HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 2684

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                          Education

Title:  An act relating to education technology.

Brief Description:  Establishing an education technology section of the superintendent of public instruction.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Peery, Ferguson, Dorn, Orr and Jacobsen; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 3, 1992, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 19 members:  Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Brough, Ranking Minority Member; Vance, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Betrozoff; Broback; Brumsickle; Carlson; G. Cole; Dorn; P. Johnson; Jones; J. Kohl; Neher; Orr; Rasmussen; Roland; H. Sommers; and Valle.

Staff:  Robert Butts (786-7111).

Background:  Research and practice has shown that the expanded use of computers, satellite transmissions, fiber optic transmission lines, and other forms of technology have the potential of significantly improving student learning in schools and in meeting school district administrative needs.

Computer programs are available to motivate students to learn at their own pace, and advanced courses can be provided to rural areas of the state through satellite transmissions.  In addition, as computers have become an essential part of the workplace, it is increasingly important that students be computer literate when they graduate.

However, applying technology in schools is often complex and expensive, and requires extensive staff training and collaboration to properly plan and implement. 

In the early 1980s, the Legislature initiated regional technology centers in educational service districts (ESDs).  Approximately $2 million was appropriated biennially for this purpose. In the 1991-93 budget, funding for these centers was eliminated.

Summary of Bill:  The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) may establish an education technology section to develop and implement an effective state-wide education technology program.

Provisions regarding the sharing and non-duplication of technology with other state systems are specified.

The SPI shall distribute grants to ESDs or school districts, from appropriated funds, for:

(1) establishing regional educational technology support centers to provide educator training, school district cost-benefit analysis, educational technology planning, distance learning access support, and other technical support;

(2) high capacity electronic communication line leases or electronic tool purchases; and

(3) start-up funding for school district or educational service district use of education technology.

The SPI shall appoint an Education Technology Advisory Committee.  The committee shall advise the SPI on matters pertaining to education technology.

The SPI may receive gifts, grants, and endowments, and an education technology fund is established in the custody of the state treasurer for these monies.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Appropriation:  $4,820,000 from general fund to the SPI.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  The expanded use of technology is an effective way to help students learn more effectively and assist school administrators.  The increased ability to transmit data through the leasing of additional network lines will enable teachers and students to learn in new, engaging, and creative ways.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Ken Kanikeberg and Cheryl Lemke, SPI (support); Jim Miller, ESD 112 (supports); Ann McLean, Puget Sound ESD (supports); Al Huff, Washington School Information Processing Cooperative (supports); and Bill Morency and Charles Klement, Issaquah High School (support).