Our Advocacy Approach

Supporting the policies and practices that expand access to high-quality digital learning

At DLAC, our work has always been grounded in practice. We support educators, leaders, and programs as they design and deliver high-quality digital learning experiences.

As the field continues to grow and evolve, it has become increasingly clear that policy and practice must move together.

That is where advocacy comes in.

What Advocacy Means at DLAC

We approach advocacy as a natural extension of our work across the field:

DLAC’s advocacy work is focused on removing barriers and expanding opportunities for students, educators, and programs engaged in digital learning.

Why This Work Matters Now

Digital learning is no longer a niche part of education. It is an essential component of how schools serve students.

Yet many policies and systems were not designed with online, hybrid, or flexible learning models in mind.

As a result, schools and programs often face:

  • Barriers to funding and services
  • Inconsistent or outdated policy frameworks
  • Challenges in meeting requirements designed for traditional models

Addressing these challenges requires thoughtful, informed, and collaborative advocacy grounded in real practice.

Building Shared Understanding

As digital learning continues to evolve, consistent language and definitions have become increasingly important across policy, research, media, and practice conversations.

DLAC has developed a foundational Definitions of Digital Learning one-pager designed to support clearer conversations around online, hybrid, blended, and supplemental learning environments.

The resource is openly available to educators, policymakers, organizations, and community stakeholders working to better understand modern learning models.

How We Engage

We focus on building the infrastructure and relationships needed to support advocacy over time, not just responding to individual issues as they arise.

DLAC supports advocacy efforts by:

Researching and Publishing

Reports, white papers, and field insights.

Convening

Bringing leaders together to align around shared challenges and priorities.

Collaboration

Supporting state and national conversations

Awareness

Helping policymakers understand digital learning realities by providing resources and context to inform decision-making

Advocacy Field Guide for Members

DLAC members also have access to practical advocacy resources designed to support conversations with policymakers, families, school communities, and other stakeholders.

The Advocacy Field Guide includes messaging guidance, talking points, research references, and field-informed resources to help leaders communicate the realities and value of digital learning.

Current Focus Areas

These focus areas reflect current needs across the field and will continue to evolve alongside emerging policy and practice challenges in digital learning. DLAC’s advocacy efforts are currently focused on two key areas:

Get Involved.
We’d love to have you!

This work is shaped by the field.

If you are experiencing challenges, exploring solutions, or interested in contributing to ongoing efforts, we invite you to connect with us at info@deelac.com.

Together, we can help ensure that policies better reflect the realities, and the potential of digital learning.