Category Archives: education

Loss of federal Library Funding could impact digital adoption in rural areas

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NDIA (National Digital Inclusion Alliance reports…

Since 2020, the digital navigator model has spread like wildfire. Programs with trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and digital skills are now in hundreds of communities across the U.S.

Thirty-nine states and territories included digital navigator programs in their state/territory digital equity/opportunity plans, many of whom included libraries as key community partners.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is one of the reasons this model was developed and went to scale so quickly. Just yesterday, staff at the Institute for Museum and Library Services were placed on leave, meaning there are no staff to manage current grants.

Digital Navigation was one of the priorities mentioned by the MN Broadband Task Force in their latest report…

Support Digital Literacy: Standardize digital literacy definitions across agencies and fund Digital Navigators for anchor institutions to teach digital skills and connect residents to resources. Create a searchable digital literacy resource directory available in multiple languages and accessible formats. Provide greater opportunities for partner organizations to build capacity, and work to strengthen existing relationships.

The NDIA talks about the loss of IMLS federal funding and the potential impact on rural libraries and communities…

Most public libraries are primarily funded by city and county taxes. Small and rural libraries with limited local funding will feel the loss of their IMLS grants the hardest. Losing millions of dollars in grant funds from IMLS will drastically impact the ability of these anchor institutions to deliver critically needed services for their community members–from getting people online to teaching them the skills they need to support workforce development, education, and telehealth.

MN House bill HF1289: warning on social media bill sent to the House Health Finance and Policy Committee

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Today, the MN House Health Finance and Policy Committee talked about HF1289:

HF1289 (Stephenson); Social media platforms required to post a mental health warning label and timer notifications.

The bill was sent to the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.

Minnesota House reports…

Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) sponsors HF1289 to require social media platforms to have a warning label and notify the user about the amount of time they’ve spent on it every 30 minutes.

Receiving committee approval, the bill was sent to the House Health Finance and Policy Committee.

The evidence is clear on the negative impacts of social media, especially for children. Stephenson said the average teenager spends 4.8 hours a day interacting with social media, and several studies have documented the link between excessive social media use and poor mental health outcomes including loneliness, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and self-harm.

Libraries, school and others ask Senate to protect FCC wi-fi order

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Broadband Breakfast reports...

National education groups are concerned that the Senate could prevent millions of people from accessing the internet with federal assistance.

A coalition of 31 education and library groups urged senators in a letter Monday to reject a resolution by Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, that would roll back the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to allow E-Rate funds for wireless hotspots.

“Almost 20,000 schools and libraries across the country are currently in the process of applying for several hundred thousand hotspots,” the letter stated, adding that millions of Americans could lose access to essential online resources if the measure, S.J.Res.7, is approved.

Bill introduced to MN House: HF653 transferring money into the agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer

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MN House of Representatives hears a new bill…

Nelson; Anderson, P. H., and Frederick introduced:

H. F. 653, A bill for an act relating to agriculture; transferring money into the agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer (AGREETT) account; appropriating money for the agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer grant program and farm business management challenge grants; requiring reports.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy.

While not necessarily directly to broadband, it does sound like a potential for increased use of rural broadband…

A bill for an act
relating to agriculture; transferring money into the agriculture research, education,
extension, and technology transfer (AGREETT) account; appropriating money for
the agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer grant
program and farm business management challenge grants; requiring reports.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. TRANSFER; AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, EXTENSION,
AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAM.

$11,102,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $11,102,000 in fiscal year 2027 are transferred from
the general fund to the agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer
(AGREETT) account in the agricultural fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.14,
subdivision 3. The base for this transfer is $11,102,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year
thereafter.

Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION; AGRICULTURE RESEARCH, EDUCATION,
EXTENSION, AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER GRANT PROGRAM.

(a) $11,102,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $11,102,000 in fiscal year 2027 are appropriated
from the agriculture research, education, extension, and technology transfer (AGREETT)
account in the agricultural fund under Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.14, subdivision 3,
to the commissioner of agriculture for the AGREETT grant program under Minnesota
Statutes, section 41A.14. To the extent practicable, money expended under Minnesota
Statutes, section 41A.14, subdivision 1, clauses (1) and (2), must supplement and not supplant
existing sources and levels of funding. The commissioner of agriculture may use up to one
percent of this appropriation for costs incurred to administer the program. Of the amount
appropriated for the AGREETT grant program under Minnesota Statutes, section 41A.14:

(1) $600,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $600,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the Minnesota
Agricultural Experiment Station’s agriculture rapid response fund under Minnesota Statutes,
section 41A.14, subdivision 1, clause (2);

(2) up to $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and up to $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for
research on avian influenza, salmonella, and other turkey-related diseases and disease
prevention measures;

(3) $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $3,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for grants to
the Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council (MAELC) to enhance agricultural
education with priority given to farm business management challenge grants. In awarding
grants, the MAELC shall prioritize funding for faculty with expertise in farm transition
planning, rural mental health, and growing specialty crops in urban areas;

(4) $350,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $350,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for potato breeding;

(5) $802,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $802,000 in fiscal year 2027 are to fund the Forever
Green Initiative and protect the state’s natural resources while increasing the efficiency,
profitability, and productivity of Minnesota farmers by incorporating perennial and
winter-annual crops into existing agricultural practices. The base for the allocation under
this clause is $802,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year thereafter. By February 1 each
year, the dean of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the
University of Minnesota must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members
of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over agriculture finance and policy and higher
education detailing uses of the funds in this clause, including administrative costs, and the
achievements these funds contributed to;

(6) $200,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $200,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for research on
natural stands of wild rice; and

(7) $250,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 in fiscal year 2027 are for the cultivated
wild rice forward selection project at the North Central Research and Outreach Center,
including a tenure track or research associate plant scientist.

(b) The base for this appropriation is $11,102,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each year
thereafter.

Is Minnesota prepared to tackle digital literacy?

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MinnPost posts a Opinion piece from educator Justin Piehowski asking if Minnesota ready to embrace digital literacy…

Minnesota has long prided itself on being one of the most literate states in the country.
Minnesota consistently ranks second in the nation for literacy, measured by factors like library resources, newspaper circulation and education levels. But literacy in the 21st century isn’t just about books, newspapers or even e-readers. Today, information floods into our lives through screens, apps and endless notifications.
While Minnesota excels in traditional literacy, we must ask: Is Minnesota equally prepared to lead the country in digital literacy?

He mentions legislation from last year that he thought might have helped..

In Minnesota last year, SF 3474, a bill proposing a statewide digital literacy advisory council, was discussed but failed to pass. It’s unclear if there will be digital literacy-related legislation coming this year.

We often blame COVID-19 for the social and emotional upheavals of recent years, but I believe another force played an equally significant role: information overload. During the pandemic, many of us became unintentional curators of our own digital ecosystems. We sifted through contradictory headlines, viral social media posts and algorithmically curated content, trying to make sense of a rapidly changing world. The strain of this relentless information deluge wasn’t just cognitive — it was emotional, even existential.

It goes beyond education…

This isn’t just an educational issue — it’s an economic one. Minnesota’s workforce is evolving, and simple digital competency is no longer optional in most professions. From agriculture to healthcare, our industries need workers who can critically engage with digital tools and information systems.

Passing legislation is one step, but real change happens in classrooms, libraries and living rooms. Schools need resources, educators need training and parents need support to guide their children in a world filled with digital distractions.

But this isn’t just about preventing harm — it’s about societal agency. Digital literacy can empower young people to become creators, not just consumers, of technology. It can equip adults to advocate for themselves in a digital healthcare system, protect their privacy, and make informed decisions in an era of AI and misinformation. It’s about giving Minnesotans control over these powerful digital forces instead of being swayed by tech companies, political movements or foreign actors.

Minnesota has always valued education as a cornerstone of its identity. Digital literacy is the next chapter in that story.

FCC announces Cybersecurity Pilot Program Participants including 12 in MN

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The FCC reports…

The Federal Communications Commission today selected 707 participants for the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, including 645 schools and districts, 50 libraries, and 12 consortia.  Participants in the three-year pilot program will receive support to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment and provide the Commission with data to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to improve school and library defenses against increasing cyberattacks.  All 50 states, in addition to Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, and several Tribal lands are reflected by the Pilot participants announced today.   …

The Cybersecurity Pilot Program is part of Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s Learn Without Limits initiative to address the Homework Gap by ensuring connectivity to and within schools and libraries.  This initiative includes Wi-Fi on school buses, the Wi-Fi hotspot lending program, and E-Rate support for libraries in Tribal communities.

Here are the participants in Minnesota…

CHRIST HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH SCH School MN
ST PAUL PUBLIC LIBRARY Library System MN
SAINT PAUL PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 625 School District MN
RED LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT 38 School District MN
HMONG COLLEGE PREP ACADEMY 4103-07 School MN
SOUTHERN PLAINS EDUCATION COOPERATIVE School District MN
COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE 4181-07 School MN
TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION INC. School District MN
THE BEST ACADEMY School MN
NEW CENTURY SCHOOL 4240-07 School MN
BDOTE LEARNING CENTER 4226-07 School MN
Bultum Academy School MN

 

Education Superhighway recommends broadband subsidies for homes that need it

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In a recent report Education Superhighway recommends broadband subsidies for homes that need it…

To ensure every household has reliable, affordable internet, Congress should create a new permanent broadband affordability program targeted toward those who truly need it. The benefit should only apply to entry-level home
broadband plans, and it can be revenue-neutral, fully funded by repurposing USF High Cost Program funds as they expire. The new program would provide greater
stability to under-resourced households and ensure that states that included the ACP as a tool for addressing broadband affordability in their BEAD and Digital
Equity Act plans have a viable alternative. The benefit should be:

1. Focused on 16.3 million unconnected households and 3 million likely to be disconnected, ensuring the benefit is a tool that provides a high-speed connection or prevents disconnection when financial circumstances change.
Changing eligibility criteria to focus on unconnected households provides annual savings of $4.6 billion compared with ACP.
2. Paid for by repurposing Universal Service Fund (USF) High Cost Program funds as they expire. This revenue-neutral approach covers 100% of the cost of the broadband affordability benefit, starting immediately, without taxpayer burden.
3. Applicable only to entry-level home broadband plans, providing households with the high-speed connection needed to get an entire family online for remote work, education, and telehealth services. The Lifeline program should remain the primary program for supporting mobile service and connections outside the home.
4. Limited to broadband plans at or below the $30 subsidy price (or $75 on qualifying Tribal lands or in high cost rural areas) to harness market forces by acknowledging that households already subscribed to advanced broadband
plans are financially capable of maintaining a connection without support and unlikely to trade down from their chosen plan.

MN schools and teachers using online translation services to communicate with families

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Gov Tech reports…

Some Minnesota educators have signed onto apps and platforms that use machine-learning algorithms to help translate websites, newsletters and even texts to parents into multiple languages.

The article reports on some high points and low points. It is a way to get information into many languages but without some quality control, you can’t be sure that the correct and full information is being shared. Ther are some plans for improvement…

After winter break, the district plans to roll out an app that will connect teachers to a live interpreter to help interpret conferences, or parent meetings, for example.

“That’s going to be such a resource for us,” said Danilo McCarthy , an English language support specialist for South Washington County schools. He also holds workshops for families on using those new technologies to best communicate with their child’s teacher.

Kourajian, the Mounds View middle school teacher, offered similar training for her fellow teachers on the translation app — called TalkingPoints — that allows her to translate quick messages to and from parents. The district first offered TalkingPoints to its staff in the 2022-23 school year, but it wasn’t immediately embraced by all, Kourajian said.

Usage has jumped this year and more than 23,000 messages have gone to families, most commonly in Spanish, Somali and Arabic. Still, only about 40 percent of staff are using the app.

Many years ago, I taught English in Catalonia, Spain. Lack of translation tools meant teacher, students and parents all learned quickly to communicate when necessary but some help would have been a gift. The old school version of AI was the boss writing down a dozen phrases in Catalan that I could use on report cards.

