HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1331

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Education

Title: An act relating to school library information and technology programs.

Brief Description: Concerning school library and technology programs.

Sponsors: Representatives Muri, Reykdal, Magendanz, Springer, Fagan, S. Hunt, Klippert and Wylie.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Education: 2/2/15, 2/19/15 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Changes the term "school library media program" to "school library information and technology program."

  • Outlines the ways in which teacher-librarians may collaborate with their schools to accomplish certain goals.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 21 members: Representatives Santos, Chair; Ortiz-Self, Vice Chair; Reykdal, Vice Chair; Magendanz, Ranking Minority Member; Muri, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Stambaugh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Caldier, Fagan, Gregory, Griffey, Hargrove, Hayes, S. Hunt, Kilduff, Klippert, Lytton, McCaslin, Orwall, Pollet and Springer.

Staff: Robin Hammond (786-7291) and Cece Clynch (786-7195).

Background:

In 2011 the Basic Education Act was amended to add technology literacy as a goal for all school districts. Each school district has the goal for students to integrate technology literacy and fluency, to form reasoned judgments, and solve problems. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction develops and oversees the assessment of the learning standards for technology literacy and fluency. School districts' boards of directors must provide for the operation and stocking of school libraries as the boards deem necessary for the proper education of districts' students or as required by law or rule. Through school library programs, teacher-librarians are required to help all students meet the content goals in all subject areas and assist high school students complete graduation requirements.

Funding is provided to school districts by the state to support a minimum instructional program of basic education. The distribution formula under the prototypical school model includes allocations for teacher-librarians, technology support services, necessary materials, necessary supplies, and necessary operating costs. Unless otherwise specified, school districts are not required to use the allocated funds in any particular way, including to pay for particular types of staff or materials.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The term "school library media program" is changed to "school library information and technology program." These programs provide a broad and flexible array of services, resources, and instruction. That supports mastery of state standards in all subject areas. Every school district's board of directors must provide for the resources and materials of school libraries as the board deems necessary for the proper education of the district's students or as required by law or rule.

The teacher-librarian's duties may include, but are not limited to, collaborating with his or her schools to:

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill clarifies that a teacher-librarian's duties may include, but are not limited to, duties described in the statute.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The school library is the heartbeat of the school. Before kids were taught about card catalogues, now teacher-librarians help students access recourses, better utilize technology, ethically use information, understand bias, build digital citizenship, and navigate sophisticated programs. School libraries are no longer only about recommending and checking out books.

Teacher-librarians build partnerships with teachers and assist with integration of technology into the classroom. Teacher-librarians lead professional development within the school, help teachers with language technology, and assist with online collaboration among students. A recent study shows a strong correlation between having a teacher-librarian in a school and positive outcomes on standardized tests in reading and math and on five-year graduation rates.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Muri, prime sponsor; Carolyn Logue, Washington Library Media Association; Deb Nickerson, Black Hills High School; Wayne Osborn, Hillside Elementary; and Justin McKaughan, Tumwater School District.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.