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Advocacy

TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities

by Macee Hall
written by Macee Hall

Here at TCEA, we are dedicated to supporting educators of all kinds through the tools, guidance, and policies they need to thrive. And, while our members hail from around the globe, we are deeply passionate about educational advocacy in our home state of Texas. That’s why our TCEA Board of Directors recently approved TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities, a roadmap for advocacy that focuses on key areas like artificial intelligence, broadband access, digital learning, virtual education, and cybersecurity. With the 89th Texas Legislature coming up in just a few short months, these priorities are designed specifically to make a lasting impact on teaching and learning across the state.

What TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities?

TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities reflect its dedication to advancing teaching and learning through technology. Here’s a closer look at the key areas TCEA will advocate for:

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is reshaping education, but with great potential comes great responsibility. TCEA supports the creation of ethical and equitable standards for AI in schools, ensuring its use prioritizes student well-being, data privacy, and the integrity of education.

2. Broadband Access

Access to high-speed internet is critical for every Texas student, no matter where they live. TCEA will push for programs that expand broadband infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas. By advocating for public-private partnerships and targeted funding, TCEA aims to ensure every district is connected and every student has equitable access to digital resources.

3. Digital Learning

Digital learning is a cornerstone of 21st-century education, and TCEA’s priorities focus on:

  • K-8 Technology Applications: Safeguarding the inclusion of foundational tech skills in early education to set students up for long-term success.
  • Blended Learning Professional Development: Providing educators with professional development to effectively integrate the latest technologies and blended learning strategies into their teaching.
  • Effective Device Use: Promoting responsible policies and practices for using electronic devices in the classroom to enhance learning and minimize distractions.

4. Virtual Learning

TCEA is advocating for robust, high-quality virtual learning programs that give districts the flexibility to meet the diverse needs of their students. This includes ensuring programs are well-funded, uphold high standards, and provide opportunities for micro-credentialing educators.

5. Cybersecurity and Technology Infrastructure

Cybersecurity threats are a growing concern for Texas schools. TCEA supports:

  • Training for School Employees: Preparing educators and staff to recognize and respond to cybersecurity threats.
  • Sustained Funding: Securing ongoing funding for technology infrastructure to protect sensitive data and maintain efficient systems.

How TCEA Will Advocate During the 89th Texas Legislature

TCEA’s advocacy approach is all about collaboration and impact. During the 89th Texas Legislature, the association will work with policymakers, educators, and industry partners to push for the adoption of these priorities. This includes:

  • Engaging Legislators: Meeting with state leaders to share the real-world needs of schools and how these policies can make a difference.
  • Mobilizing Members: Empowering TCEA members to amplify their voices and share their experiences with decision-makers.
  • Building Coalitions: Partnering with other organizations and stakeholders to create a united front in support of these critical issues.

By combining grassroots advocacy with strategic partnerships, TCEA is ensuring that Texas educators and students are positioned for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Why These Priorities Matter

Every student deserves access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s technology-driven world. Whether it’s through expanded broadband, innovative AI tools, or secure learning environments, TCEA’s 2025 Legislative Priorities address pressing needs of Texas schools.

As TCEA prepares to champion these priorities in the Texas Legislature starting in January, educators can rest assured that their voices are being heard and their needs are being prioritized. Together, we can build a future where technology empowers every learner and educator in Texas.

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cybersecurity
AdvocacyCybersecurityLibraries

A Step Towards Secure Networks: New FCC Cybersecurity Pilot

by Matt Russell
written by Matt Russell

In today’s digital age, schools and libraries are becoming increasingly reliant on technology to provide essential services and educational opportunities. However, this growing dependency also makes them vulnerable to cyber threats. Recognizing this critical need, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a new initiative to enhance cybersecurity for these institutions. The Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, with a budget of up to $200 million over three years, aims to bolster the defenses of broadband networks and data in schools and libraries. Here’s why this initiative is a game-changer for educational technology.

The Need for Robust Cybersecurity in Education

Educational institutions are treasure troves of sensitive information, and the protection of this information is paramount. Cyberattacks on schools and libraries can disrupt educational processes, compromise personal information, and result in significant financial losses. The FCC’s Cybersecurity Pilot Program addresses these vulnerabilities by providing the necessary resources to implement advanced cybersecurity measures. 

