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 of 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.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Creates the school library and technology office within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

  • Requires OSPI to examine and report on student access to school library information and technology resources.

  • Separates library material provisions in state education funding allocations.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

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: A school library information and technology office is created within OSPI, subject to appropriation. This office shall assist districts with implementing school library information and technology programs, increasing student access to these programs, and promoting student achievement with respect to the educational technology learning standards.

Allocations for other supplies and library materials are split into two separate categories: "other supplies" and "library materials". Allocation rates are kept the same.

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.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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: 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.