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On March 10, 2016, Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas has partnered with the non-profit EducationSuperHighway (ESH) to launch the Classroom Connectivity Initiative. The initiative is designed to increase access to affordable, high-speed broadband for K–12 public schools in Texas. A letter from EducationSuperHighway CEO Evan Marwell expressing his commitment to this partnership and providing more information about the initiative is attached.

The partnership advances our vision of a world-class K–12 public school system that provides high-quality digital learning opportunities for all students. That vision is only possible when every classroom in Texas is equipped with robust connectivity.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Grace Ting, State Engagement Director for EducationSuperHighway, at grace.ting@educationsuperhighway.org, or Texas Education Agency staff at classroomconnectivity@tea.texas.gov.

EducationSuperHighway (ESH) is connecting with federal, state, and district leaders to help bring 21st century learning to K–12 public schools. The mission of EducationSuperhHghway is to "Upgrade the Internet access in every public school classroom in America so that every student has the opportunity to take advantage of the promise of digital learning."

In the coming weeks, EducationSuperHighway, in partnership with the Governor’s Office, the Texas Education Agency, Education Service Centers, the service provider community, and schools across the state, will create an action plan that ensures scalable, robust, and affordable access to high-speed broadband for all Texas school districts. At the same time, EducationSuperHighway network experts will begin working with the nearly 1,000 schools that currently lack access to high-speed fiber to help them attain fiber connections that are scalable and affordable.

For more information about EducationSuperHighway, its mission, and its work, visit the EducationSuperHighway website.

The EducationSuperHighway Fiber Toolkit outlines step-by-step strategies for distictwide fiber connectivity. The toolkit provides district leaders with information on getting started, exploring fiber options, securing funding, and purchasing and implementing fiber Internet service.

For technology directors who are ready to get started, the School Wi-Fi Buyer's Guide—EducationSuperHighway, developed in partnership with CoSN, is a guide that will assist leaders in building their RFP requirements list for wireless solutions. The Wi-Fi-Buyer's Guide includes interactive planning tools for understanding wireless options, buliding a district's wireless requirements list, and taking the steps necessary to select an appropriate and affordable wireless service.

Network Essentials for Superintendents—EducationSuperHighway provides a downloadable guide filled with best practices and tips for district leaders who are managing network upgrade projects. The website includes separate downloadable graphics and tables to help prepare for districtwide planning meetings and stakeholder presentations.