Identifying the Need for Broadband Access in All Learning Environments

August 6 iNACOL webinar explores solutions for E-Rate reform, gaps in broadband access

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, August 6, 2013, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) will host a webinar to explore recently announced plans to update the Federal Communications Commission's E-Rate program. As more schools adopt new learning models powered by blended and online learning, an updated E-Rate program will provide more opportunities for schools, libraries and other learning environments to secure essential broadband access for the country's students. The webinar will address the pressing need for schools and students to have improved access to high-speed Internet with upcoming online assessments in 2014.

The hour-long presentation – E-Rate 2.0: Defining Drivers and Capacity Needs (4:00p – 5:00p ET) – will highlight efforts to test the current speeds for Internet access throughout the country and examine how schools can collaborate to improve connectivity. The speakers will reveal the results of the technology readiness for states conducted by the assessment consortia and Education Superhighway's ongoing SchoolSpeedTest initiative. They will also discuss readiness for digital learning, deeper personalization of content for students and next generation assessments in 2014.

Susan Patrick, President and CEO of iNACOL, said, "80 percent of U.S. schools do not have broadband Internet access sufficient to provide new learning models that ensure students graduate ready to face the challenges of a 21st century college or career environment. The United States is in the bottom half of developed nations for Internet access and speeds available to its citizens. It is vitally important that education leaders work with the FCC to strengthen and update the E-Rate program to make certain our students get the best start possible, regardless of where they learn."

In July, the FCC announced a proposal to modernize the E-Rate program to meet the educational needs of students and teachers. iNACOL, in partnership with leading education organizations, is committed to amplifying the voice of school leaders and policymakers throughout the country through this series of webinars dedicated to an examination of the E-Rate program and driving efforts to achieve a comprehensive update to this critical effort.

Presenters will include:

Susan Patrick, President and CEO, iNACOL
Evan Marwell, CEO and Co-founder, Education Superhighway
Susan Van Gundy, Associate Director for Assessment Technology, Achieve / PARCC (invited)
Jennifer Davis, Director, CCSSO Innovation Lab Network

This webinar presentation is free to attend, but please register at http://bit.ly/inacol080613 to receive updated details and login confirmation.

For more information about iNACOL, please visit http://inacol.org.

SOURCE International Association for K-12 Online Learning

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