City Council pushes for access to remote learning during public health crisis

The Council voted to adopt a resolution offered by Councilors Campbell and Janey urging Boston Public Schools (BPS) to ensure equity in access to quality remote learning. They noted that given the lack of universal access to technology and broadband internet across the City of Boston, especially for lower income communities and communities of color, some students do not have access to remote learning.



Access to educators and materials varies by school and even within schools, with some students reporting several virtual sessions per week with a teacher and other students reporting one or none. Students who were already struggling in schools are likely to be the worst impacted by this time of remote learning and increased stress and uncertainty. 



Students who receive special education services, are on Individualized Education Plan (IEPs), or who are learning English as a second language may not be receiving any of the targeted services and instruction they are entitled to during this remote learning period.



“Ensuring that every child in the City of Boston has access to a high quality education is important to all of us, whether we are in a time of crisis or not,” said Councilor Campbell.