According to the ACT’s latest report, “Rural Students: Technology, Coursework and Extracurricular Activities,” rural students suffer a distinct disadvantage. The lack of high-speed, broadband Internet access is hindering rural students. Specifically, this is affecting their ability to participate in online courses and properly prepare for the ACT test. It can also negatively impact their ability to complete their school work.
The study also notes that the majority of rural students in roughly half the states are from low-income families. Furthermore, the study duly noted that 6% of schools in the U.S. still do not meet federal connectivity benchmarks. The ACT recommends improving “access to technology and rigorous course taking.” Fortunately, there was a glimmer of good news in the study. Rural students have better access to extracurricular activities.
