Parents and families can access the information on the dashboard from any device, including a cell phone, that is connected to the internet. If they do not have internet access or a device, they should reach out to their child’s school to see what options are available to them for access to and use of equipment. Parents and families may also take advantage of public libraries, which provide access to computers and the internet.
Sufficient access to computing devices and high-speed internet, both in school and at students’ places of residence, are essential for educational equity. Addressing the inequitable access to technology and internet services is a priority for the Board of Regents and NYSED. The Board of Regents and NYSED are engaged in multiple efforts to address digital equity for P-12 students, teachers, and families:
- Hosting a Digital Equity Webinar Series to establish a shared understanding of the challenges to digital equity to begin to develop a shared vision of how we can work together to achieve digital equity for all New Yorkers.
- Moving forward with plans to convene a Digital Equity Summit, which will bring together key stakeholder groups to identify issues and develop strategies for addressing digital equity in New York.
- Launching the Teaching in Remote Learning Environments (TRLE) program, which will provide educators with tools, resources, and training to facilitate blended/remote instruction to address digital literacy skills of both teachers and students.
- Issuing guidance to schools and districts related to fiscal flexibilities for federal funding sources to assist with technology-related expenses.
- Building on our Continuity of Learning website to provide ideas, resources, and best practices for teachers, schools, and communities.