Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

SSB 6273

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop and distribute best practices and recommendations for instruction on digital citizenship to school districts by August 1, 2016.
Requires school districts to annually review a policy and procedure that incorporates the model policy and procedure on electronic resources and internet safety developed by the Washington State School Directors' Association.
Requires school districts to provide education that instructs students in digital citizenship, how to be critical consumers and producers of information, and the thoughtful, safe, and strategic use of online and other media resources.

Background:

Education Technology.

Legislation enacted in 1993 defines "education technology" or "technology" as the effective use of electronic and optical tools, including telephones, and electronic and optical pathways in helping students learn. Legislation enacted in 2007 defines "Technology literacy" as the ability to: responsibly, creatively, and effectively use technology to communicate; access, collect, manage, integrate, and evaluate information; solve problems and create solutions; build and share knowledge; and improve and enhance learning in all subject areas and experiences. The 2007 legislation also specified that technology fluency is demonstrated when students apply technology to real-world experiences, adapt to changing technologies, modify and create new technologies, and personalize technology to meet personal needs, interests, and learning styles.

Education Technology Plan.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (Superintendent) last updated its state K-12 education technology plan in 2012. The plan includes: (1) the provision of technical assistance to school districts to help implement and train staff in the use of technology in curricular and administrative functions; (2) the development of a network that connects school districts, institutions of higher learning, and other sources of online information; and (3) methods to equitably increase the use of education technology throughout the state.

Essential Academic Learning Requirements.

In 2008 the Superintendent developed Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and Grade Level Expectations for educational technology literacy and technology fluency in grades K-12. In developing the EARLs, the Superintendent was required to review current standards developed by other states and national and international technology associations.

The educational technology EALRs involve integration and digital citizenship components. In meeting the integration component, students use technology within all content areas to collaborate, communicate, generate innovative ideas, investigate, and solve problems. In meeting the digital citizenship component, students demonstrate clear understanding of technology systems and operations and practice safe, legal, and ethical behavior.

Educational Technology Support Centers.

Subject to available funding, educational service districts must establish regional educational technology support centers to provide ongoing educator training and other technical and programmatic support.

Summary of Bill:

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must develop and distribute best practices and recommendations for instruction on digital citizenship to school districts by August 1, 2016. To identify best practices and recommendations, the OSPI must convene and consult with an advisory committee. Best practices and recommendations must address safe technology use and digital citizenship that empowers students to make smart media and online choices, and that empowers parents and guardians to know how to discuss and support safe technology use with their children.

School Districts.

Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, school districts must annually review and, if necessary, amend the district's policy and procedures that incorporate the model policy and procedures on electronic resources and internet safety developed by the Washington State School Directors' Association. The review and amendment process must include a representation of students, parents or guardians, teachers, teacher-librarians, other school employees, administrators, and community representatives with experience or expertise in digital citizenship issues.

School districts must provide education that instructs students in digital citizenship, how to be critical consumers and producers of information, and the thoughtful, safe, and strategic use of online and other media resources.