CoSN is a strong presence and voice in the policy debates at the national and state level serving as a champion of policies required to power next-generation learning environments. Our policy agenda focuses on securing robust funding for EdTech, strengthening the E-Rate program, protecting the privacy and security of student data, and promoting digital equity. We provide our members with the tools and resources to be successful advocates on these issues. Policy actions are categorized based on CoSN's focus on four key policy issues: E-Rate and Broadband Access in Classrooms, EdTech Funding, Privacy and Data Security, and Digital Equity.
CoSN Staff Contacts:
- Keith Krueger, MPA, CAE, CEO, kkrueger@cosn.org
- Carla Wade MS, Director of External Relations, cwade@cosn.org
Advocacy Updates on EdTech Legislative Campaigns
Comments Responding to Commissions Proposal to Establish a Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program.
Schools and libraries face an urgent, complex cybersecurity crisis. Cybercriminals and other bad actors persistently target them for serious ransomware and other cyberattacks, seeking to acquire sensitive student and patron data and to steal public funds. Resulting network outages frequently disrupt learning and library services, imposing huge costs on individuals, institutions, and communities. The Commission’s proposed cybersecurity pilot program represents an effective and pragmatic way to acquire data and other information to modernize E-Rate and to inform other federal cybersecurity policies and programs. Read the full release here.
Statement From CoSN on the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan (NETP): A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides
As the United States Department of Education unveils the 2024 National Educational Technology Plan, we recognize the pivotal role technology plays in transforming education. CoSN applauds the focus on closing the Digital Divide, addressing critical dimensions of access, use, and design. To ensure the promise of EdTech reaches all students, regardless of their background, geography, or individual context, we particularly endorse the establishment of a cabinet-level EdTech Director. This aligns with CoSN's commitment to advancing equitable and effective technology use in education, exemplified through our CETL certification. The value of the report is further underscored by its appendices, including four short overview guides for State, District, and School leaders, as well as educators. This is not a plan to be passed to the technology director to implement. It is intentionally designed to bring district leadership (academic, special education, finance, and technology) together to take action, and to build systems that empower every learner.
Historic Summit Strengthens Collaboration to Enhance K-12 School Infrastructure and Protect Educational Data
On August 8, 2023, 10:30 AM ET, The White House livestreamed an event, Back to School Safely: Cybersecurity for K-12 Schools. First Lady Jill Biden, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, welcomed EdTech leaders and solution providers to share and discuss ways that they, along with federal, state, and local agencies can work together to strengthen K-12 education’s cybersecurity infrastructure amidst the growing number of cyberattacks that have targeted schools.
Additionally, the US Department of Education Office of Education Technology released three K-12 Digital Infrastructure Briefs that cover the role of interoperability, cybersecurity, and privacy. These briefs are part of a national effort to create more secure and resilient digital ecosystems.
Advocacy Updates for 2023
CoSN's EdTech Advocacy Network
Sign up for CoSN's EdTech Advocacy Network to learn about current policy and advocacy campaigns and to share your expertise with policymakers. The network offers access to CoSN's Phone2Action tool which provides a simple way to contact state and federal legislators about important programs and topics like E-Rate, K-12 cybersecurity, privacy, and more.
Phone2Action (P2A)
Text the word "COSN" to 52886. You will receive a link to enroll in CoSN’s new Phone2Action advocacy tool by Quorum and connect with your representatives on Capitol Hill.
ENROLL NOW and urge Congress to co-sponsor Rep. Doris Matsui’s Enhancing K-12 Cybersecurity Act.
