Ahead of New School Year, California Schools Receive Critical Funds to Support Distance Learning and Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order Directing State Agencies to Bridge Digital Divide

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) announced that every eligible local educational agency in California has applied for and is receiving a portion of the $5.3 billion in learning loss mitigation funds secured through the state budget he signed in June. The Governor also signed an executive order directing state agencies across government to bridge the digital divide, building on the state’s efforts to provide computing devices and hotspots to students across the state. The order directs agencies to pursue a goal of 100 Mbps download speed. It also outlines actions across state agencies to accelerate mapping and data collection, funding, deployment and adoption ​of high-speed Internet

New statewide requirements have been enacted to ensure quality instruction through distance learning, including:

• Access to devices and connectivity for all kids​
• Daily live interaction with teachers and other students​
• Challenging assignments equivalent to in-person classes​
• Adapted lessons for English-language learners and special education students