Educational technology: Digital Education Equity Program: county offices of education.

Existing law expresses the intent of the Legislature that the state should encourage the use of multiple technologies in distance learning education, and that the state should recognize the value of regional networks serving regional needs and the value of a statewide network. This bill would establish the Digital Education Equity Program (DEEP) , to be administered by the department as a grant program for the purposes of, among other things, supporting the planned implementation of educational technology services by all county offices of education and providing technical assistance and teacher professional development to school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools on the implementation of educational technology as set forth in policies of the State Board of Education. The bill would require the department, in administering the DEEP, to provide program guidelines and funding to more effectively address locally determined educational needs with the use of technology, as provided. The bill would require the department, on or before January 31, 2024, and in consultation with the executive director of the state board, to authorize grants of up to 3 years in duration, and eligible for renewal, to fund all county offices of education that develop educational technology plans, as provided. The bill would require the department to establish minimum grant amounts and award additional grant funding above the minimum based on the number of pupils served in the county, pupil demographics, including the number of unduplicated pupils, and the contents of the educational technology plans, as provided. The bill would require the department to establish an Office of Educational Technology and Digital Equity with sufficient staff to administer the provisions of the bill. The bill would specify the duties of the department in administering the DEEP, as provided. The bill would authorize the Superintendent to provide centralized statewide educational technology services that address locally defined needs, as specified. The bill would also require the Superintendent to submit an annual written report to the state board and the Legislature on the services provided, persons served, and funds expended for purposes of the bill, as provided. This bill would make the implementation of its provisions contingent upon an appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or another statute.