The E-Rate Debate Centers Around How Students Use the Internet
The FCC announced a full review of E-Rate in June. An August Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that followed the announcement suggested that a new iteration of the program might include additional content filtering requirements, more specific traffic control, limits on managed internal broadband services and the possibility of providing parents visibility into their children’s in-school online activity.
The commission says that the review is important because E-Rate was designed in 1998, when the internet and technology as a whole looked very different from today. In modern classrooms, technology touches virtually everything, from the interactive boards teachers use in lessons to the student information systems where grades are logged. The FCC is looking to confirm that in-class screen time and device use adequately supports learning outcomes.
DIVE DEEPER: Here’s why K–12 leaders should be paying attention to E-Rate right now.
Education Leaders Ask for a Safe, Stronger E-Rate Program
In response to the FCC’s E-Rate review, CoSN wrote a petition to Congress urging them to protect E-Rate and reminding lawmakers that network connectivity is vital to modern learning.
“Today, E-Rate-supported networks enable digital learning, online assessments, student information systems, communications with families, school safety systems, and access to the educational resources students need to succeed,” the letter says.
It goes on to note that the commission and the signers of the letter agree on the importance of protecting students online, but reducing broadband access is not the solution.
The petition suggests that lawmakers should leave decision-making about curriculum, educational technology and instruction to states, local educators, school boards and families. By strengthening E-Rate, rather than limiting it, “the FCC can make its greatest contribution by ensuring that schools have secure, reliable, and resilient broadband networks and by strengthening protections against the growing cybersecurity threats facing K-12 education.”
Schools, service providers and education groups had an opportunity to submit comments for consideration during the review. Nearly 99% of those comments were in support of preserving the program. Next, the FCC will deliberate, taking into account the comments and replies before making its final decision on the program’s future.
