HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 97-4665, by Representatives Carlson, Mason, Huff, H. Sommers, Radcliff, Kenney, Talcott and Cole

      WHEREAS, Washington's 1993 School Improvement Act (chapter 336, Laws of 1993) established higher academic standards for Washington state students; and

      WHEREAS, In a society increasingly dependent on information and the ability to understand and use that information, a critical component of education is equitable and universal access to technology, media, and information resources; and

      WHEREAS, The Washington state legislature passed legislation in 1996 to establish a state-wide K-20 telecommunications network to provide that access; and

      WHEREAS, K-12 educators in Washington state now have access to powerful tools that can dramatically enhance student learning when used effectively and thoughtfully within curricula; and

      WHEREAS, Educational technology is an essential tool to all students' achievement of higher academic standards, including the basic skills of reading, writing, mathematics, and communications; and

      WHEREAS, Networked technology will enhance the communication, sharing of ideas, skill building, and collaboration between students, teachers, administrators, parents, policymakers, and community leaders in the pursuit of learning; and

      WHEREAS, The practical use of computers and the Internet is a required skill for anyone to live, learn, and work in today's and tomorrow's society;

      WHEREAS, 1997 was proclaimed as The Year of the Reader, which has focused the attention of Washington citizens on the foundation skill for all learning;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives proclaim 1998 as The Year of Learning Through Technology in Washington state, the purpose of which is:

      (1) To acknowledge the completion of the first phase of Washington's telecommunications network, the first of its kind in our nation, and to declare our commitment of bringing the educational promise of this network to fruition;

      (2) To continue the focus on high academic standards in Washington schools;

      (3) To ensure equitable access to the learning opportunities provided by the state-wide K-20 telecommunications network;

      (4) To identify, implement, highlight, and share the best applications of educational technology to the learning environment; and

      (5) To enhance learning and raise the academic achievement of all students in Washington state.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      Resolution 4665 adopted by the House of Representatives

                          April 19, 1997.

                 ________________________________

                  Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk