Closing the gap: Ensuring equal digital access in K-12 education
Nashville, Tenn. (February 6, 2025) — In today’s rapidly evolving world, integrating technology into schools is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity for preparing students for the future. Last week, the SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association) held a webinar to discuss its latest report, “The Universal Connectivity Imperative (UCI): Sustaining Progress to Close the Digital Access Divide in K-12 Education,” which outlines strategies to prevent millions of students from losing internet access and further falling behind.
This hour-long session included an overview of the report, key findings, and two panels of experts. Panelists explored the report’s findings, discussed public policy recommendations developed in collaboration with SETDA members and heard diverse perspectives on the critical importance of sustaining momentum and investing in K-12 universal connectivity.
“Today, we dive into how we can work together to ensure that every student has access to reliable high-speed connectivity no matter where they live or learn,” said SETDA Executive Director Julia Fallon. “Our research highlights emerging trends, state and local innovations, and policy recommendations that can drive meaningful progress towards universal future ready connectivity.”
In the first panel, “Stories and Perspectives,” Chief Digital Equity Officer of Digital Promise, D’Andre Weaver, gave his testimony about growing up to love technology even though he did not have access to the same tech resources as others. This led him to emphasize the importance of universal connectivity.
“When I think about universal connectivity, I think about ensuring that every child, every learner — regardless of where they are, what school they attend, or their income level — has access to the tools needed not only to experience what technology can do for learning but also to become creators and owners, empowering them with economic security, well-being, and agency,” he said.
During the second panel, “Policies for K-12 Universal Connectivity,” Doug Casey, Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission for Education Technology, talked about the evolution of technology in schools and why it’s a must-have in all classrooms.
“When I talk with decision-makers, school leaders, and community leaders, I try to truly connect with what’s happening in schools,” he said. “The truth is, technology is integrated into teaching and learning. So, when you discuss student outcomes and performance, investments in technology become much easier to justify because it’s seen less as a cost center and more as an essential part of education.”
National nonprofit Connected Nation (CN) strongly believes in SEDTA’s efforts to close the digital access gap in K-12 classrooms and is a sponsor on this report. CN’s Strategic Advisor, Pam Lloyd, served as one of the webinar’s speakers as a show of support for the initiative.
"The research has shown positive links between student performance and the extent to which they are connected to reliable, affordable internet, both on campus and off campus, and access to public health information, telehealth services, and mental wellness resources," she said.
Other panelist and speakers included: Mindy Fiscus, Director of Government Affairs, Illinois Learning Technology Center; Rep. Mia Gregerson, Washington House of Representatives; Jennifer Orr, Teacher, Fairfax County Public Schools, Virgina; Ji Soo Song, Director of Projects and Initiatives, SETDA; Bre Urness-Straight, Director of Education Technology, Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction; Danny Vinik, Policy Advisor, Office of U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey; Dan Walker, Former Superintendent, Lower Kuskokwim School District, Arkansas; and De’Naiza Watson, Student, Science Leadership Academy.
