Ending the Homework Gap

Lack of student connectivity at home may seem like a recent problem borne of the digital age. But it has historical antecedents in the movement to ensure all students have access to textbooks that they can use both in school and at home. It should, therefore, be viewed as part of a broader dialogue about what is required for an adequate and equitable education.

The homework gap is a distinct subset of this broader problem, and it deserves its own targeted set of solutions. First, we need to recognize that with so much learning activity migrating online, educational equity requires addressing the homework gap. Second, we need to quantify the homework gap at the local level in order to target solutions effectively. Third, we need to survey state and local initiatives to solve the homework gap and replicate those that have been successful. Fourth and finally, we need to modernize the E-Rate program to address the homework gap. 

The single most important thing is that we get started now. We don’t need another pandemic or viral picture to galvanize us toward change. We have all the evidence we need that addressing the homework gap needs to be a national priority so that no child is left offline.