Apr 26 2023
Management

Without Supplemental Pandemic Funding, Digital Divide Risks Increase

As K–12 districts spend down COVID-19 funds, schools will need long-term solutions.

If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it's that many of our schools were woefully behind when it came to providing students with a 21st century education. Lockdowns revealed that districts were stuck in a 19th century framework, resulting in deep digital divides and leaving some students struggling to complete school assignments outside of the classroom.

Bringing today’s K–12 learning environments up to speed requires adequate, long-term funding. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund proved to be a first step (and a game changer) for many schools. Over the past three years, $190 billion in federal funding allowed schools to make desperately needed upgrades. Although districts have until September 2024 to spend the last round of emergency aid, they have already seen big impacts, which means state and federal support beyond the pandemic remain critical.

Click the banner below for exclusive content about emerging technologies in K–12.

To learn how schools are modernizing their classrooms and infrastructure while addressing funding challenges, check out the stories listed below from the Spring 2023 issue of the magazine. For a preview of what's inside this issue, watch this short video with EdTech: Focus on K–12's managing editor, Taashi Rowe.

Check Out Our In This Issue Video:

 
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