HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1710

Title:  An act relating to technology grants.

Brief Description:  Establishing technology grants for public schools.

Sponsors:  Representatives McMorris, Cole and Kessler.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 20, 1997 and February 24, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Bronwyn Mauldin (786-7093).

Background:  As part of the Education Reform Act of 1993, the Legislature recognized the need for students to be knowledgeable in the use of technology.  Under the act, the Legislature directed the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop and implement a K-12 education technology plan.  The Legislature authorized the superintendent to distribute grants for educational technology support centers and for expansion of the education statewide computer network. 

Summary of Bill:  To the extent that funds are appropriated, the Superintendent of Public Instruction must provide technology grants to qualifying school districts, school district consortia, and educational service districts, for the purpose of providing temporary assistance to districts in meeting their technology needs.  To qualify for a technology grant, a school district or educational service district must either have an ongoing program where learning is assisted by technology, or the center for the improvement of student learning must identify a district=s technology need.  The recipient school district must match state funds on a 50 percent basis, and must have plans and the means to evaluate student learning resulting from the technology-based strategies used in the district.  School districts most in need of financial assistance and districts least prepared to take advantage of technology as a means of improving student learning will have priority for receiving technology grants. 

The Superintendent of Public Instruction must appoint a technology education committee to review and prioritize technology grant applications.  The superintendent must award grants according to the priority listing, up to the amount of funds available.  The superintendent must announce the first round of awards by July 1, 1997, subject to available funding.  The superintendent will submit a progress report to the legislature by December 15 each year in which an appropriation is provided.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 12, 1997.

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