Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin: Lack of Broadband Access an Impediment to Improving Public Education and Bridging Lack of Performance in Low-Income & Largely Black Communities

Guest Commentary from former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin:

Lack of Broadband Access an Impediment to Improving Public Education and Bridging Lack of Performance in Low-Income & Largely Black Communities

Monday, November 8th marked the start of National Distance Learning Week, an event that brings together organizations, schools and businesses to discuss the rising trend and the role of distance learning in our modern society. For far too long, there has been a divide in our education system, meaning there is a great disparity between the quality and intensity of education that is available to our youth at various socio-economic levels. As a result, we have gaps in school performance between under-funded and under-achieving schools in low-income, largely minority communities and their affluent suburban counterparts. We also have a fundamental gap between the test scores of American students and students in the top performing schools worldwide, especially in science and math.

At ADE, we believe that broadband is potentially one of the greatest innovations for improving public education and bridging this gap – but unfortunately there are millions of Americans who still lack access. As a result, these youth fall far behind – both nationally and globally – as the price of digital exclusion becomes even greater with the release of new and advanced technologies. The status quo is not just disappointing, it is simply unacceptable. This is why ADE decided to take action, and launched the Learning Without Walls (LearningWOW) initiative. LearningWOW provides students laptop and desktop computers with Internet connectivity so that students can have access to the program – including online homework assistance, access to live tutors and afterschool programs – within and beyond the walls of the classroom. The initiative is aimed at enhancing student performance, literacy and self-esteem while enabling families to obtain the career development services they need to thrive and remain competitive professionally.

ADE first launched the LearningWOW initiative in North Clayton County Middle School in Clayton County, GA in 2009 after Georgia’s Clayton County Public Schools became the first district in 40 years to lose its accreditation. The school district was in need of a new and innovative approach and ADE stepped up to the challenge. One year later we are pleased to report that as a result of this partnership, LearningWOW students in Clayton County have flourished both inside and outside of the classroom, proving that access to mobile broadband services is critical for students to achieve their maximum potential. Notable achievements include LearningWOW Female Academy students reporting higher average Georgia CRCT scale scores than the district and in the state in several subjects and LearningWOW Male Academy students have surpassed the district in English Language Arts.

LearningWOW students reported higher average scale scores than a comparison group of male and female academy students in five content area tests and the LearningWOW male students had the best attendance rate in the school at 98 percent! These results clearly demonstrate what can happen when we deliver real-time solutions to communities who have far less than adequate access to mainstream broadband technology – and it is great. As we look forward to replicating this program in more schools throughout Georgia, we hope that others will look at this example and recognize broadband as the great equalizer that can make this country stronger. Also, we hope that federal policymakers can resist the pressure to impose policies that would only stifle our growing digital community. LearningWOW is proof of the power of broadband to improve student achievement outcomes and to change lives. We need Congress to spearhead sensible legislation that helps to make broadband a reality for the millions currently not connected.

The benefits of technology for our youth and for our improved education system, as well as for empowering all Americans, are clear. We must continue on the path of growing broadband access and fostering technological advancement if we want to ensure we all have happier, healthier and more prosperous lives.

Stay tuned for the next riveting commentary for Ms. Shirley Franklin.....