HOUSTON — More and more school districts are considering a mix of in-class and remote learning in the fall.
But not everyone has internet access or computers. In fact, Texas is the leading country when it comes to the digital divide, according to Common Sense Media.
"1.8 million children -- about 34 percent of Texas kids -- lack adequate internet connectivity at home or an adequate device," said Danny Weiss with Common Sense Media.
Common Sense Media is a non-profit organization and they recently did a study that found one out three kids in Texas live in a home that doesn’t have access to the internet. The say government leaders and companies have not invested in the rural and low-income areas of Texas.And the pandemic has only heightened this problem.
"Children of color have the greatest problem with connectivity. Native American, Latinos, Black kids have a higher rate of being disconnected than White kids," said Weiss.
The organization says the only way to close that divide is for state and federal leaders to invest in those areas. An Investment, like the one Cy-Fair ISD made this week when they approved $44 million to purchase laptops and internet access for their students.
"Remote learning is going to be part of the plan no matter what. So it could be a smaller part or a bigger part. But no matter what you cannot have certain kids that are not participating and others are. It’s just not fair," said Weiss.
There is a program to help low-income families get internet access for 10 dollars a month through Comcast.
MORE ON EDUCATION
Great news if you watch TV with an antenna
KHOU has just upgraded its technology. If you were unable to receive KHOU with your antenna in the past, try again on channel 11.11. You may have to rescan your channels for it to work – if that’s the case, we’ve got some instructions at KHOU.com/antenna. If you already see KHOU on 11.1, you may now ALSO see it on 11.11 – it’s the exact same programming. We’re really excited to be able to bring our KHOU 11 News, CBS shows and sports, Wheel of Fortune, Ellen and Great Day Houston to more homes around the area. If you’re still having trouble, please contact us here and we’ll try to get you set up.