H-0890.1  _______________________________________________

 

                          HOUSE BILL 1595

          _______________________________________________

 

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1995 Regular Session

 

By Representatives Ogden, Jacobsen, Wolfe and Mason

 

Read first time 02/01/95.  Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

 

Authorizing a study of the feasibility of expanding literacy in mathematics, science, and technology.



    AN ACT Relating to literacy in mathematics, science, and technology; creating new sections; and making an appropriation.

 

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

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1.  (1) The legislature finds that:

    (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 economic development, health, environmental protection, conservation, energy supply, and industrial growth;

    (b) There is consensus that, among the leading industries in the twenty‑first century, the following are most likely to be included:  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) Students in Washington must be prepared to live and work in a world that demands increasing competence in mathematics, science, and technology.

    (2) It is the intent of the legislature to consider the development of a long‑range comprehensive mathematics, science, and technology literacy program that supports a vision in which Washington state is a place where students demonstrate competence in mathematics, science, and technology.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2.  The University of Washington shall conduct a study on the most effective ways to accomplish the following goals:

    (1) Implementation of a long-range comprehensive mathematics, science, and technology literacy program in the public schools and institutions of higher education of Washington;

    (2) Development, identification, and dissemination of math, science, and technology curriculum options, textbooks, and course materials in the public schools;

    (3) Methods of enhancing the knowledge and understanding of mathematics, science, and technology by teachers, college and university professors, and school administrators;

    (4) Coordination of the dissemination of information to groups and agencies, including a clearinghouse of speakers on mathematics, science, and technology literacy; and

    (5) Provision of technical expertise to common schools and institutions of higher education.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3.  Based on the study conducted under section 2 of this act, the University of Washington shall report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the governor, the superintendent of public instruction, the commission on student learning, and appropriate committees of the house of representatives and the senate no later than January 1, 1997.

 

    NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4.  (1) The sum of fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1997, from the general fund to the University of Washington for the purposes of this act.

    (2) No more than fifteen percent of the appropriation in this section maybe used for indirect charges.

 


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