Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1492
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: Addressing technology literacy.
Sponsors: Representatives Magendanz, Walkinshaw, Reykdal and Bergquist; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date:
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
In 2007, the Superintendent of Public Instruction (Superintendent) was tasked with developing essential academic learning requirements (EALRs) and grade level expectations for educational technology literacy and fluency.
"Technology literacy" means the ability to responsibly, creatively, and effectively use appropriate 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.
"Technology fluency" builds upon technology literacy and is demonstrated when students: apply technology to real-world experiences; adapt to changing technologies; modify current and create new technologies; and personalize technology to meet personal needs, interests, and learning styles.
At the same time, the Superintendent was directed to obtain or develop education technology assessments that could be administered at the elementary, middle, and high school levels to assess the EALRs for technology. These assessments are classroom or project-based, so that they can be embedded in instruction, and are made available to school districts for their voluntary use. While use of the assessments is voluntary, school districts are required to notify the Superintendent if they use these assessments.
The Superintendent is required to annually report to the Legislature on the number of districts using the assessments each school year. The Superintendent is also required to annually report to the Legislature regarding the use of the assessments.
According to the report submitted in January 2013, regarding school district use during the 2011-12 school year:
74 districts reported using the elementary assessments.
77 districts reported using the middle school assessments.
61 districts reported using the high school assessments.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning in the 2015-16 school year, school districts must require students to demonstrate technology literacy and fluency through the use of the assessments developed by the Superintendent or through culminating projects or other substantially equivalent methods. Districts must annually submit implementation verification reports to the Superintendent documenting the use of these assessments or alternative approaches.
The Superintendent's duty to annually report to the Legislature regarding the number of school districts that use the assessments terminates with the 2017-18 school year. The annual reporting requirement regarding the use of the assessments remains.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.