Find up-to-date resources for schools at the Colorado Department of Education COVID-19 Resources for Schools page.
Technology Resources
Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Coronavirus page: Coronavirus (COVID-19) EdTech Guidance
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has compiled resources here: www.LearningKeepsGoing.org
FCC Public Notice (03/23/2020): Community Use of E-Rate-Supported Wi-Fi is Permitted During Closures
Remote Learning Resources
State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA): eLearning Coalition
Colorado Department of Education: Learning at Home
Digital Bridge K-12 Initiative (EducationSuperHighway):
As schools close their doors and classrooms move online, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed already critical “homework gaps” in our communities. To support school district administrators in planning and implementing home-access programs, EducationSuperHighway has launched a toolkit through the Digital Bridge K-12 Initiative. As a non-profit, all tools and resources are offered at no cost.
Visit the Homework Gap Toolkit
In this toolkit, you can find:
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- Connectivity Essentials to help you research Internet and device options.
- How-to guides to support you with implementing home-access programs.
- Lookup tools to assist you with researching local provider options.
Funding Opportunities
USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program
Funding Available: $72 Million in Application Window 2
Application Deadline: July 13, 2020
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/distance-learning-telemedicine-grants
The USDA opened a second application window for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. This window includes an additional $25 million appropriated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Funds not awarded in round one will be rolled over into round two.
The USDA will hold a webinar on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 2 p.m. EDT to update participants on the changes in the program, review eligibility and regulatory requirements, and provide guidance on how to submit a successful application.
Important links:
- USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program
- Webinar Recording: May 5, 2020 Webinar
- Submit an application: grants.gov
- Read the Press Release: USDA Announces Second Application Window for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program Funding
E-rate
E-Rate provides discounts for telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries.
COVID-19 Related Updates
- Application Deadline for Funding Year 2020 has been extended to April 29, 2020
- Gift rules waived through September 30, 2020
- Key E-rate deadlines extended:
- service delivery deadline for non-recurring services for funding year 2019 are extended by one year, from September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2021
- schools and libraries are granted an automatic 60-day extension to file requests for review or waiver of decisions by the USAC
- applicants and service providers receive an automatic 120-day extension of the invoice filing deadline
- all program participants are given an additional 30-day extension to respond to certain information requests from USAC
Visit the FCC website for up-to-date information and news on the E-rate program.
Institute of Museum and Libraries (IMLS) Grants
Funding Available: $50 Million
Application Deadline: multiple deadlines
Website: https://www.imls.gov/news/imls-authorizes-new-grant-flexibilities-libraries-museums
The CARES Act appropriated $50M in coronavirus response funding for the Institute of Museum and Libraries (IMLS). On April 6 the IMLS Authorized New Grant Flexibilities for Libraries, Museums. Grant funds can be used to address immediate needs and extend timelines for work to accommodate the disruption caused by coronavirus. Examples include continuing to employ staff, modifying project activities to align with social distancing requirements, and covering basic costs necessary to resume work once the emergency has passed.
News:
- April 27, 2020: FCC and US Department of Education Promote Remote Education
- March 23, 2020: FCC Confirms Community Use of E-Rate-Supported Wi-Fi is Permitted During Closures
- March 18, 2020: FCC supported Telehealth and Remote Learning by Waiving Gift Rules in the Rural Health Care and E-Rate programs to make it easier for broadband providers to support telehealth and remote learning efforts during the pandemic. The waiver will allow healthcare providers, schools, and libraries to accept improved capacity, Wi-Fi hotspots, networking gear, or other equipment or services to support doctors and patients, teachers and students, and librarians and patrons during the coronavirus outbreak.
- March 16, 2020: SETDA Launches eLearning Coalition to Support Online Learning
- March 13, 2020: FCC extended E-Rate Applications to April 29 for funding year 2020.