January 2016 Committee of the Full Board Wednesday Item 10

Update on the Public School Network Capabilities Study

January 27, 2016

COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION

SUMMARY: This item provides an opportunity for staff to give the committee an overview of the Public School Network Capabilities Study that was required by House Bill (HB) 1926, 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2013.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Texas Education Code (TEC), §7.102(c)(24) and §32.001.

TEC, §7.102(c)(24), requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to develop and update a long-range plan concerning technology in the public schools as provided by TEC, Chapter 32. TEC, §32.001, requires the SBOE to develop a long-range plan for acquiring and using technology in the public school system, fostering professional development related to the use of technology, fostering computer literacy among public school students, and identifying and, through education service centers, distributing information on emerging technology for use in public schools.

BOARD RESPONSE: This item is presented for review and comment.

PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The SBOE adopted the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020 in November 2006.

FUTURE ACTION EXPECTED: None.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND SIGNIFICANT ISSUES: This item was requested by the board chair. HB 1926, 83rd Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2013, required the commissioner of education to conduct a study to assess the network capabilities of each school district. The commissioner was required to complete the study not later than December 1, 2015. The Public School Network Capabilities Study was submitted to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and members of the Texas Legislature on December 1, 2015.

FISCAL IMPACT: None.

PUBLIC AND STUDENT BENEFIT: Benefits include an understanding of the current status of network capabilities in Texas public schools.

PROCEDURAL AND REPORTING IMPLICATIONS: None.

LOCALLY MAINTAINED PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS: None.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.

OTHER COMMENTS AND RELATED ISSUE: None.

Staff Members Responsible:
Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner
Standards and Programs

Kelly Callaway, Division Director
Instructional Materials and Educational Technology

Attachment:
Statutory Citations (PDF, 33KB)