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for the Pilot Program extends to schools, libraries, and “consortia” of these institutions that meet the E-Rate program’s requirements. This inclusivity ensures that a wide range of educational institutions, regardless of their previous participation in the E-Rate program, can benefit from enhanced cybersecurity.

How to Apply

The application process for the program is two-fold:

  1. Part One: General Information and Proposal Submission
    • Applicants must provide details about their experience with cybersecurity, their commitment to best practices, and their use of federal resources.
    • A description of the proposed project, including goals, objectives, and the cybersecurity risks it aims to mitigate, must be included.
  2. Part Two: Detailed Cybersecurity Information
    • Selected participants will provide comprehensive details about their current cybersecurity measures, history of cyber threats, training policies, and challenges faced.

The FCC plans to open the application window this Fall, and interested parties should prepare their proposals accordingly.

Eligible Services and Equipment

Participants in the Pilot Program can seek reimbursement for a wide array of cybersecurity eligible services and equipment. This broad scope ensures that institutions can tailor their cybersecurity measures to their specific needs and vulnerabilities.

Selection Criteria

To ensure a diverse range of Pilot projects, the FCC will prioritize funding for a mix of large and small, urban and rural schools, and libraries, with a special emphasis on low-income and Tribal applicants. This approach aims to address the cybersecurity needs of the most vulnerable populations effectively.

Post-Application Process

Once selected, participants will be notified via Public Notice and provided with instructions for the next steps, including the competitive bidding process for procuring cybersecurity services. Successful applicants will receive a Funding Commitment Decision Letter (FCDL) to formalize their funding approval. This structured process ensures transparency and accountability in the use of funds.

Safeguards Against Misuse

To prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, the Pilot Program incorporates several safeguards. Participants must adhere to competitive bidding, document retention, and audit requirements. Additionally, stringent penalties are in place for non-compliance, ensuring that funds are used appropriately and effectively.

The TCEA applauds the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program. This initiative is a significant step towards securing the digital infrastructure of our educational institutions, safeguarding sensitive data, and ensuring uninterrupted learning. By investing in robust cybersecurity measures, we can create a safer, more resilient educational environment for students, educators, and the community.

TCEA encourages eligible schools and libraries to prepare their applications and take full advantage of this invaluable opportunity. For more information, stay tuned for updates from the FCC and the TCEA. Let’s work together to make our educational institutions cyber-safe!

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Advocacy

Texas Special Legislative Session Update

by Matt Russell
written by Matt Russell

The 88th Texas Legislature has been called back to Austin for its third special session, focusing on border security, COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and school choice, according to the agenda that is set forth by Governor Greg Abbott.

Funding and School Choice Initiatives

Previously, in the 88th Regular Session that ended in June, approximately $4 billion in extra funding that had been budgeted and intended for public education enhancements and teacher pay raises was left unapproved due to a lack of agreement on the debate around school choice. Now, new public education funding and school choice initiatives are being reconsidered jointly in the third special session by members of the legislature.

HB 1 Proposes School Funding Increase

Texas House Education Chairman Brad Buckley (R-Salado) has proposed HB 1, a comprehensive bill aiming to increase school funding. This bill includes the basic allotment, provides teacher pay raises, and tackles school choice. Collaborating closely with TCEA, the bill incorporates two significant educational initiatives and legislative priorities that TCEA has long advocated for.

  1. The establishment of a Digital Teaching Micro Credential which would recognize educators’ expertise in virtual and blended education.
  2. The implementation of recommendations from the Texas Virtual School Commission; including professional development grants for professional development in virtual instruction.

TCEA’s Role and Legislative Priorities

TCEA will continue to play a robust role, actively working to ensure that these transformative educational initiatives are passed into law. TCEA has advocated for good public policy regarding the use of technology in our classrooms and districts for many years. We have been successful in helping to shape the policies regarding the availability and use of digital tools and resources, but there are still barriers that must be addressed.

TCEA thanks members like Chairman Brad Buckley, Representative Keith Bell, Senator Paul Bettencourt, Representative Steve Allison, and Chairman Brandon Creighton for their support of TCEA legislative priorities.

