WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and CAST announced a new partnership aimed at enriching the educational technology landscape through enhanced support and training around the CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) certification. This collaboration was established under both organizations’ dedication to educational excellence, accessibility and inclusivity.

“We are thrilled to announce our latest partnership with CAST,” said Tal Havivi, managing director of research and development at ISTE. “It not only supports our mission to power educators through technology but also reinforces our commitment to creating accessible and inclusive learning environments. Together, we are setting a new standard for what can be achieved at the intersection of technology and learning design.”

Through this partnership, CAST will join ISTE’s Solutions Network as a partner-level sponsor and provide exclusive benefits to Solutions Network members. This will include up to 10 free one-hour consultations focused on accessibility as well as a discount on all CAST services.

“Joining forces with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) represents a significant milestone in our journey to revolutionize education,” said Jennifer Levine, Chief Academic Officer: PreK–12 at CAST. “Together, we are embarking on a transformative partnership aimed at shaping inclusive learning environments and empowering educators to harness the full potential of technology in education.”

CAST will facilitate a training experience for ISTE Seal reviewers with an interactive virtual workshop focused on gaining a better understanding of how UDL can support the domains of the Teacher Ready Framework, which informs the ISTE Seal. UDL is fundamental to product design, and the certification ensures that its design elements meet the UDL framework and guidelines. These guidelines aim to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.

The mutual efforts of ISTE and CAST will focus on exploring further opportunities for engagement and impact within education.

About CAST

CAST is a nonprofit education research and professional development and learning organization that created the Universal Design for Learning framework and UDL Guidelines, now used the world over to make learning more inclusive. At the foundation of UDL is accessibility and accessible educational materials, as such, CAST runs The National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) and The Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES).

About ISTE

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that works with the global education community to accelerate innovation in education through the smart use of technology. ISTE sets a bold vision for education transformation through the ISTE Standards, a framework for rethinking education and creating innovative learning experiences. ISTE hosts ISTELive, one of the world’s most influential education events, and offers a wealth of professional learning opportunities focused on technology in education. In 2023, ISTE merged with ASCD, combining expertise in technology and innovation with research-based professional learning for educators and education leaders, to advance student outcomes. For more information or to become an ISTE member, visit iste.org.