HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1744

BYRepresentatives Peery, Walker, G. Fisher, Dorn, Holland, Brumsickle, Pruitt, Miller, Winsley, R. King, May, Betrozoff, Todd and Inslee; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Establishing a technology in education program.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (17)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Fuhrman, Holland, Horn, Jones, P. King, Phillips, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Valle and Walker.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (1)

      Signed by Representative K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION FEBRUARY 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

During the 1987 session, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Higher Education Coordinating Board were charged with jointly developing and recommending a statewide educational telecommunication network plan.  During the same session, the Department of Community Development was charged with the responsibility of conducting a two-year research and development project to develop and implement a statewide telecommunication system. Each agency developed a task force to assess its specific needs, and to determine how their interests might be achieved by coordinating efforts and utilizing existing facilities The agencies were able to develop a plan for a coordinated system.  The kindergarten through twelfth grade task force recommended an appropriation of $8,757,453.  The funds would be used for the development and administration of educational telecommunications for grade kindergarten through 12 including regional technical assistance, classroom and instructional support, development of courses for students and staff and equipment acquisition.

In 1988, the Senate Education Committee, in coordination with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, conducted a survey to determine the status of the application of technology in Washington schools.  The survey found that in some districts there is an emphasis on the integration of technology in the curriculum.  This emphasis must be supported through planning, teacher training, access to information, hardware and software and evaluation.

SUMMARY:

It is important for students and staff to learn about technology and its applications.  Educational technology means the use of computers, telecommunications, and technology related equipment and supplies.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall provide educational technology services to local school districts.  These services may be provided through educational technology center programs in each educational service district; development, and dissemination of educational technology related to curriculum; educational technology networks; and training for school personnel. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction shall coordinate the development of educational technology and telecommunication instruction and curriculum.

The sum of $5,198,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the 1989-91 biennium for operation of educational technology centers in the educational service districts; development and implementation of technology assisted curriculum in Washington state history, physical science and competitive school district grants.

The sum of $8,758,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the 1989-91 biennium for the development and administration of educational telecommunications for grades kindergarten through twelve including regional assistance, classroom support and development of courses for students and staff, and acquisition of equipment.

Appropriation:    $13,956,000 to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 3, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Don Johnson, Ginny Tresvant and Cheryl Lemcke, Superintendent of Public Instruction; and Frank Debeck, Superintendent, Educational Service District 189.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The Superintendent of Public Instruction has been involved in a study of technology within our schools, an assessment of the need for application of new technology to instruction, and the development of a coordinated statewide telecommunications network to make classes available to districts of all sizes and locations.  In 1983, with the development of the Technology Centers in the educational service districts, we began to train our staff in the integration of technology into our curriculum.  Technology and telecommunications allow us to provide training for teachers and for students.  We can also provide technical assistance to districts, share the cost of a costly telecommunications network with higher education and state government, and produce new courses, information, and interactive video systems to support instruction.  This is a significant move that will also provide equity in opportunity between districts.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.