Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (BIIG 1.0)
Recognizing the need for adequate infrastructure to support computer-based assessments, Governor Brown included $26,689,000 (Senate Bill 852) in one-time funding in the 2014-15 budget to support broadband infrastructure improvement grants. In addition to the infrastructure grants, the language also requires the completion of a statewide report of network connectivity infrastructure by the California K-12 High-Speed Network (K12HSN) in consultation with the Department of Education and the State Board of Education.
After reviewing school sites with identified needs, the K12HSN in partnership with the Department of Education, the State Board of Education, and the Corporation for Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) will implement new connections for sites: 1) that were deemed eligible based on difficulty administering the upcoming computer adaptive testing; 2) for which commercial providers submitted viable bids for services, and 3) that are willing to commit to the on-going costs of maintaining the connection once the grant period has expired. The K12HSN and CENIC will be entering into contracts for services with installation dates as early as possible for sites meeting these conditions.
Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (BIIG 2.0)
To further support educational technology in California, and continue the important work started under BIIG 1.0, the state budget included an additional $50 million in 2015-2016 for network infrastructure improvement for schools and districts. This opportunity was handled through a grant application process and services are distributed by the K-12 High-Speed Network (K12HSN), in consultation with the Department of Education (CDE) and State Board of Education (SBE).
As stated in the 2015-16 budget bill language (AB 93), first priority went to local educational agencies that are unable to administer computer-based assessments on-site. The second priority went to the local educational agencies that have to shut down essential operations to administer computer-based assessments at the school site, including, but not limited to, business services, email, and access to other critical online activities.
Applicants are categorized by the following:
- First priority: School sites with current connection speeds below 20Kbps per student and are unable to administer the computer-based CAASPP and CAST and are not able to improve their internet connection.
- Second priority: School sites that have difficulty administering the computer-based CAASPP and CAST and have limited option to improve connectivity
- Third priority: School sites that have difficulty administering the computer-based CAASPP and CAST and have connections that are not scalable.
All public school districts, county offices of education and charter schools are eligible to apply and are encouraged to do so if they meed the criteria above. Interested school sites are urged to communicate with their district administration about the grant opportunity before applying.
Contact Us
Questions related to the program may be directed to the K-12 High-Speed Network.
Phone: (760) 312-6227
Email: biig@lists.k12hsn.org
