Student Level Digital Access Data Collection Information and Memos

To collectively serve our students, families, and educators, it is imperative that districts, BOCES, charter schools, and the 91�� have, and maintain, an updated, accurate, complete picture of the state of digital access for each individual student. Identifying student digital access, also referred to as student digital resources within the eScholar data model template, is essential for understanding, investigating, and promoting educational equity. Student home access to the Internet has become fundamental for schools across the nation as they plan strategies for continuous learning. This data will help identify specific needs and target resources and funding opportunities when they become available. The data should also be used at the classroom and local levels for instructional and programmatic decision-making.

Past data collections have shown that hundreds of thousands of New York State students potentially still do not have access to a device appropriate for learning, or to sufficient broadband access, in their places of residence. The Board of Regents and the 91�� remain dedicated to working to end this inequity, often referred to as the Digital Divide. Digital equity is essential for educational equity. The Student Digital Access Data is now required by the amendment to Commissioner’s Regulation 155.17, which was approved at the September 2022 NYS Board of Regents Meeting. The amendment to Section 155.17 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education Relating to Remote Instruction and its Delivery under Emergency Conditions can be found in the .

The Department will analyze preliminary data as reported by each reporting entity to the 91�� Level 2 Data warehouse. Additional data extracts will be produced upon request, at any time throughout the year as needed for program, Department, Legislative and FOIL requests.�� Therefore, as with all student level data as reported to the Department via SIRS, all reporting entities should practice due diligence to input, update, verify and maintain accurate data in their source data systems and work with their RIC or Big 5 Level 1 Center to move data on a regular basis throughout the school year.

For assistance with Digital Equity data collection via SIRS, please contact your local Regional Information Center (RIC) or Big 5 Level 1 Reporting Center. For questions about reporting data in SIRS, please contact the Office of Information and Reporting Services��.