Kathy Hoffman convenes task force to address schools’ tech needs

PHOENIX — Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced the formation of the Arizona Department of Education Technology Task Force on Thursday.

The group has been convened in an effort to help address the digital divide across the state, which has been “exasperated due to the need for distance learning” because of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a press release.

The task force will also work to strengthen private and public partnerships, as well as support computer science standards and education technology across Arizona.

The 32-member group is composed of a variety of professionals that range from Arizona high schools and universities, internet providers and technology industry leaders.

Access to technology and the internet is a challenge that existed prior to COVID-19, but this pandemic has exposed the inequities of the digital divide. It's time to dismantle this barrier to learning – and yesterday our new Technology Task Force met to start that critical work. pic.twitter.com/9HNypLyFtw

— Kathy Hoffman (@Supt_Hoffman) June 11, 2020

“Access to technology and broadband internet is an issue of educational equity,” Hoffman said in the release.

“These challenges existed prior to COVID-19, but the pandemic exposed the critical need to connect hundreds of thousands of students and their families to technology. I look forward to working with the leaders on our task force as we find ways to bridge the digital divide in Arizona.”

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