U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Introduces Bill to Increase Student Achievement through Technology Education

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today introduced legislation to help schools, districts, and states transform learning systems by utilizing innovative technology. The Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Act would support educators in using technology to increase college and career readiness, help school districts build a technology infrastructure to ensure schools take full advantage of what technology has to offer, and increase student learning by infusing technology into education while protecting student privacy and ensuring data security.

"Across the globe, students today experience a world that is more connected than ever. Yet in the United Sates, many classrooms, especially those in rural and remote areas, lack the rich technology that can connect them with the outside world," said Baldwin. "I'm proud to introduce the Enhancing Education Through Technology Act to level the playing field and give schools the resources, infrastructure, hardware, software, and human capacity needed to prepare students for the 21st century global economy."

"Providing all students with technology-rich learning environments in which they can collaborate, create, and learn deeply is essential to creating citizens who can adapt and thrive in today's connected world," said Donna Smith, Wisconsin Education Media and Technology Association President. "WEMTA is proud to support Senator Baldwin's EETT Act as a necessary component for teaching and learning in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S."

Earlier this month, several organizations representing educators, state and local education leaders, and the high-tech industry sent a letter to the HELP Committee urging them to include a dedicated digital learning program within the final bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) writing, "Only a distinct commitment to supporting technology use in the classroom will ensure that all students, especially those in rural and remote areas, have access to the limitless educational opportunities available…For digital learning to become a reality nationwide, educators must receive ongoing, sustainable and scalable technology professional learning opportunities. That is only possible through a stand-alone, dedicated program like EETT."

Joining Senator Baldwin in introducing the EETT Act were HELP Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA) and Senator Angus King (I-ME).

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