Enacts school technology planning act requiring regional or district-wide technology planning by school districts

Effects of present law which this bill would alter

Adds a new section to the education law.

Justification

During the 1997-98 school year, schools throughout New York state became eligible for federally mandated telecommunications discounts pursuant to the 1996 federal Telecommunications Act. Schools must apply for these dollars and will receive discounts on a first-come, ,first-serve basis. Additionally, every year, scores of public and private grants are available to schools with the wherewithal to apply for these dollars. The problem is the great disparity between schools that have high-tech access and those that do not. This situation is exacerbated because districts best poised to access discounts and grants are those which are typically more technologically advanced.

Districts which are usually less successful in accessing aid are those that need technical assistance, do little or no planning and do not have the staff to support the planning effort. This legislation provides schools with the necessary tools to tap into the new federally mandated discounts and other available grants; to better compete with other districts which are already one step ahead; and to aggressively pursue other dollars to meet ongoing technology needs. The bill requires planning by schools; provides them with technical assistance; and requires a report to the Legislature from the State Education Department.

The basis for this legislation is derived from an examination of the effectiveness of state funding streams and policies in meeting state and local goals for educational technology. Finding an absence of data on planning, training, funding and services, the Assembly committee on oversight, Analysis and Investigation sent a survey to all school districts and received responses from about 60 percent of the districts in New York State.

SEE THE 1996 ASSEMBLY OVERSIGHT, ANALYSIS AND INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE REPORT "PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER "

The results of the survey, in combination with SED data, underscore the need to help districts that do not have the resources to help themselves. The importance of long-term planning cannot be understated. Technology is a big investment for districts and curriculum integration is essential for effective use. This bill is aimed at ensuring all school districts plan, that plans are based on educational goals and include certain components such as needs assessments, and that planning efforts include teachers. 26.7 percent of school districts responding to Oversight's survey have no plan. It is important to note that having a plan does not necessarily mean that the plan is based on instructional goals, that the integration of technology is planned effectively or that it will be integrated into curriculum. For instance, survey results indicate that only 57.1 percent of districts have goals for technology integration in various subjects or grade levels. This is an essential component of meaningful educational technology planning. Through its office of educational technology, access to model educational technology plans and knowledge of federal actions, SED has expertise in the area of educational technology.

This legislation makes SED's expertise available to schools through technical assistance in helping schools develop and implement plans. It also requires SED to review and approve school district plans to ensure that minimal provisions are addressed and that plans are sound. This legislation also provides the Legislature with needed information to develop an effective approach to budgeting for educational technology in time for the 1999-2000 fiscal year. SED will consider the information provided by schools in technology plans and will report to the Legislature and Governor with recommendations on how to structure state technology aid to more effectively meet schools' needs.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediately.