BILL REQ. #:  H-1500.1 

Read first time 02/12/2003.   Referred to Committee on Technology, Telecommunications & Energy.

     AN ACT Relating to a statewide web-based clearinghouse for high quality, diverse resources and learning tools for the twenty-first century; adding a new section to chapter 28A.150 RCW; and creating a new section.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that with information doubling every seven to ten years, Washington's educational communities are reaching out to the digital realm in increasing numbers to help educate students. In order to fully engage today's students beyond the use of textbooks and traditional classroom instruction, educators can benefit by having increased access to the emerging technologies in education.
     The legislature also finds there is a strong statewide demand among students, parents, and educators for online learning, including a demand for a variety of courses and digital tools and resources. Students and parents want the flexibility and choice afforded by quality online learning opportunities that are media rich, interactive, and responsive.
     The legislature further finds that Washington has a strong foundation upon which to build. The state's K-20 network connects each of our school districts with high-speed data, video, and internet services. Washington is home to some of the world's leading technology companies and research institutions, and many of the state's teachers, schools, districts, colleges, universities, and public, private, and nonprofit programs are applying digital technology to educational endeavors.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.150 RCW to read as follows:
     The Washington digital learning commons shall establish a statewide web-based clearinghouse, through public and private partnership, that shall serve as the central point of information, reference, and review of online learning programs and resources available in Washington. The clearinghouse shall provide links to the various digital providers and shall incorporate a reference grid comparing the various characteristics of each online learning program. Digital providers shall submit descriptions of their program offerings, including teaching and learning tools, digital resources, timelines, assessments, and instructor support.
     The web-based clearinghouse shall be designed and managed to achieve the following objectives:
     (1) Make more online resources available to teachers;
     (2) Provide students with tools and resources to actively improve and enrich their educational experiences;
     (3) Offer parents and families access to tools and resources that will facilitate more direct involvement in their children's education; and
     (4) Avoid expensive and duplicative efforts by creating and connecting through our existing infrastructure and community assets, a statewide clearinghouse of high quality online programs, information, and tools.