The pandemic exposed an immense gap in digital accessibility within the K-12 sector. While this gap was already present, it became exacerbated as students were required to complete all schoolwork remotely. Now students are back on campus, but most schoolwork still requires some form of digital access, whether that be for research or to assignment submissions. The Digital Divide is as present as ever, and it requires all school leaders to play a part in minimizing it.
Closing the Digital Divide
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education (DoE) released its 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP): “A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides.” With a provided outlined plan to address gaps in digital use, digital design, and digital access, schools are now expected to take accountability.
Closing the Digital Divide will be an ongoing and complex process, but schools must consider what strategies they can implement to remain aligned with the DoE. For each of the three Divides, the DoE provides recommendations that leaders can execute for each level in the K-12 landscape. These are just a few of the provided steps in the plan that principals can use to lead the way toward a more digitally accessible future for students:
- Develop and maintain systems, like needs assessments and evaluations, to build competencies using technology to enhance learning outcomes.
- Foster a culture of trust that empowers educators to improve their practice to meet each student’s needs.
- Use public and/or private partnerships and community collaboration to expand broadband access, ensuring students have continuous learning opportunities.
Case Study: Oakland Public Schools
The pandemic took the K-12 landscape by storm, and the students of Oakland Public Schools were in dire need of assistance. At the time, only 25% of Oakland students had both a strong internet connection as well as a computer at home. With no computer and no internet, receiving an education during lockdown suddenly became incredibly challenging for most of these students.
Oakland school leaders became aware of this pressing issue and took action. By collaborating with the Oakland Public Education Fund, the nonprofit Tech Exchange, and other organizations within their community, the district soon saw success.
By tracking how students were logging on to complete their work and conducting surveys on internet access, Oakland school leaders determined which students were in need. Thanks to the community partnerships, students were soon receiving Chromebooks. To this day, Oakland students still receive individual computers for their schoolwork. Compared to the 25% of Oakland students with adequate digital access at the start of the pandemic, that number has now risen to 98%.
The success story of Oakland Public Schools is just one amazing example of how the Digital Divide can be closed when school leaders and the community come together for a common goal.
A Path Forward
Closing the Digital Divide is crucial for ensuring equitable education in the post-pandemic world. By implementing the recommendations from the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan, school leaders can foster a more inclusive and digitally accessible learning environment. Collaboration and community involvement, as seen with the Oakland Public Schools, are key to making significant strides in bridging this gap and supporting every student’s success.
