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E-Rate & Technology
Guidance, policy updates and actionable resources for schools & districts focused on E-Rate and Technology.
Background
The Federal Communication Commission (FCC)'s E-Rate program makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries. With funding from the Universal Service Fund, E-Rate provides discounts for telecommunications, internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries. E-Rate is critical to school-based internet access, which is foundational for today’s learners.
AASA has long supported and championed the E-Rate program for its work to transform and support broadband connectivity in schools. We work closely with the FCC to support policies aimed at closing the homework gap through equitable access to technology and internet. AASA is also committed to working with the U.S. Department of Education and the FCC on ensuring any federal response to cybersecurity threats and student data privacy are comprehensive and cross-agency and adequately funded.
AASA's priorities through the E-Rate program include:
- Support preservation of the Universal Service Fund and the programs it supports
- Supporting the FCC's Learn Without Limits initiative to provide students with Wi-Fi on buses and hotspot connectivity
- Supporting policies that protect student data privacy and adequately fund cybersecurity for all school districts
AASA's Position & Priorities
AASA is committed to advocating for the following:
- Support flexibility of federal resources to ensure equitable access to affordable broadband, to better support student connectivity both in and out of school.
- Ensure any federal response to cybersecurity threats are comprehensive and cross-agency, and adequately funded.
- Oppose any effort to redirect E-Rate funding as initial/primary cybersecurity response.
- Permanently exempt E-Rate from the Anti-Deficiency Act.
- Support preservation of the Universal Service Fund and the programs it supports.
- Support using E-Rate dollars for Wi-Fi on buses and hot spots.
- Support efforts to ensure equitable access to affordable connectivity at home and at school.
- Update definitions to address the realities of the digital age, making it possible to protect data while ensuring appropriate use of student data for legitimate educational needs and reforms.
- Ensure funding to support school districts in ongoing efforts to respond to cybersecurity threats.
AASA has long supported and championed the E-Rate program for its work to transform and support broadband connectivity in schools... Even before the pandemic, we knew that upwards of 12 million students struggled without (or with inadequate) broadband access at home to complete school assignments.
David R. Schuler, AASA executive director
Issue Updates
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January 22, 2024
USED Releases National Education Technology PlanEarlier today, USED released its 2024 National Educational Technology Plan.
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November 15, 2023
Learn Without Limits: Fully Launched!FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced her three-part Learn Without Limits initiative over the summer.
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November 09, 2023
FCC Announces Proposal to Allow E-Rate Dollars to Cover Hot SpotsFCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel moved forward with the second part of her Learn Without Limits Initiative.
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November 02, 2023
The Advocate November 2023: AI, Cyber, and E-Rate, Oh My!We are using this month’s edition of The Advocate to provide a quick recap and update on all things connectivity, student data and privacy, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
AASA Resources
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February 01, 2024
Our Preventative Measures for Cybersecurity’s DangersType:Article Topics:The work of AASA’s Student and Child Privacy Center in combating digital crimes committed against schools. -
December 01, 2023
AASA’s New Focus on Student and Child PrivacyType:Article Topics:A new AASA public policy center monitors federal legislation on privacy issues. -
October 19, 2023
PEP Talk Episode 24: Student & Child PrivacyType:Podcast Topics: Advocacy & PolicyAASA's Advocacy team interviews Amelia Vance, chief counsel, and Morgan Leftwich, project director from AASA's Student & Child Privacy Center to get us up to speed about current privacy laws, the landscape, and more! -
June 13, 2023
Fixing Student & Child Privacy LawsType:Webinar Recording Topics:This webinar series will educate policymakers on the basics of student privacy, the areas of conflict and options for how laws can be improved.
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Additional Resources
Federal Communications Commission and U.S. Department of Education Resources
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