Technology Implications for Missouri Public Schools in the Era of COVID-19

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools were forced to pivot to fully online instruction and learning. As a result, adequate and reliable internet access became an even larger priority than in years past. Historically, Missouri has lagged national trends and recommendations on adequate internet speeds. In response, Governor Mike Parson allotted $50 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding to improve and expand broadband internet access, with $10 million directed to augment K-12 distance learning. These investments have improved available bandwidth in the state, but it remains unclear if these changes will be sustained after the expiration of CARES Act stimulus funding. In this policy brief, we consider the gap in technology access for Missouri’s school districts brought to light by the recent coronavirus pandemic. We further describe how trends in Missouri’s internet access lag those of our neighboring states and the nation, specifically regions with similar rural populations, and why rectifying these gaps is vital to meet students’ educational needs.