Learn More about TCEA’s Legislative Priorities
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Advocacy

An Urgent Appeal for Virtual and Digital Education in Texas

by Matt Russell
written by Matt Russell

In the 88th Regular Session, transformative legislative proposals such as HB 681 by Rep. Keith Bell, SB 1861 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, and HB 4358 by Rep. Steve Allison would have had the potential to redefine public education in Texas, positioning the state as leaders in digital and virtual education. 

Headshots of Rep. Keith Bell, Sen. Paul Bettencourt, and Rep. Steve Allison

Virtual and Hybrid Education Options

The proposed legislation, although unsuccessful in securing final passage in the final weeks of the legislative session, offered an innovative framework for districts and charter schools to extend high-quality hybrid and virtual education options in Texas. By enabling parents to work with schools in selecting the most suitable learning modality for their child, this legislation broadened the educational opportunities available to students, without undermining the role of traditional learning environments.

Flexible Learning Models and Advances Courses

The legislation was also designed to empower students with flexible learning models that foster work-based learning and apprenticeships, augmenting the impact of early college, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and PTECH models. Importantly, it ensured equal access to advanced courses across the state, resolving current access and hiring challenges, particularly in rural areas.

Commitment to Quality and Accountability

The legislation carried a commitment to quality and accountability, promising high-quality options for all students, stringent safeguards for students with special needs, and strong accountability measures for student outcomes.

Consideration for Educators

It also respected the needs of our teachers, prohibiting pandemic-style simultaneous instruction and guaranteeing optional participation in virtual teaching.

TCEA also believes in the importance of a Digital Teaching Micro-Credential for educators, which would recognize their expertise in virtual and blended education and student success within the existing continuing education framework.

The Urgency of Prioritizing Virtual and Digital Education Legislation

Quote "We strongly encourage Governor Greg Abbott to consider adding legislation including virtual and digital education to any upcoming special session."

To develop an education system responsive to the future of teaching and learning, similar legislation to HB 681, HB 4358 and SB 1861 are vital, especially since there is a sunset date currently in the virtual education code that ends this school year. Without the aforementioned legislation, tens of thousands of students who have been choosing a virtual or hybrid option would immediately lose it. 

Therefore, on behalf of TCEA’s 80,000 member educators, we strongly encourage Governor Greg Abbott to consider adding legislation including virtual and digital education to any upcoming special session.

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Photo of the Texas Capitol Building with title: May 2023 Advocacy Update: Recap of the 88th Texas Legislative Session
Advocacy

Recap of the 88th Texas Legislative Session

by Matt Russell
written by Matt Russell

The Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) has long been an advocate for the incorporation of technology in education, expanding access to broadband, digital and virtual learning, and increased cybersecurity and technology infrastructure. While we wait for a pending special session(s) on additional school funding, the 88th Texas Legislative Session concluded on Monday, May 29. Let’s take a look at where things ended as it relates to TCEA’s advocacy efforts.

Broadband Access

A notable achievement in access to broadband was the passage of HB 9 by Rep. Trent Ashby, which establishes the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund with $230,200,000 to ensure widespread access to reliable high-speed broadband. Equally instrumental is SB 1238 by Sen. Robert Nichols, which permits the State Broadband Development Office to provide financial incentives for expanding broadband service access, including those critical to remote learning and in equipment education.

Technology and Instructional Needs

As part of the State Budget (HB 1), the following funding was passed:

  • Just over $1 billion for the Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment (TIMA)
  • $56 million for school district cybersecurity
  • $49.4 million for virtual education
  • $10 million for computer science professional development
  • $12 million for interactive online learning models
  • $500,000 for a digital teaching micro-credential program

Digital and Virtual Learning

Our work in digital and virtual learning saw mixed results. HB 681/SB 1861 by Rep. Keith Bell and Sen. Paul Bettencourt would have:

  • Enabled public school districts and charter schools to offer virtual and hybrid options to respond effectively to family and student demand for approaches that fit learners’ unique needs.
  • Created adequate and equitable funding mechanisms and an authorization process to open new virtual and hybrid campuses.
  • Ensured access to advanced coursework in the face of longstanding challenges like local course availability and teacher shortages through continued access to individual virtual courses.
  • Incorporated the many unanimous recommendations from the Texas Virtual School Commission.

