What this is
Regular assessment of device access, connectivity, home-learning support, assistive technology, and disproportionate-impact data to ensure equitable participation in digital learning and equitable exposure to both the benefits and harms of technology.
Why it matters
The digital divide is real. AI is changing how that divide manifests. Students with less home support face more academic-integrity scrutiny, see less benefit from AI tools, and face greater exposure to online risk. Equity cuts across every checkpoint, not just Layer 5. This audit makes that visible so districts can act on it.
Connects to
ISTE Essential Condition: Equitable Access. Cross-cuts all five TERI layers and all 12 Conditions of the Framework.
Maturity levels
Not Started
No formal equity or access tracking. Anecdotal awareness only. No data on disproportionate impact.
Emerging
Device distribution data available. Home connectivity tracked informally. Academic integrity, discipline, or AI-related data not disaggregated by subgroup.
Established
Annual audit covering device access, connectivity, assistive technology, AI tool usage, and academic integrity cases — all disaggregated by relevant subgroups. Identified gaps addressed in budget cycle.
Expanding
Equity audit is continuous rather than annual, includes student voice, tracks outcomes (not just access), and drives policy and instructional change. Findings shared transparently with community. Intersects with procurement, PD, and curriculum decisions.
Go deeper with
Example resource
Kapor Foundation — Responsible AI and Tech Justice
Also consider
- ISTE — EdTech Equity resources
- CoSN Digital Equity Initiative
- The Education Trust — data disaggregation guidance
- U.S. DOJ Title II ADA Web Accessibility Rule (89 FR 31320, April 24, 2024) + WCAG 2.1 AA — federal accessibility floor for public-school digital content. April 2026 Interim Final Rule extended compliance dates by one year: April 26, 2027 (districts serving ≥50,000 population) / April 26, 2028 (smaller districts, based on SAIPE).