2019 Report Highlights Best Practices Around the Nation for Driving Broadband Connectivity and Access for Students

Washington, D.C. – SETDA, the principal membership association of U.S. state and territorial digital learning leaders, today released a new national report, State K-12 Broadband Leadership: Driving Connectivity, Access and Student Success. This report highlights the powerful impact of state leadership in driving critical policy decisions at the state level to support broadband networks, bandwidth capacity, Wi-Fi implementation, and off campus access for low-income families. Educators, policy makers and the private sector will benefit from organized and accessible information regarding states’ K12 broadband approaches. The work includes examples of states providing leadership for effective and efficient broadband and Wi-Fi implementation and case studies for Connecticut, Kentucky and Minnesota. Accompanying this report is an online State K12 Broadband Leadership map which includes an overview of the approach for broadband implementation for all states and Guam.

SETDA has a track record for advocating for the importance of high-speed broadband access for students both on and off campus to prepare today’s students for college and career and to compete in a global economy. SETDA’s 2012 and 2016 Broadband Imperative reports provided guidance for states and districts regarding broadband implementation and planning.

“Equitable, personalized learning opportunities are critical for all students, in Connecticut and across the country,” shared Commissioner Dianna Wentzell, Connecticut State Board of Education. “Access to high-quality broadband in schools provides administrators, teachers, and students the opportunity to level the playing field with access to digital resources, field expertise, and collaborative learning experiences. While state approaches may differ, leadership is critical to ensuring broadband access for all,” Commissioner Wentzell continued.

“Since 1995 Kentucky has always valued, demonstrated and supported the importance of Internet connectivity in regards to the equity of access and opportunity for each of the 648,000 plus K-12 students we serve by being the first state to have high quality, reliable, equitable, fibered Internet service to every district and school in Kentucky,” said David Couch, K-12 CIO and Associate Commissioner of Education, Kentucky Department of Education.

“In order to provide personalized learning experiences for students to best prepare them for college and careers, and to compete in a global economy, all schools need access to reliable, high-speed broadband,” shared SETDA’s incoming Executive Director, Candice Dodson. “No two states approach broadband implementation the same, however, state leadership is essential to the process in implementing high speed broadband for all.”

This report is based on research in partnership with state and private sector leaders including state CIOs, state network managers, E-rate Coordinators, digital learning administrators, and through the support of ENA, Kajeet, Mobile Beacon & Parana River Group. The online map is provided in partnership with ESRI.

About SETDA: Founded in 2001, SETDA is the principal nonprofit membership association representing US state and territorial educational technology leaders. Our mission is to build and increase the capacity of state and national leaders to improve education through technology policy and practice.  https://www.setda.org

Featured

  • Embry-Riddle Breaks Ground on New Office Building

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced that construction has begun on a new office building for its campus Research Park, according to a news release. The university partnered with Hoar Construction on the 34,740-square-foot Center for Aerospace Technology II (CAT II), which will be used for research and lab purposes.

  • Fellowes Launches New 3D Modular, Product Configurators

    Contract interiors and architectural solutions provider Fellowes recently announced the launch of new 3D modular and product configurators for several of its product lines, according to a news release. The new products offer SIF file integration and pricing for the Volo, Markerboards, Sena, and Rising product lines in connection with 3D Cloud, which provides 3D product visualization and 3D digital asset management.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces Winners of 2025 Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2025 Product Awards! The award program recognizes innovation and excellence in products that enhance learning environments in K–12 schools and institutions of higher education.

  • Average Annual Number of Tornadoes per State

    New Tornado Wind Load Design Criteria in IBC Offer Improvements to Life Safety

    For the first time in U.S. building code history, the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) includes tornado wind load design criteria, marking a significant advancement in life-safety provisions.

Digital Edition