The
Public Policy Institute of California recently released their latest study of
California's Digital Divide. According to the study, Latinos across the state have the lowest rate of Internet use at 48%, compared to over 80% for White, Black, and Asian groups. Additionally, the Inland Empire ranks 4th out of 5 regions for Internet use, at 70% compared to the high of 77% in the San Francisco Bay Area.
So, how is Rialto Unified addressing the digital divide? Several thoughts come to mind:
- We aggressively seek funding so we can increase students' access to and use of technology. In fact, we were just awarded another round of the highly competitive Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Grant! As a result, all elementary schools will participate in Project eSTELLAR to integrate technology in science at 4th and 5th grade. This is an extension of the previous middle school grant in which all 6th through 8th grade science classrooms were equipped with modern technology.
- Students are encouraged to access technology before and after school in their school library, the After-School Education and Safety program provided by the City of Rialto, and at the two Rialto branches of the San Bernardino County Public Library, one of which is conveniently located on Carter High School's campus.
- Rialto creates high value and purpose for a home connection by providing district, school, and class level webpages that increase home-school communication. Parents can use these resources on our eChalk websites to be more involved in their children's education and students can use them to extend learning beyond the school day. A built-in translation tool allows visitors to view these webpages in 22 different languages!
- Parents are provided technology training at many school and district events. At Back-to-School Night, teachers demonstrate how to access their class webpages and email addresses. At Family Science Night, parents and students learn together how to do online research and create a report. Parent meetings at school sites often involve the demonstration and hands-on learning of technology resources targeted to parents' and students' needs.
In a district challenged to address the achievement gap of our diverse population, the digital divide is not ignored. Instead, these issues are addressed in tandem to support student success. Providing a high-quality, 21st Century education for every student is the top priority of our district. As we work to revise our District Technology Plan in the coming months, we will be collecting data to more accurately identify the digital divide in Rialto and other issues related to ensuring our students are prepared for today's digital world.
