Remote learning is the reality for millions of children in the United States because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, not all children can participate effectively because many lack access to high-speed home internet and connected devices.
That’s why the National School Boards Association (NSBA) is pleased to be joining with the Alliance for Excellent Education (All4ed) and the National Association for Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in a grassroots sign-on letter/petition addressed to President Biden, Congressional leadership, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The groups are calling the lack of internet access the “Homework Gap.”
The letter stresses there are two ways the federal government can help to close the Homework Gap to provide home internet for students.
- President Biden and Congress can approve legislation to provide at least $7.6 billion for the E-rate program.
- The FCC can modernize the E-rate program and allow it to support remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is the webpage where the letter can be viewed and signed. This grassroots effort is in alignment with the goals of Public Schools Week. NSBA participated in a similar effort last spring. The deadline to sign the letter is March 5.