North Carolina School Connectivity Initiative
The School Connectivity Initiative was the culmination of several years of vision surrounding the 21st century classroom and developing a North Carolina workforce poised to meet the challenge of a global economy. In 2006, the e-NC Authority presented their “Developing Regional Networks” report to the General Assembly recommending the expansion of the North Carolina Research Education Network (NCREN) to the K-12 community. As a result of the 2006 session, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1741 allocating $6M non-recurring to expand the number of schools with broadband, selectively build out networks to rural and under-performing schools, and develop a scalable model for statewide implementation. Since the funding is non-recurring, projects were selected that have the greatest impact on student achievement and highlight practices that will serve as the model for a sustained and funded program.
The program centered around four essential elements: 1) 21st century curriculum, instruction, assessments, and accountability; 2) Technology tools in the classroom; 3) Personnel and professional development; and 4) Connectivity, networks and accountability.
Updates
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Friday Institute Publishes Initial Report on Rural Home Internet Access Pilot
An initial report of a pilot program to test emerging wireless technologies for rural areas finds no absolute solution to broadband challenges.
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New Satellite Internet Pilot Program to Connect Students in Two N.C. Counties
The North Carolina Department of Information Technology Broadband Infrastructure Office and the Friday Institute are leading a CARES Act-funded program that will assist two North Carolina school districts with implementing the “Satellite Internet Technologies for Student Connectivity Pilot,” which will allow students to access Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s (SpaceX) Starlink internet service.
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The Friday Institute Releases White Papers on Cybersecurity in K-12 Schools
The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation is releasing the first in a series of white papers today on cybersecurity in K-12 schools, designed to highlight the threats that K-12 schools face both from cyberattackers and from accidental data breaches.