OPPORTUNITY: MN Grant Opportunity for Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects – including broadband

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From the Minnesota Department of Education…

November 25, 2024

Grant Opportunity for Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is now accepting applications for the Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects Grant to Support Community Revitalization, Connectedness and Equity by Promoting Education, Work and Health.

An estimated $47.5 million is available on a one-time basis in maximum grant amounts of $500,000. Funding is available to family resource centers, full-service community schools, libraries, childcare and early learning facilities, and community centers.

Application, instructions, timeline, and further information can be found on MDE’s Competitive Grant Opportunities site. Completed applications are due January 3, 2025.

The federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 appropriated $10 billion to the U.S. Department of Treasury to provide payments to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal Governments to carry out critical capital projects directly enabling work, education, and healthcare monitoring in response to the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic public health emergency.

This established the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (“CPF”) program, which aims to:

  • Directly support recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency by strengthening and improving the infrastructure necessary for participation in work, education, and healthcare monitoring that will last beyond the pandemic;
  • Enable investments in capital assets designed to address inequities in access to critical services; and
  • Provide the modern infrastructure necessary to access critical services, including a high-quality and affordable broadband internet connection.

Minnesota was awarded $47.5 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Coronavirus Capitol Projects Fund.

Grants will be used to fund Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects in areas that will benefit the most from support to address challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic through supports for education, work, and health focused on advancing family economic stability, connections and educational opportunity for our state’s children and youth.

EVENT April 12: GigaZone Gaming Championship & TechXpo in Bemidji

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Fun news from Paul Bunyan Communications…

The GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo, a Paul Bunyan Communications event, will return on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. The event is now one of the largest rural gaming and technology expositions in the United States and recognized nationally within the broadband industry for its innovative way to showcase the cooperative’s all-fiber optic network while engaging with the gaming community and anyone interested in technology.
“Last year was another awesome experience. We had close to 4,000 come out and experience this one-of-a-kind event. There were more gaming opportunities than ever before, Danielle Feinberg from Pixar Animation Studios was our special guest and over 25 exhibitors were on hand demonstrating their use of technology to thousands of potential students, customers, and employees. It was an amazing day and we are excited to bring it back again on April 12.” said Gary Johnson, Paul Bunyan Communications CEO/General Manager
The GigaZone Gaming Championship will feature free gaming on various console and arcade games, numerous tournaments, door prizes, and more. There is no cost to enter the tournaments or for any of the gaming. Tournament details will be posted on the GigaZone Gaming Discord, Twitch channel, and Facebook page as well as http://www.gigazonegaming.com New this year will be the GigaZone Gaming High School Invitational, a Rocket League tournament exclusively for High School esports teams. Schools interested should contact Fenworks at https://fenworks.com/contact-us/
The GigaZone TechXpo will expose a growing regional audience to technology innovation and help them turn their technical skills and enthusiasm into successful careers right here in northern Minnesota. Start-ups and companies creatively leveraging technology will be able to demonstrate their innovation to a large group of tech-savvy potential employees. Educators and educational institutions can have their tech-oriented students show off projects and promote the technology training programs they have to offer. There is no cost to be an exhibitor but space is limited and the exhibit must creatively display the use of technology. Applications will open January 3 with a deadline to apply by February 28, 2025 at www.gigazonetechxpo.com
This one-of-a-kind event showcases Paul Bunyan Communications’ IT and web development team, which custom-built and integrated much of the online technology being used and leverages the speed of the GigaZone, one of the largest rural all-fiber optic gigabit networks in the country. The entire gaming event is run off a single residential GigaZone Internet connection.
“Our cooperative continues to expand our advanced fiber network that brings many advantages to our members including extreme speed and low latency, which are critical for the best online gaming experience. The GigaZone Gaming Championship showcases just that,” added Leo Anderson, Paul Bunyan Communications Chief Technology Officer.
“It is the biggest rural gaming event I’m aware of and the TechXpo makes a lot of connections to potential careers. Many of the exhibitors were able to attract new employees, students, and/or customers through the event. I don’t think people realize just how innovative our schools and businesses are and how they implement the latest technology into their operations or education curriculum. The TechXpo is a showcase for that in a personal, interactive, and exciting way,” added Brian Bissonette, Paul Bunyan Communications Marketing Supervisor.
This Paul Bunyan Communications event includes the talents of many local partners, including NLFX, Accidently Cool Games, Northern Amusement, and the Sanford Center, as well as support from several regional and national partners.
Paul Bunyan Communications has one of the largest and fastest rural all-fiber optic networks in the United States, with over 6,000 square miles throughout most of Beltrami County and portions of Aitkin, Cass, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, and St. Louis Counties. The Cooperative provides GigaZone Internet with speeds up to 10 Gig, digital and high-definition television service

