Stories from the frontlines of closing the homework gap

Speaking to the State Education Technology Directors Association in Washington, DC, Commissioner Rosenworcel discussed recent victories at the FCC – like updating the E-rate program for schools and libraries and modernizing the Lifeline program for low-income families. But there are still large areas of the country where kids can’t do their homework at home. Commissioner Rosenworcel highlighted stories of local communities working to close the homework gap.

In the rural, agricultural community of Coachella Valley, CA, the school district supplied every student with a tablet for use at home and at school. But students would stay at school until 6 PM because they didn’t have broadband at home. To help solve the problem, the school district installed wi-fi routers on all district buses, so the kids could be connected on their long rides home from school. What’s more, the school system parks these connected buses next to the most remote trailer parks in the district, hoping to connect those families least likely to have broadband at home.

In Topeka, KS and Athens, GA, communities are working with business to identify safe spaces for students to connect to high-speed Internet and do their homework. Businesses and other wi-fi hotspots put a decal in their window to let students know the shop is a safe, connected homework space. “Imagine those decals multiplying around town, and imagine the statement that makes to students,” Rosenworcel said. “Every one of those decals says your schoolwork matters and your community supports you.”

None of these solutions alone will close the homework gap. Companies must continue to build out to rural communities and offer high-speed, affordable services. But these communities should be lauded for ingenuity and, as Rosenworcel concluded, supported by the FCC to close the digital divide and foster digital equality.

Links:

Remarks of Commissioner Rosenworcel to the State Education Technology Directors Association (FCC< Sept. 8, 2016)