APA joined a coalition of education and health care organizations calling on Congress (PDF, 70KB) to include provisions to expand broadband access for remote learning in any forthcoming emergency COVID-19 relief legislation. The coalition advocated for $12 billion to increase remote access for students and educators.
Since the start of the pandemic, equitable access to high-speed internet and devices for students and teachers studying and working from home has been one of APA’s key priorities. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise—and with many school districts either remaining in or pivoting back to a distance learning capacity—increased funding for connectivity and technology, to ensure continuity of learning, is critically important.
This is particularly true for low income and traditionally underserved students, in both rural and urban communities. APA advocacy staff wrote an article for APA Div. 27’s (Society for Community Research & Action) fall Rural Interest Group column highlighting the impacts that lack of connectivity is having on the continuity of learning for rural students.
For more information, contact Kenneth Polishchuk.