IRRR funds and Minnesota North College hosts 1500 students for STEM career day

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Hometown Focus reports…

Approximately 1,500 fifth and sixth grade students from 22 area schools attended the Iron Range STEM Showcase in Hibbing earlier this month. Students had hands-on experiments led by Range Engineering Council volunteers, local businesses and 25 colleges showcasing STEM opportunities on the Iron Range. A Workforce Development grant from the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) helped offset bus transportation costs.

Local businesses included Cirrus, Cleveland Cliffs, Jasper Engineering, L&M Radiator, Minnesota Power and NewRange Copper Nickel. Other organizations present included Hibbing Police Department, Minnesota Discovery Center, Minnesota Department of Transportation, The North St. Louis Soil and Water Conservation District, Range Astronomy Club/ Paulucci Space, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis County, STARBASE and Northern Minnesota Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.

IRRR awarded a $75,000 grant to Minnesota North College (True North Stars Perkins Consortium). It is a program established to help area students in the middle grades and beyond make informed career and education choices. The consortium offers career exploration and development activities that encourage students to consider factors such as salary, job growth, work environment and flexibility when considering a career path.

Iron Range STEM Showcase in Hibbing introduces students tech opportunities

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The Ranger, a publication of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, talks about programs in Northern Minnesota that promote technical training and workforce encouragement…

Approximately 1,500 fifth and sixth grade students from 22 area schools attended the Iron Range STEM Showcase in Hibbing earlier this month. Students had hands-on experiments led by Range Engineering Council volunteers, local businesses and 25 colleges showcasing STEM opportunities on the Iron Range. A Workforce Development grant from IRRR helped offset bus transportation costs.

Local businesses included Cirrus, Cleveland Cliffs, Jasper Engineering, L&M Radiator, Minnesota Power and NewRange Copper Nickel. Other organizations present included Hibbing Police Department, Minnesota Discovery Center, Minnesota Department of Transportation, The North St. Louis Soil & Water Conservation District, Range Astronomy Club/Paulucci Space, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Louis County, STARBASE and Northern Minnesota Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.

IRRR awarded a $75,000 grant to Minnesota North College (True North Stars Perkins Consortium). It is a program established to help area students in the middle grades and beyond make informed career and education choices. The consortium offers career exploration and development activities that encourage students to consider factors such as salary, job growth, work environment and flexibility when considering a career path.

The IRRR grant helps transport the students to the annual STEM Showcase and to other events including school field trips to tour local businesses, meetings with professionals to learn about careers and hands-on trade exploration events to better educate students and job seekers about the variety of career paths in the region.

Learn more about Range Engineering Council.

Email Danae Beaudette or call her at 218-735-3022 for Workforce Development grant information.

OPPORTUNITY: Library-School Partnership RFP from Libraries without Border (deadline Oct 31, 2024)

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An opportunity from Libraries without Borders…

LWB US is seeking to partner with public libraries across the United States to enhance access and usage for underserved youth and families through the creation of library access points within local schools.

Five selected partners will receive technical assistance spanning data collection and analysis, strategy and partnership development, project implementation and sustainability as well as supplies and materials up to $5,000 to support the direct costs of establishing and enhancing outreach and access within their local school system.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2024.

 See Library-School Partnership RFP for more details and submission instructions.

