SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6460
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 Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 1, 2018
Title: An act relating to supporting student achievement through public school libraries.
Brief Description: Concerning student access to school libraries and information technology.
Sponsors: Senators Fain, Wellman, Hunt, Short and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/30/18, 2/01/18 [DPS].
Brief Summary of First Substitute Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6460 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Zeiger, Ranking Member; Billig, Hawkins, Hunt, Mullet, Padden, Pedersen and Rivers.
Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)
Background: Teacher-Librarians. School library and information technology programs are defined in Washington law as school-based programs staffed by a certificated teacher-librarian. Teacher-librarians are required to collaborate as instructional partners with content goals in all subject areas and to assist high school students with high school and beyond plans required for graduation. Other duties include integrating information and technology into curriculum and instruction, and instructing students in critical information consumption.
Basic Education Funding Allocation. Funding allocations are set in Washington law. These include minimum staff allocations and allocations for materials and operating costs, set at per annual averages for full-time equivalent (FTE) students in grades K-12. Currently, "Other supplies and library materials" are one category of costs.
Summary of Bill (First Substitute): OSPI must examine and report on student access to library information and technology resources and the impacts on student success. The report must include a summary of district implementation of library information and technology programs by school building for the 2017-18 school year, a summary of how districts assess achievement of technology learning standards and how districts fulfill the goal of developing technology literacy, and summary of teacher-librarian staff and duties. The report must be submitted by December 1, 2019.
Allocations for other supplies and library materials are split into two separate categories: other supplies and library materials. Allocation rates are kept the same.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE (First Substitute): The section creating the school library information and technology office within OSPI is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2018.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: There is a need for more data with respect to teacher-librarians and technology information to ensure that students have adequate access to this type of program. As it stands, OSPI does not have a way to track effectiveness of allocations to teacher-librarian programs. Creating this office will make allocations more effective and beneficial to students.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Kristi Bonds, Teacher-Librarian, Capital High School, Olympia School District; Craig Seasholes, Teacher-Librarian, Seattle Public Schools; Carolyn Logue, Washington Library Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.