Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

ISTE Applauds FCC Chairman's E-Rate Proposal

  • 11/17/14

Vision for Program Supports Future-Ready Schools and Libraries

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Having been at the forefront of advocacy in support of the E-Rate program for many years, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE®) today recognized Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Wheeler for his proposal to increase funding for the program by $1.5 billion. This investment would support the deployment of high-capacity broadband, providing educators and students with the connectivity required to use a wide variety of online resources to transform learning and teaching.

“An investment in education is an investment in our country’s future,” said ISTE CEO Brian Lewis. “This visionary E-Rate proposal by Chairman Wheeler, the centerpiece of which is the first major funding increase for the program in 15 years, sets it on the path to sound financial footing for many years to come. We’re grateful to the Chairman and his fellow commissioners for their leadership in seeking this critical funding increase, as well as the changes necessary to modernize the E-Rate program.”

The need for robust connectivity within schools continues to grow due to the explosion of online and digital learning materials and resources, the increased implementation of 1:1 programs and devices in the classroom, and the rollout of online assessments. ISTE members are at the forefront of these innovations and have communicated the vital necessity of increasing funding for the E-Rate program to the FCC over the last 18 months.

The increase in funding will support efforts toward establishing equity of access to Wi-Fi for all schools and students. ISTE stands behind Chairman Wheeler as he takes this important and ambitious E-Rate proposal before the Commission for final approval on December 11.

ISTE has been highly active in the current E-Rate modernization proceedings, filing comments on behalf of nearly 600 educators from 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. ISTE also filed a petition calling for an increase in E-Rate funding that was signed by more than 1,500 educators.

For more information about the ISTE Advocacy Network visit www.iste.org/advocacy.

Featured

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • Minnesota District Completes Renovations to 3 Schools

    South Washington County Schools in Woodbury, Minn., recently completed major renovation projects to three of its schools, according to a news release. The district partnered with Kraus-Anderson for construction services, and the upgrades were part of a larger referendum that voters approved in fall 2024.

  • Western Kentucky University Breaks Ground on First Phase of $350M Student Housing Project

    Western Kentucky University (WKU) in Bowling Green, Ky., recently broke ground on the first phase of a $350-million student housing initiative, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Gilbane Development through a public-private partnership (P3) to replace aging residence halls and modernize on-campus living accommodations.

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.