iNACOL Statement of Support for the Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015

iNACOL applauds goals to improve broadband access and close the education opportunity gap for all students

Washington, D.C. – The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) applauds Senators King and Capito for introducing the Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015. This bill would provide broadband connectivity for all students, closing the educational opportunity gap and giving students increased access to high-quality, personalized learning experiences.

The bill would reduce inequities, especially for low-income students, by authorizing innovative broadband pilots to address the lack of high-speed Internet access outside of the classroom. This will help eliminate the “digital divide” and empower students with expanded educational opportunities using blended and online learning.

The reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act offers an important window of opportunity to support student-centered learning and increase access to innovative digital learning opportunities. The Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015 recognizes that Internet access is vital for all students to engage in high-quality, personalized learning options.

“Across the country, innovative educators are driving transformative changes in education, enabling personalized learning experiences for students, powered by blended and online learning models,” said Susan Patrick, President and CEO of iNACOL. “Broadband access is critical for educators and students to have powerful, personalized learning at their fingertips. It also enables increased student access to teaching and learning through online courses and blended learning. Providing improved connectivity will increase the educational opportunities available and prepare all students with the skills they need to be successful in college and careers.”

For more information, please contact Susan Patrick, iNACOL’s President and CEO, at [email protected] or (703) 752-6216.

About iNACOL

The mission of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) is to ensure all students have access to a world-class education and quality blended and online learning opportunities that prepare them for a lifetime of success. iNACOL is a non-profit organization focused on research; developing policy for student-centered education to ensure equity and access; developing quality standards for emerging learning models using online, blended, and competency-based education; and supporting the ongoing professional development of classroom, school, district and state leaders for new learning models.