Connectivity Resources
There are a variety of resources -- national, state, and local -- that can assist districtsinenhancingInternet connectivity and meetingthe Federal Communications Commission (FCC)currentof 100Mbpsper 1000 students increasing to the goalof1Gbpsper 1000 students.These resources are both financial and technical.
- ճSmart Schools Bond Act,approved by New York State voters in 2014, authorized the issuance of $2 billion of general obligation bonds to finance improved educational technology and infrastructure toenhancelearning and opportunity for students throughout the State.It providesfunding for district technology and community connectivity projects.
- E-Rateprovides eligible schools and libraries with discounts on telecommunication and Internet access equipment. New York State’s 2017 funding allocation is almost $31 million.
- The Ed TechFunding Matrixof Office of Educational Design and Technology of 鶹 has additional possible funding sources for districts.
- provide a wide range of technologyservices to school districts.There are 12RICsin New York state, which are organized under the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). By regionalizingservices, the RICs make a widerange of technology services available to school districts.
- The 37provide many services to their constituent districtsthatthedistricts mightnot be able to otherwise afford, including professional development and instructional technology.
- (BPO)is working to ensureuniversal broadband deploymentthroughout New York State.It is administeringa $500 million grant program to deliver high-speed Internet access to unserved and underserved areas of the State. The goal of this multi-year program, is to provide statewide broadband access by the end of 2018.
- is a K-12 school infrastructure guide produced by the Office of Educational Technology of the US Department of Education. It is designed to provide practical, actionable information to help school and district leaders navigate the many decisions required to build a technology infrastructure that supports digital learning.
- , a nonprofit national organization, provides a variety of technical assistance to districts so they can upgradeInternet access inalltheir classrooms.