Bill > AB903

This bill aims to address the digital divide in California's K-12 education by establishing a comprehensive strategy to harness technology for improving student academic performance. The bill requires the State Department of Education to develop a compilation of best practices for using technology in education by December 31, 2026, specifically targeting schools with high proportions of low-income students or those receiving Title I federal funding. The department must create a model policy for incorporating these best practices into Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) and conduct informational webinars to help educational agencies understand how to implement these practices. The bill also establishes a School Technology Empowerment Advisory Committee composed of representatives from various educational sectors, including school board members, administrators, teachers, and technology advocates, who will advise the Superintendent on technology integration strategies and prepare annual reports on progress. Additionally, the legislation recognizes the challenges exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as declining home broadband and device access, and seeks to provide targeted support to bridge the digital divide by encouraging schools to provide computing devices to students, particularly in underserved communities. The bill ultimately aims to ensure that all California students have equitable access to technology that can support their academic achievement and future opportunities.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB903