AN ACT Relating to literacy in mathematics,
science, and technology; and creating new sections.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.
(1) The legislature finds:
(a) Mathematics, science, and technology subtly
but profoundly impact the lives of Washington state residents. In the coming
years mathematics, science, and technology will become increasingly important
in addressing societal concerns about health, environmental protection,
conservation, energy supply, and industrial growth;
(b) There is consensus that the most likely
leading industries in the twenty‑first century will be in
microelectronics, biotechnology, new materials industries, civilian aviation,
telecommunications, robotics, and computer-related technologies. This means
that literacy in mathematics, science, and technology will become increasingly
important to the economic future of Washington state; and
(c) National education goal number four establishes
that by the year 2000, United States students will be first in the world in
science and mathematics achievement.
(2) The legislature recognizes that change is
not optional and believes that only if literacy in mathematics, science, and
technology is expanded to include all segments of the population can Washington
state build upon existing public and private sector resources to take full
advantage of the projected leading industries for the twenty‑first
century and achieve national education goal number four.
(3) It is the intent of the legislature to
develop a long‑range, comprehensive mathematics, science, and technology
literacy program that reaches into all segments of society and supports a
vision in which Washington state is a place where all citizens demonstrate,
value, and support literacy in mathematics, science, and technology.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.
Before July 1, 1994, the higher education coordinating board may solicit,
receive, and expend any private gifts or grants to conduct the study in section
3 of this act. Funds shall be expended in accordance with the conditions
contingent in the gift or grant of those funds.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. If
sufficient funding from public or private sources is made available
specifically for the purposes of this act by July 1, 1994, the higher education
coordinating board shall contract with an appropriate person or entity to
conduct a study on the feasibility and desirability of creating a Washington
state institute for science, technology, and society. The study shall be
completed by July 1, 1995.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.
The study in section 3 of this act shall include but not be limited to:
(1) Identification of an appropriate role and
mission for the institute;
(2) Options for a governmental structure and
location of an institute; and
(3) Options for funding.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.
For the purpose of the study in section 3 of this act, the purpose of a
Washington state institute for science, technology, and society is as follows:
(1) Implementation of a long-range
comprehensive mathematics, science, and technology literacy program;
(2) Development, identification, and
dissemination of math, science, and technology curriculum options, textbooks,
and course materials;
(3) Provide institutes, workshops, and
in-service training to teachers, college and university professors, and school
administrators;
(4) Coordinate the dissemination of information
to groups and agencies, including a clearinghouse of speakers on mathematics,
science, and technology literacy; and
(5) Provide technical expertise to common
schools and institutions of higher education.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.
Based on the study conducted under section 3 of this act, the higher education
coordinating board shall report findings, conclusions, and recommendations to
the legislature and the governor no later than January 1, 1996.
