SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6269

                    As of January 17, 1996

Title:  An act relating to technology grants for school districts.

Brief Description:  Authorizing technology grants for school districts.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Fairley, Pelz, Winsley, Drew, Smith, Prentice, Finkbeiner, Wojahn, Snyder, Sheldon, Loveland, Franklin, Rinehart, Bauer, Owen, Rasmussen and Roach.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/18/96.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  The use of technology and electronic access to information is increasing.  Technology can increase the resources available for student learning.  Technology can also provide a link between the public schools and public institutions of higher education.

Summary of Bill:  Three technology grants programs are established.  The first program provides grants to school districts to develop and implement collaborative programs with public institutions of higher education to enhance student learning and student skills through technology. 

The second program provides grants to school districts, in conjunction with public institutions of higher education, to use technology to provide access to Running Start programs at high school campuses.  Statutes governing the Running Start program are clarified to allow classes to be conducted by the college or university on a high school campus. 

The third program provides grants to school districts to use in a manner consistent with the state technology plan for the common school system.  If a grant program is not funded, the section referencing the grant is null and void.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction must adopt timelines and rules to administer the grant programs. 

School districts must develop policies on the use of technology, including electronic access to information.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.