Advocacy

Texas Education Technology Leaders (TETL) is committed to helping Texas school districts meet the digital learning needs of students, educators, and schools. We support school district technology professionals who are working to promote innovative teaching and learning. Serving as an effective education technology leader depends on peer support, professional guidance, and collaboration. Through TETL’s vision and membership, we provide the expertise and support needed to stay ahead of the ever-evolving digital learning landscape.

One of TETL's core missions is helping K-12 school districts in Texas understand how to leverage technology to improve educational outcomes. We also advocate for school districts' technology needs to policymakers, including ensuring schools have high-capacity broadband, devices, and cybersecurity protections. As the legislative session approaches, we respectfully ask you to address the following high-priority areas:

1. Preventing K-12 Cyberattacks

TETL strongly supports the $55 million appropriation in S.B.1 and H.B.1 for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to provide cybersecurity services to school districts. Cyberattacks pose serious threats to the private data of students and school personnel, and this investment is a critical first step in helping districts combat these risks. Cyberattacks often lead to lost instructional time and the misuse of public resources. Many districts lack the funding and expert staff needed to manage these growing threats. School districts of all sizes urgently need state support to secure their networks, protect confidential data, and avoid learning disruptions.

2. Ensuring Access to Connectivity and Technology for Learning and Online Assessment

Texas students are learning the skills of tomorrow using outdated and unreliable networks. Many students lack access to fast, reliable internet at home, preventing them from fully participating in distance learning, completing digital homework, or collaborating with peers online. Funding is needed to close these gaps, ensuring districts can provide students with the connectivity they need and the ability to administer required high-quality online assessments.

3. Strengthening School District Data Management & Governance

As school districts handle increasing amounts of data, effective data management and governance have become essential. To fully realize the benefits of data while protecting student privacy, districts need to develop strong data governance policies and practices. Building district capacity for data use and security will require state leadership and investment. This includes equipping staff with knowledge and skills in privacy and cybersecurity.

4. Increasing the Instructional Materials and Technology Allotment (IMTA)

The IMTA plays a dual role in funding both instructional materials and technology. However, only a small portion of this funding has been allocated for technology purchases, limiting districts’ ability to implement large-scale technology initiatives. The reduction in IMTA funding during the last legislative session has had negative consequences for districts. We urge the Legislature to restore IMTA funding to previous levels, adjust it for inflation, and ensure a more balanced allocation between instructional materials and technology.