Despite 25 years of significant progress in connecting schools to the internet, the absence of universal high-capacity broadband access at school and at home—especially among lower income and minority families—is limiting rural students’ instructional opportunities relative to their urban and suburban peers. The pandemic brought the rural broadband gap into stark relief, as schools shuttered and many families lacked the internet access and devices necessary to connect their students to high-quality online learning.
Online Learning for Rural Students
Also In this Issue
Identifying Risks to the Well-Being of Rural Young Children and Families
By Sara L. HartmanThe pandemic compounded an array of preexisting health and wellness challenges in many communities.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Rural Colorado
By Kirk BanghartRural districts band together, with help from partners and grants, to attract and keep teaching staff.
Colorado’s Network for Local Accountability
By Kirk BanghartA network of rural peers help districts design meaningful, timely, community-connected accountability.
Professional Learning in Appalachia
By Melissa Tooley and Sabia PrescottMicrocredentials show promise in overcoming the challenges of offering rural educators high-quality opportunities.
Challenges Facing Schools in Rural America
By Mara Casey Tieken and MK MontgomeryIn schools accustomed to making a little go a long way, the pandemic increased the burden.
Online Learning for Rural Students
By Reg LeichtyExpanded rural broadband service can help overcome inequitable access to digital instruction.
i
i
i