff Janover
VP of Security & Interoperability, ClassLink

In today’s digital landscape, hackers and bad actors have developed increasingly sophisticated methods. Their main goal is to steal personal information for malicious purposes and wreak havoc on your system. There are many digital pitfalls. However, there are plenty of protective measures you can take to keep your school safe. Fortifying your cybersecurity skills can help shield school systems from cyber attacks. Below are some cyber preparedness tips to help safeguard your school’s data:

  1. Identify fake websites. Bad actors often create deceptive sites aimed at harvesting personal data, employing URLs that closely mimic legitimate ones. Always double-check a URL before engaging with a website. Fraudulent URLs might use subtle variations like numbers, letters, and dashes that may go unnoticed.
  2. Dodge phishing emails. Be wary of phishing emails that often ask for login credentials or other personal information. Phishing attempts are deceptive because an email domain may appear similar to a trusted email account. For example, an email from staff@sunva11ey.edu is not the same domain as staff@sunvalley.edu. 💡 Notice the letter “l” is replaced by 1s in the phishing email’s domain. If you receive an email from ClassLink requesting personal information such as your login credentials, it is a phishing attempt.
  3. Avoid suspicious links. Only click links you trust. For increased security, add commonly used links to your school’s website for students, educators, and staff to access easily. For even more security, transform any link into a LaunchPad application, bolstering both convenience and safeguarding!
  4. Implement MFA. Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible to add layers of identity protection. ClassLink offers extensive MFA options that help secure online accounts, even if your username and password get compromised.
  5. Implement cybersecurity training. Require mandatory cybersecurity training for all staff and students. You can create your own training or use a training service to help keep your school secure. One option is ClassLink Academy, available in your LaunchPad account! The following courses offer a robust understanding of how to protect against cyber attacks:
    • Security Awareness Anthology (available for ClassLink Administrators, educators, and staff)
      • 1.1 Online Security Fundamentals
      • 1.2 How to Protect Your Data
      • 1.3 Phishing Attack Protections
      • 1.4 What is Social Engineering
    • Directory Services (available only to ClassLink Administrators)
      • 2.1 Scope Your Google Directory
  6. Report suspicious activity. Unexpected logins, changes to passwords, and other unauthorized actions are examples of suspicious activity. If you notice any login attempts or password changes that seem out of the ordinary, reach out to your tech team. At ClassLink, we take all reports seriously and will work to investigate any unusual activity. Thanks for helping us keep everything safe and secure!

Take your cyber readiness to the next level with the Cybersecurity Rubric. The Cybersecurity Rubric is a free self-assessment tool that you can use to assess your school’s cyber preparedness.


Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

ClassLink
Lyle Dadian
Director of Instructional Technology
M: 414-588-9181
O: 862-203-2099
ldadian@classlink.com

Learn More About ClassLink

The State of Assessment in K-12 Education: 2023 Research Study & Trends

Instructure–in partnership with Hanover Research–surveyed 1,000 administrators, teachers, and assessment specialists nationwide about the role of assessment in K-12 classrooms. The educators have spoken. Here’s what they had to say.

81% of educators reported that their school’s culture is assessment-focused. This number confirms what we’ve known for years–assessment is an essential part of the learning process. We dug in to define what ‘assessment-focused’ means and–more importantly–is it enough to elevate student success?

The State of Assessment in K-12 Education research report provides insights into current assessment strategies, emerging trends, and a glimpse into the future of assessment.

What is covered:


Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Rob Residori
Director of Partnerships
(773) 273-9419
robert.residori@instructure.com

Learn More About LearnPlatform

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFELY TECHNOLOGY GUIDE FOR K-12 TECH TEAMS & STUDENT RESOURCES

CREATE A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT BY MONITORING YOUR DISTRICT’S CLOUD APPS FOR THESE SAFETY RISKS

Back-to-School is an exciting time of the year for everyone in your district. But it can also be stressful for a variety of reasons.

As students re-adjust to the structures of school schedules and the stresses of social interactions, passions, and conflict can boil over.

Mental health is an essential issue in our communities today. The impacts of the long pandemic and a variety of challenges in society are weighing on our children in numerous ways. We all need to do our part to help them cope with these pressures and their environment mentally, psychologically, and emotionally.