University of Minnesota’s Boynton Health looks at telehealth

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MN Daily reports on the recent MN Department of Health study on telehealth (I wrote about it earlier too). It is interesting to see what it means for the U of M’s students and healthcare facilities through Boynton…

Associate Director of Mental Health at Boynton Health Cecilia Bloomquist said when she started her career in the psychotherapy field in 2012, telehealth was not widespread until COVID-19.

“The accessibility is incredible,” Bloomquist said. “Because you can expand so many options there. It’s been quite amazing to see this shift.”

Drawz said he noticed an increase in telehealth use from 2015 to 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend. Drawz said it was not until then that many healthcare providers saw telehealth as a valid way to provide quick and widespread care.

Bloomquist said Boynton offers telehealth and in-person care for students. Boynton’s primary care team treats a variety of conditions via telehealth alongside mental health therapy and counseling options, group therapy, affinity groups, and psychiatry services, Bloomquist added.

“We actually think about this more case by case,” Bloomquist said. “Providers are making recommendations according to what the person is dealing with and what they have available.”

Drawz said the report shows that telehealth care provides the same quality care as an in-person visit for most individuals. Telehealth can be an accessible option for people who can not physically go to the doctor’s office.

“Some people just can’t get out of their home,” Drawz said. “We do have to pay attention to digital literacy. Not all communities have access to broadband. And so it’s important to keep those things in mind as we advocate for telehealth.”

Bloomquist said she believes telehealth is a highly accessible option for students and providers alike because of its flexibility for busy schedules.

“People really appreciate the opportunity to work in this hybrid model,” Bloomquist said. “It does help providers.”

Devitt said the question for the state legislature is whether telehealth expansion provisions remain and where changes need to be made post-pandemic. Devitt added it is important to be cognizant of how the different types of healthcare insurance — Medicare, Medicaid or commercial insurance — will be also influenced by the federal government’s decisions on telehealth, not just the state’s.

“One of the things that’s going to matter a lot is whether or not telehealth is reimbursable in the metro area after the start of the year at the federal level,” Devitt said. “That’s something in addition going on that just will influence how providers make their choices.”

 

FCC & Dep of Education release Cybersecurity Resource Guide

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From the FCC…

The Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Education, with input from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, today released a resource guide to help schools and libraries evaluate their cybersecurity risks and identify the most impactful cybersecurity solutions.  The guide can also help schools and libraries as they complete applications for the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program and serve broadly as a resource for schools and libraries as they take steps to better protect their networks.

“Through the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, we’ll have a chance to better understand what equipment, services, and tools will help protect school and library broadband networks from cyberthreats,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel.  “This guide will serve as a valuable resource to schools and libraries through their application process.”

The joint resource guide provides cybersecurity guidance and recommended resources to help schools and libraries keep their broadband networks secure.  Given the budget and resource constraints facing schools and libraries, the resource guide highlights free and low-cost options and focuses on the most impactful initial steps.  The guide also recognizes that specific cybersecurity needs may vary and provides a framework for schools and libraries to identify solutions that meet their unique needs.

“With cyber incidents regularly impacting K-12 schools, the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program will provide much needed support for schools across the country,” said U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Cindy Marten.  “By collaborating with our colleagues at the FCC and CISA, this guide will help schools address their most pressing cybersecurity risks.”

The resource guide will help schools and libraries interested in applying for the Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, which will award up to $200 million over a three-year term.  Participants selected for the pilot program will receive support to defray the costs of eligible cybersecurity services and equipment, while providing the Commission with data to better understand whether and how universal service funds could be used to improve school and library defenses against increasing cyberattacks.

The resource guide is part of the FCC’s ongoing collaboration with the Department of Education and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to support the cybersecurity needs of schools and libraries, including the Commission’s participation on the Department of Education’s Government Coordinating Council to support K-12 cybersecurity.

For information regarding the FCC’s Schools and Libraries Cybersecurity Pilot Program, visit https://www.fcc.gov/cybersecurity-pilot-program.

Additional cybersecurity resources for schools and libraries are available through the Department of Education and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, including the K-12 Critical Infrastructure Brief: Defensible and Resilient, Cybersecurity Action Steps for the K-12 Community and Report: Partnering to Safeguard K-12 Organizations from Cybersecurity Threats.