Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

SSB 5294

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.

Brief Description: Concerning school library and technology programs.

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

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

  • Changes the name of School Library Media Programs to School Library Information and Technology Programs.

  • Outlines ways teacher-librarians may collaborate with their schools to accomplish certain goals.

Hearing Date: 3/12/15

Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

In 2011, the Basic Education Act was amended to add technology literacy as a goal for all school districts. Each school district has the goal for students to integrate technology literacy and fluency, to form reasoned judgments, and solve problems. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction develops and oversees the assessment of the learning standards for technology literacy and fluency. School districts' boards of directors must provide for the operation and stocking of school libraries as the boards deem necessary for the proper education of districts' students or as required by law or rule. Through school library programs, teacher-librarians are required to help all students meet the content goals in all subject areas and assist high school students complete graduation requirements.

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, necessary materials, necessary supplies, and necessary operating costs. 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.

Summary of Bill:

The name of School Library Media Programs is changed to School Library Information and Technology Programs (SLITP). The definition of a SLITP is changed from a program that provides a variety of resources to a program that provides a broad and flexible array of services, resources, instruction, and additionally supports mastery of state standards in all subject areas. Every school district's board of directors must provide for the resources and materials (as opposed to 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.

The teacher-librarian's duties may include, but are not limited to, collaborating with his or her schools to:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available. New fiscal note requested on March 9, 2015.

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