WASHINGTON – Today, President Obama called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take the necessary steps to modernize the E-Rate program to connect America’s schools and libraries to next-generation broadband and high-speed wireless in the next five years. He also called for the reallocation of existing Title II funds to train teachers on the technology. In response to the President’s statements, leaders of national organizations focused on advancing digital learning released the following statement: “Digital learning enables teachers to personalize the learning experience for students, and ensures that the next generations of American students reach their full potential and are competitive in the global marketplace. Next generation models of learning and Common Core State Standards online assessments require a next generation broadband infrastructure. “We know that too many schools currently don’t have the infrastructure necessary to enable emerging models of education, such as online and blended learning. We need an urgent upgrade to ‘E-Rate 2.0’ in order to build the infrastructure our schools need – it’s the first critical step in adapting our education model for the 21st century. “The E-rate program must be modernized, simplified, and better aligned to the education reforms that are being introduced in states and schools today. The program must be improved to increase transparency, reduce waste and provide the infrastructure investment our schools require. “As leaders of organizations advancing the use of digital learning to transform education, we applaud the President for calling for these reforms. Further, we encourage the Administration to not only direct the federal government to make better use of existing funds to get this technology into classrooms, but to also fully fund the existing programs that support schools with acquiring the devices, software, services, and training that complement the infrastructure provided by E-rate. “We look forward to working with the Administration and the FCC to make digital learning opportunities available for every child.” The Alliance for Excellent Education |