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Diversity Matters: Closing the Tech Divide as Schools Reopen
Millions of kids will go back to school this week and after Labor Day. I reflect upon those years that I myself was a K-12 public school teacher. There was always excitement about getting back to school. First, there was a week or two of professional development with fellow staff and administration. Second, planning curriculum and ordering materials was on the to do list. Third, the motivation to fix up my classroom — decorate with motivational posters, create learning stations and envision how I would seat my students is something I looked forward to. Comparing the necessary preparation for school opening in times past with the current times, there’s a huge difference. The days of simple and routine preparation for students is now over because health and safety have a new meaning and learning requires technology for all students to have access to at home.
The pandemic has caused major shifts in how schools will set and create plans to service our students with a quality education. But unfortunately, a quality education is not equity in education for all because technology is required for virtual learning and we know that all students do not have computers at home.
How many students from underprivileged backgrounds, students of color, students with disabilities, and rural students, will not have access to the…