Unfortunately, political forces stalled the bill in the last week of the regular session. TCEA is hopeful for its inclusion in a future special session.

Micro-Credentials for Educators

Additionally, HB 4358 by Rep. Steve Allison would have established a digital teaching micro-credential for educators, recognizing their expertise in virtual and blended education. It received significant support in the House and Senate and was even added to major bills such as SB 9 and HB 100. However, the language was never adopted due to politics in the last week of the regular session; thus, necessitating further action in a future special session.

Digital Devices, Materials, and Textbooks

HB 18 passed by Rep. Shelby Slawson proposed standards for permissible electronic devices and software applications in schools that TEA will implement. TCEA remained neutral given its political complexity. Similarly, HB 1605 by Rep. Brad Buckley proposed a new unified process for instructional materials reviews, including a supplemental funding formula and an additional printing fund. TEA will be required to ensure free open-source digital textbooks are available to districts.

K-8 Technology

In any legislative session, there are also bills that would negatively impact technology integration in classrooms that TCEA opposed. For instance, HB 5104 sought to ban electronic devices and digital instruction for K-8 grades, and SB 2141 intended to eliminate the technology applications curriculum for K-5 grades. Neither of these two measures was ultimately passed.

Special Session(s)

The 88th Texas Legislative Session saw important strides and setbacks, and TCEA remains dedicated to ensuring technology’s constructive role in education. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to additional progress in the impending special session(s). Stay tuned for more advocacy updates!

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Advocacy

Promising Steps Toward Expanding Broadband Access in Texas

by Matt Russell
written by Matt Russell

As a Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) member, you understand the importance of connectivity and digital access for educators, students, and communities across Texas. In the 2021 legislative session, the Texas Legislature made significant strides in connecting Texans to high-speed internet with the passage of House Bill 5 (HB 5). This bill established the State Broadband Development Office (BDO), a Broadband Development Program, and a State Broadband Development Account, all while directing the BDO to create and publish the state’s first-ever broadband map and plan.

The Results of a Changing Broadband Landscape

The framework established by HB 5 has since faced rapid changes in the national broadband landscape. The United States Congress has made historic amounts of broadband funding available to states, and the Federal Communications Commission has altered the basic standards of broadband mapping and availability. To better reflect this evolved landscape, Senator Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville) introduced Senate Bill 1238, and Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin), a former recipient of TCEA’s Friend of Education Award, has introduced House Bill 9 and House Bill 2662.

Read Senate Bill 1238.
Read House Bill 9
Read House Bill 2662.

Senate Bill 1238

SB 1238 adapts the framework established by HB 5, updating the definition of broadband access and adopting standards for what constitutes served, underserved, and unserved locations. The bill also revises the metrics to be utilized to create the state’s broadband map, recognizing that we now have location-based broadband data available for the first time. Furthermore, it alleviates conflicts in state statutes with federal guidelines for deploying federal funds, where necessary. Most importantly for TCEA members and the, SB 1238 empowers the State Broadband Development Office to award grants, low-interest loans, and other financial incentives to applicants for the purpose of expanding access to and adoption of broadband service. This includes education, training, community outreach, remote learning, and equipment purchases, all of which are vital for educators and students across Texas.

House Bill 9 and House Bill 2662

HB 9, introduced by Representative Ashby, aims to bolster connectivity for qualifying schools under the federal Schools and Libraries Program (ERATE) or similar legislation providing federal funding for broadband and telecommunications initiatives. HB 9 also seeks to improve public safety telecommunications connectivity, including crucial support for school safety measures. Like SB 1238, HB 2662 also allows for award grants, low-interest loans, and other financial incentives to applicants for the purpose of expanding access to and adoption of broadband service, including education, training, community outreach, remote learning, and equipment purchases.

Why These Bills Matter

The ability to provide financial support for educational initiatives and investments in technology resources will be a game-changer for many schools and communities, ensuring that students and teachers have access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world, all the while bridging the digital divide and provide opportunities for students in underserved and unserved areas.

