The #1 Problem K-12 Rural Schools Face in the 21st Century?

One of the most significant issues since the 1970s is the funding structure between rural and urban classrooms. One study conducted in North Carolina shows that rural schools in 2019 received about $1,000 less per student than inner-city schools. (1) Throughout the US, rural schools differ tremendously in graduation rates, class ascension rates, and advanced placement rates as urban schools. the lower rates directly correlate access, which can be detrimental to their lifelong education, income, and ability to earn.

According to the US Census Bureau, rural means any area that has less than 50,000 people. We know that 20% (60 million people) of the population lives in rural areas. The amount of rural counties, towns, and cities in the United States is about 97% of the entire country, and our city centers, which are 3% of the country, hold most of the population.

There Are Many Obstacles for P-20 Access

The truth of the educational matter is that rural schools face a multitude of obstacles from kindergarten to high school and through to college. One of the biggest issues rural schools face is the lack of technology, computers, and internet access in both schools and students' and teachers' homes.

 In 2018, the FCC found it 2/3 of all rural schools do not meet standard technological and internet infrastructure. This is severely impeding the education of students at every level, especially through Covid19. There needs to be a change now! To combat this, there are several solutions, states must prioritize broadband internet, infrastructure in all rural areas.

How are we demanding access for the next generation?

While many schools and students do have basic access, their access to broadband internet is the main issue. Broadband is much faster than traditional dial-up internet. Speed matters! It helps students access content and educational resources created by their online schools, watch documentaries and videos on different subjects and stay in touch with their teachers and other students. Of course, there are many other issues facing rural schools like; a lack of enrollment, a shortage of teachers in specific content areas, a gap between high school and students getting into college, and a lack of funding and resources for opportunities to grow. Just imagine, if all students had access to broadband we can help bridge the gap and provide support to students and even their families.

 Reference

Siegler, Kirk. "In Internet Dead Zones, Rural Schools Struggle With Distanced Learning." NPR, NPR, 28 Sept. 2020, www.npr.org/2020/09/28/916571273/in-internet-dead-zones-rural-schools-struggle-with-distanced-learning.

 "The Facts on Rural Schools." Public Schools First NC, www.publicschoolsfirstnc.org/resources/fact-sheets/the-facts-on-rural-schools/.

U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Rural Schools Improving Despite Continued Obstacles. U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2016-08-01/rural-schools-improving-despite-continued-obstacles?context=amp.