MNPS parents are concerned about digital divide from remote learning

NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public Schools students will be learning remotely for the start of fall classes. But parents want to make sure low-income students aren’t being left behind.

On Thursday, officials announced Metro Nashville Public Schools will not be sending students back into the classrooms right away. With COVID-19 numbers climbing in Davidson County, MNPS students will learn remotely until at least Labor Day.

Read More: Metro Schools to begin school year remotely as COVID-19 cases surge

"If those children don’t have an entryway into learning the learning doesn’t happen for them," said Nashville Propel Executive Director Sonya Thomas.

Nashville Propel is a parent group working to advocate for low-income students. Thomas, who is also an MNPS parent, says the mission right now is to close the digital divide when it comes to access to technology - a divide she says became prominent during the pandemic.

MNPS Director of Schools Adrienne Battle says new laptops and hotspots will be distributed to every student in four to six months.

"Every student will get assigned advice of their own to use for learning either in the classroom or at home," said Battle.

There is a nationwide demand for these devices so there could be a delay; a concern for parents without internet access.

"The issue is there are parents and children who don’t have access to digital devices," said Thomas, "They can’t wait on a plan, can’t wait for devices to be available to them."

Thomas says access to technology is not a new problem, but she says low income and rural students will suffer if there’s no immediate action.

"We cannot afford to try to do anything; at this point, we have to do it, we have to make it happen," said Thomas.

The district spokesperson says the number of students they are estimating will need district-provided devices is based on those students without access to their own device.

While they plan to have devices for those who need them, Dr. Battle is asking families whose students do have access to their own device to use that one during this initial phase.