Creates the internet grade book act

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 establishes the Legislative Intent of this bill. The Legislature finds that teachers and parents deserve more flexibility in the recording and monitoring of grade infor- mation to track individual and class grades and attendance. Furthermore, the Legislature finds that this program will provide teachers with a more flexible system that allows for the tracking of individual and class grades, the development of academic reports, and the presentation of individual student academic performance records on the Internet. In addition, the Legislature finds that this program will provide parents of middle and' high school grade level students with secure Internet access, hosted by the State Education Department, to individual academic performance and attendance records at no cost.

Section 2 establishes this bill as the "The Internet Grade Book Act".

Section 3 directs the State Education Department to create a state-wide internet pilot program to be known as the "grade book program" to be made available on a voluntary basis to all school districts for a two- year period. This program must, at a minimum, allow parents of middle and high school students to access, via the Internet, their child's academic progress toward meeting the state's educational standards. Districts that choose to participate in the program' will be required to provide parents of all middle and high school students with, at a mini- mum, their children's weekly updated grades, attendance records, and upcoming homework assignments through the department's program.

The State Education Department is directed to create or to issue a request for proposal for a Statewide Internet Grade Book Pilot Program for all school districts. The criteria for awarding contracts for this program must include, but not be limited to: the experience the company has in providing Internet related academic support services to school districts; the extent to which the program will be easily accessible to parents and teachers; and the cost of the provider's services.

Section 4 directs the State Education Department to conduct a study of the program during its second year period. The study must include, but not be limited to: (1) an assessment of the extent to which the program

assists parents in tracking the academic progress of their children; and(2) assess whether and how further investment into the program is appropriate for the State. The State Education Department must submit their study and recommendations to the Legislature no later than one year following the completion of the program's first year tenure.

Section 5 authorizes this act to take effect 180 days after it becomes law.

Justification

Under the leadership of Governor George E. Pataki, New York State has invested billions in elementary and secondary education funding to assist students in achieving the State's learning standards. In order to further strengthen the tools needed by teachers and parents to assist students in meeting those standards, this act creates a State- wide Internet Grade Book Pilot Program to provide parents of all middle and high school students with, at a minimum, their children's weekly updated grades, attendance records, and upcoming homework assignments through the department's program. Furthermore, this program would provide teachers with a more flexible system that allows for the track- ing of individual and class grades, the development of academic reports, and the presentation of individual student academic performance records on the Internet.

Prior legislative history

A.1917 - 2005; A.9500 - 2006; A5648 - 2008; A.9500 - 2006; A.5648 -2007, Education; A.3800 - 2009

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

Undetermined.

Effective date

Effective 180 days after enactment.