This guide is an attempt to help district leaders understand how they can use technology to detect potential student safety signals that can come up in school Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 apps. The six types of signals and examples discussed in this guide are based on stories we’ve heard from our customers over the years.

Plus, gain access to a downloadable spreadsheet with keywords/phrases for each category that you can use to help set up your cloud monitoring technology!

This guide discusses the following safety risks:

  1. Bullying & Discrimination
  2. Self-Harm & Suicide
  3. Threats & Acts of Violence
  4. Substance Abuse
  5. Sexual Content
  6. Abusive Relationships

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

David Waugh
Sales and Marketing Vice President
303-415-3643
dwaugh@managedmethods.com

Learn More About ManagedMethods

Pitsco Educator Grant

Teachers, you make things happen. Pitsco is so appreciative of all you do to positively impact learners. They are here to cheer you on and assist with funding more opportunities for your students.

  • The Pitsco Educator Grant is open to preK-college educators in traditional classrooms, out-of-school settings, and homeschool.
    Applications are accepted from the first day of each month to the last day of the month (for example, the January grant application period is January 1-31).
  • One $350 grant will be awarded each month at the discretion of Pitsco Education in the form of a Pitsco voucher, not redeemable for cash.
  • The selected educator will be contacted via email and/or phone to confirm acceptance of the grant.
  • The $350 value can be applied across multiple transactions until the total is depleted to $0.
  • An educator may be awarded only one $350 grant during a 12-month period.
  • At a later date, Pitsco will ask each winner to share their experience using the products purchased with the grant.

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Erica Lopez-Negrete Smith
Illinois Sales
800-835-0686
elopez@pitsco.com

Learn More About Pitsco Education

 

Otus Talks: How Personalized Learning is Enacted in a Top Rated School | Otus

How One of the Nation’s Top-Performing Schools Uses Personalized Learning to Drive Student Success: An Interview with Dr. Paul O’Malley, Superintendent of Butler School District 53

How Personalized Learning is Enacted in a Top Rated School | Otus

A Conversation with Dr. Paul O’Malley

We sat down with Dr. Paul O’Malley, superintendent of Butler School District 53, to learn about how he and his colleagues are using Otus to harness powerful student data to drive personalized student learning plans, and how he has helped his district to become one of the highest-performing in the nation. In 2022, Brook Forest Elementary School was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education – marking the fourth time a school in the Butler district has received the prestigious accolade, which is awarded to less than 1% of schools nationwide. Butler was also awarded the Whole Child Award by the Illinois ASCD in 2018. In a recent issue of ILASCD Quarterly Journal, Dr. O’Malley shared the success his district has found through individualized learning plans and how Otus helped make it happen.

Three key takeaways from our conversation with Dr. Paul O’Malley

  1. The importance of data-driven personalized learning plans

Dr. O’Malley highlights the value of using data to drive personalized student learning and the success his district has found through this approach. By leveraging data for decision-making and promoting data literacy among stakeholders, Butler has enhanced student engagement, fostered communication and collaboration, and promoted educational equity. This data-centric approach has boosted student outcomes and propelled the district to the pinnacle of performance rankings.

Otus Plans on an iPad

  1. Embrace a slow, methodical approach, and rely on support

To ensure educators become more data-wise and comfortable with new systems, Dr. O’Malley recommends a slow and methodical approach, including training and professional development, as well as partnering with companies like Otus to create comprehensive calendars and training programs and provide ongoing support long after the initial onboarding phase. Dr. O’Malley also emphasizes both the challenges and benefits of getting staff to buy into new data-driven initiatives. Implementing a new system like Otus often encounters resistance. However, by involving stakeholders with diverse viewpoints, there’s an assurance of collective agreement, confirming that the new product is appropriate and truly fulfills its intended role.

  1. Balance technology with other aspects of education

While technology like Otus can be a valuable tool for supporting student growth, Dr. O’Malley stresses the importance of balancing technology use with other activities, such as field trips and hands-on learning experiences, to maintain a well-rounded educational experience. Technology is just one tool in an educator’s toolbelt, and will never replace the meaningful experiences that are essential to a well-rounded educational journey.

See the full transcript and learn more by visiting Otus.com


Looking to place an order? Contact your dedicated Account Manager and mention ILTPP:

Paul Kaskovich 
Account Executive
paul@otus.com
773-789-5444 x110

Learn More About Otus