Policy Advocacy

Why does policy advocacy matter?

Inequity is deeply rooted within our education system. Founding Father Thomas Jefferson once stated that the American public education system should promote equal opportunity for all, regardless of status. Despite this, however, the system has generally promoted equity and accessibility within a smaller demographic, and decisions made by leaders in public education have generally been for the benefit of the white majority (Kaestle, Pillars of the Republic Common Schools and American Society, 1780-1860).

As we integrate technology into our schools, we must stay cognizant of the equity and socioemotional risks associated with ed-tech. While technology has the potential to improve learning outcomes and career readiness, improper implementation can widen pre-existing inequities in our education system. For example, if we cannot guarantee every student's access to the same standard of technology, we risk "opportunity hoarding" - the process through which some families can use their social capital to monopolize education resources, thus positioning their students for success (L'Heureux Lewis-McCoy, Inequality in the Promised Land).

With this in mind, our policy advocacy arm works with policymakers to accomplish three core goals:

Equity: Ensure equitable access to technology.
Socioemotional Development: Help schools integrate tech without compromising mental health or student engagement and connection.
Funding: Secure funding and training to implement ed-tech responsibly.

What policies do we support?

Guarantee access to 1:1 devices and home internet alternatives (for students without stable internet)

Increase funding for ed-tech improvements and professional development sessions, not just initial rollouts

Standardize data reported by schools on the relationship between tech, equity, and socioemotional development*

Provide digital literacy training for all teachers who engage with students with school-issued devices

*Notably, we believe that successful education technology programs should be evaluated on the basis of student performance, equity, and socioemotional development, rather than relying solely on test scores. When we overvalue test scores as a metric for success, as was done by President Regan's "A Nation at Risk" (1983), we encourage the idea that the nation is "falling behind" should we score low on standardized tests. In reality, there are many factors which define a successful nation, including mental wellbeing and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEI-J).

Sample letter: Contact your representative!

Dear [Representative],

My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [Role] at [District] in [City/State]. I’m writing to urge you to support policies that expand access to educational technology while prioritizing student equity and well-being.

As technology becomes more commonplace in our schools, we are faced with growing equity and socioemotional risks. It is crucial that we ensure our digital tools help all students, not just those with stable internet or prior access, and that we don’t lose sight of the human connections and socioemotional support students need to thrive.

I respectfully ask that you advocate for the following:

Guarantee access to 1:1 devices and reliable home internet alternatives for students who lack stable access, including in underserved communities.
Increase funding for edtech infrastructure and professional development, so teachers are prepared to use technology in their classrooms.
Standardize how schools report data on edtech use, equity, and student socioemotional development, so we can better understand what’s working and where gaps remain.

These steps will help us implement educational technology successfully, while remaining cognizant of equity and student mental health.

Thank you for your leadership on behalf of our schools and students. I’d welcome the opportunity to share more about what we’re experiencing locally and how we can move forward together.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Role]
[School or District Name]
[Your City, State]
[Contact Info]

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