5402-S AMH HE H2310.1

SSB 5402 - H COMM AMD ADOPTED 4-15-93

By Committee on Higher Education

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  (1) The legislature finds:

    (a) Mathematics, science, and technology subtly but profoundly impact the lives of Washington state residents.  In the coming years mathematics, science, and technology will become increasingly important in addressing societal concerns about health, environmental protection, conservation, energy supply, and industrial growth;

    (b) There is consensus that the most likely leading industries in the twenty‑first century will be in microelectronics, biotechnology, new materials industries, civilian aviation, telecommunications, robotics, and computer-related technologies.  This means that literacy in mathematics, science, and technology will become increasingly important to the economic future of Washington state; and

    (c) National education goal number four establishes that by the year 2000, United States students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement.

    (2) The legislature recognizes that change is not optional and believes that only if literacy in mathematics, science, and technology is expanded to include all segments of the population can Washington state build upon existing public and private sector resources to take full advantage of the projected leading industries for the twenty‑first century and achieve national education goal number four.

    (3) It is the intent of the legislature to develop a long‑range, comprehensive mathematics, science, and technology literacy program that reaches into all segments of society and supports a vision in which Washington state is a place where all citizens demonstrate, value, and support literacy in mathematics, science, and technology.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  Before July 1, 1994, the higher education coordinating board may solicit, receive, and expend any private gifts or grants to conduct the study in section 3 of this act.  Funds shall be expended in accordance with the conditions contingent in the gift or grant of those funds.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  If sufficient funding from public or private sources is made available specifically for the purposes of this act by July 1, 1994, the higher education coordinating board shall contract with an appropriate person or entity to conduct a study on the feasibility and desirability of creating a Washington state institute for science, technology, and society.  The study shall be completed by July 1, 1995.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  The study in section 3 of this act shall include but not be limited to:

    (1) Identification of an appropriate role and mission for the institute;

    (2) Options for a governmental structure and location of an  institute; and

    (3) Options for funding.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5.  For the purpose of the study in section 3 of this act, the purpose of a Washington state institute for science, technology, and society is as follows:

    (1) Implementation of a long-range comprehensive mathematics, science, and technology literacy program;

    (2) Development, identification, and dissemination of math, science, and technology curriculum options, textbooks, and course materials;

    (3) Provide institutes, workshops, and in-service training to teachers, college and university professors, and school administrators;

    (4) Coordinate the dissemination of information to groups and agencies, including a clearinghouse of speakers on mathematics, science, and technology literacy; and

    (5) Provide technical expertise to common schools and institutions of higher education.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6.  Based on the study conducted under section 3 of this act, the higher education coordinating board shall report findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the legislature and the governor no later than January 1, 1996."

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