Why TCEA Supports These Bills

The Texas Computer Education Association strongly supports the passage of SB 1238, HB 9, and HB 2662. We will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the expansion of broadband access across Texas. By doing so, we are investing not only in the future of our students and educators but also in the future of our state as a whole.

Contacting Your Elected Officials

Senator Robert Nichols
(R-Jacksonville)
Representative Trent Ashby (R-Lufkin)

TCEA members, especially those residing in the school districts represented by Representative Ashby and Senator Nichols are encouraged to express their gratitude for their commitment to expanding broadband access and improving education in Texas. If you do not reside in their districts, you may contact your own elected official to express support here.

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Advocacy

February 2023 Update from the Texas Legislature

by Matt Russell
written by Matt Russell

The 88th Texas Legislature is in full swing and the Governor and Lt. Governor have each released their priorities for the legislative session, which include plenty of education related issues. Governor Abbott announced seven emergency items, one of which includes school safety. Additionally, Lt. Governor Patrick’s released his priority legislation, which includes items such as teacher pay, school safety, and more. The Speaker of the House and Lt. Governor have also announced their chambers’ respective committee assignments so members can begin their work vetting legislation.

Click to view committee assignments.
Click to view committee assignments.

Senator Brandon Creighton (R-Conroe) will serve as the Chair of the Senate Education Committee and Representative Brad Buckley (R-Salado) will serve as Chair of the House Committee on Public Education. 

State Representative
Brad Buckley
State Senator
Brandon Creighton
Who Represents Me?

House Bill 1 (HB 1) and Senate Bill 1 (SB 1)

In the biennial state budget of HB 1 and SB 1, the base bills of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees fully fund public education and include two priority items for TCEA: 1) the IMTA (Instructional Material and Technology Allotment) and 2) cybersecurity funding. The bills include $1,050 billion for the IMTA and $55 million for TEA to provide cybersecurity services for school districts. TCEA will be advocating for an increase in both of these amounts.

Source

Computer Science Pipeline Initiative

In addition to what is already included in the base budgets, CS4TX, a consortium of tech companies as well as computer science (CS) based nonprofits are asking for an appropriation for the new Computer Science Pipeline Initiative. This initiative would recruit new educators to the field of computer science through professional development and bring Texas public schools into compliance with the Texas Administrative Code that requires (CS) education in all high schools.

CS4TX Website

Other Legislation TCEA Is Following

Senators and Representatives have already started filling legislation that TCEA is following including:

  • SB 717 relating to school district cybersecurity
  • HB 1569 relating to the creation of a Computer Science Advisory Council
  • HB 1291 relating to coding for video games
  • HB 2106 relating to virtual student and family engagement plans
  • SB 928 relating to student data privacy
  • HB 2386 relating to supplemental virtual instruction

Many bills have yet to be filed and are still being drafted by the Texas Legislative Council. Several of these include expanding broadband and recommendations from the Texas Virtual School Commission among others. Stay tuned for monthly updates from TCEA as the 88th Texas Legislature continues!

Suggested Reading: New TEKS Update – Technology Applications (K-8) and CTE Computer Science

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Advocacy

TCEA’s Legislative Priorities for the 88th Texas Legislature

by Matt Russell
written by Matt Russell

The 88th Texas Legislature convened on Tuesday, January 10, when all 150 House Members and 31 Senators took their oaths of office. The Governor and Lt. Governor take their oaths today, on Wednesday, January 11. The legislative session will continue for 180 days, and TCEA will be taking an active role in advocating for the investment in and use of technology in education. We have been successful in helping to shape policies regarding the availability and use of digital tools and resources in the past, but there are still issues that must be addressed. The following four focus areas are the legislative priorities approved by the TCEA Board of Directors for the 88th Texas Legislature.

TCEA’s Legislative Priorities

Broadband 

  • Increase the funding for the installation of vital broadband infrastructure for school districts.
  • Permit cities of a specified size to provide broadband services to their citizens after an exhaustive study to determine if that is the best solution for their citizens. 
  • Include broadband infrastructure projects in the list of eligible projects for public-private partnership funding.
  • Remove barriers for families to receive federal subsidies for at-home access.
  • Direct TEA to continue to offer bulk pricing for student device procurement, as well as broadband equipment.

