Biometric identification uses automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic, including face, fingerprint, hand geometry, handwriting, iris, retina and voice.

The ever-increasing need for school safety and surveillance, as well as a desire for more accurate record-keeping, is driving wider adoption of biometric technology in school districts.

The latest K-12 edtech news from the nation's capital, including studying the impact of tech on students, bolstering E-rate support and increasing children's online privacy.

Videos and apps bring more interaction, says Robert Dillon, director of innovative learning at The School District of University City in Missouri.

Avoiding the most common challenges to technology in schools can save district leaders time, ensure seamless integration and generate buy-in from all stakeholders, says Lenny Schad, former Houston ISD chief information officer.

In some districts, school safety relies on threat assessments that allow educators to intervene and ward off emergencies.

The national movement is accelerating the creation and sharing of open educational resources (OER) by educators.

Administrators increasingly accept that boosting school safety may rely on realistic active shooter drills that can upset staff and students