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                     ENGROSSED HOUSE BILL 2952

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State of Washington      56th Legislature     2000 Regular Session

By Representatives Edmonds, Kenney, Gombosky, Esser, Lantz, Pflug, Veloria, Edwards and Santos

Read first time 01/24/2000.  Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

Requiring a study of distance education.

    AN ACT Relating to a study of distance education; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that the higher education environment in Washington is rapidly changing.  The state is expected to experience a significant increase in the demand for higher education opportunities over the next decade.  In addition, distance education opportunities continue to evolve with rapidly changing technology.  The purpose of this act is to provide information to the legislature that would allow for more informed decision making about the role that distance education will play in serving the people of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The higher education coordinating board, in conjunction with the state board for community and technical colleges, the office of financial management, and the state institutions of higher education, shall study distance education in Washington state and shall produce and deliver to the legislature no later than January 2001, a study that:

    (1) Defines the different modes of distance education;

    (2) Analyzes the impact of distance education on capital needs and facility utilization;

    (3) Evaluates the impact of distance delivery on instruction and faculty, as well as student support, technological support, and administrative support services;

    (4) Identifies obstacles in providing distance education instruction;

    (5) Analyzes the cost factors associated with the various distance delivery modes;

    (6) Assesses the role of the K-20 network in distance delivery;

    (7) Identifies strategies to create efficiencies in distance delivery through interinstitutional partnerships and collaborations; and

    (8) Evaluates the implications of distance delivery on access to higher education.

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