HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6105

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Education

Title: An act relating to school library information and technology programs.

Brief Description: Concerning school library information and technology programs.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Litzow, Mullet, Darneille, Kohl-Welles and Fraser).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Education: 2/19/14, 2/26/14 [DP].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

Changes the name of the School Library Media Program to the School Library Information and Technology Program.
Requires school boards to provide the resources and materials necessary for the proper education of students as provided in the prototypical school model.
Requires teacher-librarians to collaborate with their schools in accomplishing certain goals.
Makes a technical correction.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 18 members: Representatives Santos, Chair; Stonier, Vice Chair; Dahlquist, Ranking Minority Member; Magendanz, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Fey, Haigh, Hargrove, Hawkins, Hayes, S. Hunt, Klippert, Muri, Orwall, Parker, Pollet, Seaquist and Warnick.

Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Lytton.

Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

In 2007 and 2011 the Legislature amended the Basic Education Act. A basic education program must provide students with the opportunity to become respectful global citizens, and to explore and understand different perspectives. The Legislature added to each school district's goals that students develop the knowledge and skills essential to integrate technology literacy and fluency.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) develops and oversees the assessment of the learning standards. In 2008 the OSPI adopted standards for technology literacy and fluency.

School Library Media Programs and teacher-librarians support student mastery of a variety of academic learning standards. Teacher-librarians, who are defined as certified teachers with a library media endorsement, partner with other teachers to help students meet the content goals in all subject areas. Teacher-librarians also help high school students complete a required culminating project and High School and Beyond Plan.

School board directors must provide for the operation and stocking of school libraries as the board deems necessary for the proper education of the district's students, or as required by law or rule.

Funding is provided to school districts by the state to support a minimum instructional program of basic education. The distribution formula under the prototypical school model includes allocations for teacher-librarians; technology support services; and materials, supplies and operating costs necessary for technology and library functions. Unless otherwise specified, school districts are not required to use the allocated funds in any particular way, including to pay for particular types of staff or materials.

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Summary of Bill:

The name of the School Library Media Program is changed to the School Library Information and Technology Program. These programs provide a broad, flexible array of services, resources, instruction, and support within the context of all current educational standards adopted by the OSPI.

School boards must provide the resources and materials for school libraries necessary for the proper education of the district's students as provided in the prototypical school model, or as required by law or rule, rather than merely as the board deems necessary.

Teacher-librarians are defined as certificated teachers, rather than certified teachers. Teacher-librarians may collaborate with their schools to:

integrate information and technology into curriculum and instruction;
provide information management instruction to students and staff regarding effective use of emerging learning technologies and the appropriate use of technology in an educational setting;
help teachers and students efficiently, effectively, and ethically access and use the highest quality information available;
instruct students in how to be critical information consumers and how to thoughtfully and strategically use online resources; and
create a culture of reading in the school community.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill updates existing definitions and requirements, bringing them into the 21st century. There have been some concerns about having the prototypical school model tied to the bill language. The intent is just for the school model to drive the funding. The bill just matches the law to what is being done and what should be done to modernize the process. Teacher-librarians are very involved with the Common Core State Standards and with integrating these standards into the classes they teach. Teacher-librarians are central resources to enhance the implementation of the standards. They also teach technology education. The interaction of regular teachers with teacher-librarians is critical. Teacher-librarians researched the issue in this bill across the country to ensure that the bill language is best practice. Passing this bill will give librarians the best facilities and will put great teacher-librarians in the libraries.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Senator McAuliffe, prime sponsor; Carolyn Logue, Washington Library Media Association; and Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.