Digital equity bill targets ‘homework gap’

New legislation introduced in Congress would support “innovative strategies and methods to increase out-of-school access to digital learning resources” in an effort to boost both student and educator engagement. The Digital Learning Equity Act of 2015, introduced by Rep Peter Welch (D-VT) and co-sponsored by Rep David McKinley (R-WV), would call for a national study on what is known as the “Homework Gap” and would support pilot programs to extend digital learning opportunities for students when they are not in the classroom.

The proposed legislation received support across the ed-tech industry after it was announced. In a joint letter to legislators, the National School Boards Association, along with a number of other education and ed-tech groups, said the bill will “help provide students and their families with equitable access to the Internet at home to support family engagement in their child’s education and will allow students to accomplish essential tasks such as completing their homework, applying for colleges and seeking post-graduation employment.”