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2018 Policy Impact

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 2019 policy agenda focuses on securing robust funding for edtech, strengthening E-Rate, 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.

E-Rate and Broadband

  • CoSN worked with a broad coalition in asking the FCC to ensure that the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) continues to serve its educational purpose

  • CoSN issued a statement in support of Rep Bobby Scott (D-VA) ‘s Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2019 (H.R.865), authorizing new investments that build onto existing high-speed broadband programs and partnerships

  • The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau released a report about the E-rate program’s category two funding distribution model. CoSN is pleased to note that the report recommends that the FCC continue the category 2 approach initiated by the E-rate modernization, rather than revert to the prior two-in-five model.
  • E-rate Funding continues despite Federal Government Shutdown (January 7, 2019)
  • There has been considerable confusion the past few months regarding the E-rate gift rule and product demonstrations.   SHLB – along with CoSN and SECA – filed a letter with the Wireline Competition Bureau seeking clarification (December 14, 2018)
  • California Lawmakers Pass Net Neutrality Bill. Read CoSN’s statement on the legislation (September 4, 2018)
  • CoSN filed comments to the FCC rulemaking regarding the future of Educational Broadband System licensing. File a reply comment to make your voice heard by September 7, 2018! (August 30, 2018)
  • CoSN filed comments encouraging the FCC to adopt improvement to the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) regulatory framework to help schools districts acquire and use this spectrum (August 10, 2018)
  • CoSN supports California Senate Bill 822 to protect net neutrality for school districts (August 7, 2018 ).
  • CoSN supports bill introduced by Senators Udall and Gardner making Wi-Fi access on school buses an eligible use of the E-Rate program (May 29, 2018).
  • ACT NOW: Contact your Congressional Representative and urge them to restore net neutrality (May 25, 2018).
  • CoSN applauds Senate approval of resolution to restore net neutrality – Full Statement (May 23, 2018)
  • CoSN Statement on Senate Action to Restore Net Neutrality – Full Statement (May 9, 2018)
  • On May 1, the FCC send a letter to USAC directing them to permit the applications and clarify Form 470 and related program guidance for FY2019. Read the FCC’s letter here.
  • CoSN: AGGRESSIVE NET NEUTRALITY PLAN RAISES TROUBLING QUESTIONS FOR SCHOOLS – Full Statement (December 14, 2017)
  • FCC Chairman Pai released his draft proposal and fact sheet for changes to the agency’s Net Neutrality rules. Commissioners are expected to vote on December 14 on two Orders designed to roll back the rules.
  • Send a clear message to the FCC on net neutrality. Please click here to express your opposition to eliminating the FCC’s Net Neutrality protections. When you reach the FCC’s express comment page, you must reference proceeding “17-108”.
  • Read an interview with FCC Commissioner Rosenwercel about her priorities.
  • CoSN joined with a broad coalition of groups asking the FCC to preserve the Lifeline Program because of its implications for low-income families and its importance in decreasing the digital divide. Along with 54 other education groups, CoSN registered support for high-speed broadband and wifi through E-rate category 2 services.
  • CoSN, along with EducationSuperhighway and Funds for Learning submitted comments to the FCC on C2 Budget
  • CoSN submitted comments to the FCC calling for the maintenance of 2014 E-rate modernization broadband goals and the adoption of ambitious connectivity goals for fixed and mobile broadband service.

EdTech Funding

  • CoSN issued a statement applauding the House Education & Labor Committees approval of the Rebuild America’s Schools Act (H.R.865)
  • CoSN signed on to the Title IV-A Coalition letter to Congress urging passage of bipartisan legislation removing the Budget Control Act’s FY20 and FY21 spending caps to allow for investments in k-12 education programs, including the SSAE block grant program.
  • CoSN joins Title IV-A Coalition to challenge the  Department of Education’s consideration to allow districts to use SSAE grant funds to purchase firearms (August 23, 2018)
  •  June 13th, 2018 is National Day of Action to advocate for full funding of the Title IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program.
  • CoSN Statement on Congressional Support for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grant Program
  • CoSN: “President’s Budget Takes Misguided Approach to Educational Investment” – Full Statement (February 12, 2018)
  • CoSN, along with several other educational organizations, expressed support for the Department of Education’s decision to highlight open educational resources as part of the proposed discretionary grant priorities.

Privacy and Data Security

Digital Equity

  • Statement on the student home digital access report published by the Institute of Education Sciences
  • Coalition letter to the Institute of Education Sciences’ (IES) regarding their efforts to produce a report on student home access to digital learning resources.
  • CoSN Statement on President Trump’s Rural Broadband Executive Order – Full Statement (January 9, 2018)

Other

  • CoSN sent a letter to the MD Department of Education concerning House Bill 1110 requiring the development of health and safety best practices for the use of digital devices in classrooms (August 7, 2018).
  • Nearly 100 school technology leaders from across the country visited with policymakers during the CoSN, ISTE and SETDA EdTech Policy Summit held March 15, 2018 and urged support for critical education technology policies and programs. Press Release (March 15, 2018)