Digital Learning 

  • Provide dedicated funding for teacher professional development for technology-related courses:
    • Prepare K-8 teachers for the revised Technology Applications standards
    • Increase the number of computer science certified teachers
    • Continue to provide professional development for K-12 technology teachers

Virtual Learning

  • Replace the outdated, time-based system (Carnegie unit) of awarding credits and funding with one based on a student’s competency. 
  • Continue to allow districts to offer full-time virtual learning for their students.
  • Determine a method to ensure that full-time, statewide virtual schools provide quality education for students. This will necessitate the state to establish a new method of determining which districts can deliver a quality education that is not dependent on the date by which they started their statewide program. 

Cybersecurity and Technology Infrastructure

  • Require cybersecurity training for school district employees who use a computer for at least 25% of their work time.
  • Increase funding for cybersecurity and other technology-related equipment and infrastructure.
  • Provide funding to help train technology staff on ways to prevent cybersecurity attacks.

TCEA is actively monitoring developments as the legislature continues to organize and members are assigned specific chairmanships and committee assignments. Once members have been assigned committees, TCEA will be requesting members to file and sponsor legislation on our behalf.

If you are TCEA member who is interested in participating in grassroots advocacy during the legislative session, please reach out to me at mrussell@tcea.org!

Further Reading:

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TCEA Advocacy
Advocacy

Advocacy Update on State and Federal Technology Funding

by Jennifer Bergland
written by Jennifer Bergland

Most educators have been focused on getting students acclimated to a new school year. It’s my job to keep up with what is happening at the Texas and DC Capitols and the Texas Education Agency related to classroom technology so that teachers and administrators can focus on their students. Since what’s happening in these places directly affects what happens in the classroom, it’s important to keep an eye on what the elected officials and policymakers are up to. So, grab your favorite after-school beverage (mine is iced tea from Sonic), kick your feet up on your desk, and spend a few minutes catching up on the Austin and DC scene through this TCEA advocacy update. We’ll review some of the recent changes regarding EFC funding and the TIMA allotment.

Emergency Connectivity Fund Opens Second Window September 28

FCC education funding
Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission

The FCC is opening a second 15-day window for school districts to apply for funding to purchase eligible items in the Emergency Connectivity Fund. The filing window opens on September 28 and closes on October 13. These funds may be used to purchase connected devices and broadband connections for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons for the current 2021-22 school year. During the first window (July 1-June 30th), the FCC received requests for $5.137 billion. They had budgeted $7.17 billion, which is why they are opening up a second window. Texas districts and libraries requested $496,488,916 in the first round of applications. Any school or library that is eligible for E-Rate support is eligible for the ECF program. 

The FCC has published a list of FAQs that may help identify if this fund can be used to address the at-home digital access gap for your students and staff. They have also published a list of common misconceptions surrounding the ECF. I found this list enlightening.

This is an unprecedented opportunity to use FCC funds to help bridge the digital divide. I highly encourage your district to review the FAQs and determine if this money can help meet any home access inequities.

SB 15 Update

Last week, I wrote a blog post on SB 15 which expanded opportunities for virtual learning. I won’t review that bill except to say that the Governor has signed the bill and it is now law. TEA posted their guidance on the bill’s implementation on September 9. You can find the guidelines here.

TIMA Gets a New Name

TEA is in the process of renaming the Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment to the Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment. Their stated rationale is that the Legislative Council, the group that writes the government code from enacted legislation, has consistently called the allotment the Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment.

Background:

In 2017, there were two bills that renamed the IMA. One renamed it Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment, and the other renamed it the Instructional Materials and Technology allotment. TEA adopted TIMA in their rules, but the Legislative Council adopted IMTA. Apparently, the bill that is signed by the governor last determines which bill takes precedence. Therefore, we need to get into the habit of calling it the IMTA. However, the result is the same. Technology is included in the title, sending a message that the allotment is designed to pay for both instructional materials and technology.

IMTA Allotment Amounts

Speaking of the IMTA, TEA recently released the amount of funding placed into each district’s IMTA account. Districts will recognize that their allotment was substantially cut this year.

TEA education funding
Mike Morath, Commission of Education (TEA)

At the June SBOE meeting, Commissioner Morath explained why the legislature cut the TIMA so drastically for this biennium. 

Morath indicated that the cost for this biennium’s textbook proclamation is light ($120 million). This means there are still funds available for districts to spend on technology and staff from their TIMA ($430 million). He also pointed out that the state used up to $800 million of federal CARES Act funding during the 2020/2021 school year for technology. He further suggested that there is funding appropriated in HB 1525 that can be used for technology. Additionally, he reminded the SBOE that Texas school districts have recently received $15 billion in federal funding in which technology is an allowable expenditure. And finally, he made it clear that this is a one-time reduction.

Here is the short clip where Commissioner Morath discusses the cut in the TIMA. 

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digital divide
AdvocacyEducational TrendsLeadership

The Digital Divide in Education

by Rachel Jane, Guest Author
written by Rachel Jane, Guest Author

Times have drastically changed the way every sector of society operates, but the effects are being felt especially strongly in education. Indeed, millions of Americans didn’t go back to the classroom this spring for fear of catching the virus. Instead, remote learning continued to be the new norm.

However, not every student can afford to continue their education this way. Here’s what you need to know about the digital divide in the education industry.

Defining the Divide

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to the internet and other electronic devices and those who don’t. CNN reports that as many as 16 million students in the country “lack internet access or laptops for online learning.” As such, some kids are given two options: attend public school physically and risk their health or stop school for a year. Both choices aren’t ideal, but they’re the only ones available because of the digital divide. Plenty of factors fuel this technological gap such as poor (internet) infrastructure, price inflation, and more.

In fact, even before 2020, the digital divide has been a huge problem in education. For example, the Digital Divide Council highlights that as our era becomes more integrated with technology, those who have tech training have an unfair advantage in the workspace. Plus, the range of information students without the internet can access is limited. This can make coursework a lot harder and can even impede their research altogether.

Image credit: Unsplash
https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1541178735493-479c1a27ed24

Bridging the Gap

What’s being done to bridge the gap?

Plenty of schools and educational institutions are making an effort to ensure that students can access the proper resources. After all, distance learning has persisted even before the pandemic, and will continue to do so in the future.

Starting at the Top

Many trends across education begin in higher ed. As early as 2018, The Hechinger Report states that roughly 20% of public universities (160) are fully online. That number goes up if we add the private schools and colleges that offer mixed classes, like the University of Florida and Trine University.

This is a trend being seen across the country with Maryville University offering over 30 online bachelor’s degrees, leading them to be more proactive in their efforts to provide digital access to students. This resulted in the university being named an Apple Distinguished School for 2018–2021 for leadership and excellence in providing students with a high-tech, mobile learning environment. Last year, the university started a project called TechBar where they collect old hardware from companies and donate those to non-profit organizations in the industry.

Duke University gives out free iPads and other gadgets to help students carry out all the recommended coursework. Since their courses are focused on technology and medical science, the administration makes sure that everyone receives equal access to the material.

Even the government and other organizations are doing their best to bridge the gap. T-Mobile, for instance, promised to provide 600,000 students in Florida with an internet connection. New York City council members Ben Kallos and Farah Louis introduced a bill that would provide every public school student in the city with a free laptop and tablet. It’ll come with free ebooks and network access.

Advocating for Improvements

Much attention is now being given to bridging the digital divide at the PreK-12 level.

Here are a few posts touching on this topic that may enrich your understanding of this issue:

At TCEA, our members work to encourage decision-makers, especially the Texas Legislature, to bridge the gap in broadband access. You can keep up with these issues with the help of our two-part legislative priorities guide, and learn more about TCEA advocacy efforts here. Finally, learn how to keep up with the Texas Legislature in this post.

Moving Ahead

The digital divide is an ongoing problem, and this pandemic has only highlighted its consequences. Fortunately, it has also moved entities into action. Hopefully, this trend will continue until the gap is completely gone.

If you’re interested in accessible technology in the classroom, read our post on “Integrating Smartphones Into Lesson Plans.”

Image credit: Unsplash https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1596495578174-17a3987571e4

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