EdTech
EdGate Services
How Schools Evaluate New EdTech: Insights from Jill Pierce on the EdGate Powers Podcast
August 19 2025
Young student in red hoodie using a laptop for online learning
Author
Rich Portelance

The most recent EdGate Powers podcast features a highly engaging episode featuring Jill Pierce, Executive Director of the Tennessee Educational Technology Association. With more than 30 years of expertise on how schools evaluate and adopt new education technology (EdTech) in today’s fast-changing landscape.

Her key message: EdTech adoption is more rigorous than ever before. Schools are taking a strategic, data-driven approach, carefully weighing interoperability, cybersecurity, legislative compliance, and the role of AI in education before making purchasing decisions.

The Evolving Process of EdTech Adoption in Schools

School districts are no longer rushing into buying the “latest tool.” Instead, they are using a structured school technology evaluation checklist to ensure every product directly supports district priorities and integrates with existing infrastructure.

Jill highlighted an important distinction:

  • Instructional technology - Products that directly impact student learning and outcomes.

  • Operational technology - Tools that streamline administrative or support services.

    • For both categories, the first step is identifying a clear need. Vendors who approach districts without aligning to strategic goals risk losing valuable opportunities.

    The School Technology Evaluation Checklist Every Vendor Should Know

    Jill outlined the criteria that districts use to assess new products. For EdTech vendors, these represent must-have answers when presenting solutions:

  • Alignment to Strategic Plans – Does the product support the district’s goals for student success and operational efficiency?

  • Interoperability in Education Technology – Can the tool integrate smoothly with student information systems and existing platforms?

  • Cybersecurity in Schools – How does the product protect sensitive student data, respond to breaches, and ensure compliance with privacy laws?

  • Data Privacy in EdTech – What information is collected, and how is it stored and secured?

  • User Experience – Is the platform intuitive, easy to train on, and supportive of teacher adoption?

  • Legislative Compliance – Does the product meet current and upcoming state and federal requirements, including those related to AI in education?

    • Districts aren’t looking for the cheapest tool. As Jill explained, schools aim for the “lowest and best” value—prioritizing effective integration, training, and vendor support over cost alone.

    Why Cybersecurity and Interoperability Are Top Priorities

    With most school users under 18, cybersecurity in education is not optional—it’s essential. Districts require vendors to clearly explain how they secure student and staff data, prevent intrusions, and remain compliant with strict data privacy regulations.

    Equally important is interoperability in education technology. Teachers and staff need a seamless ecosystem, not a cluttered set of disconnected apps. Districts value solutions that unify access and simplify workflows, reducing frustration while improving efficiency.

    The Role of Legislation and AI in Education

    Jill cautioned vendors that ignoring state-specific EdTech legislation can derail even the strongest product. From wireless device rules to evolving AI in education laws, compliance is now a cornerstone of school technology adoption.

    On AI, Jill explained that while artificial intelligence has long existed in basic educational tools, new frameworks are emerging to regulate its instructional use. Vendors must be transparent about:

  • What data AI systems collect and process

  • How AI integrates with existing school platforms

  • How student and employee privacy is protected

    • Without clear answers, districts may hesitate to adopt even innovative AI-powered tools.

    Building Successful EdTech Partnerships with Schools

    Jill’s closing message centered on fidelity– ensuring that technology implementations are not only purchased but also planned, resourced, and executed in alignment with strategic district goals.

    For EdTech vendors, this means:

  • Taking the time to understand district needs.

  • Demonstrating strong commitments to privacy, cybersecurity, and compliance.

  • Delivering solutions that are easy to integrate and simple to use.

  • Acting as long-term partners in student success, not just product providers

    • Listen to the full episode of the EdGate Powers Podcast to hear Jill Pierce’s complete insights on EdTech adoption, AI in education, and how schools are shaping the future of instructional technology.