Report Title:

Laptops For Learning

 

Description:

Makes an appropriation for the laptops for learning program and expands the program to include loaners. Requires the DOE to report on the success of the program. (SB821 HD1)

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

821

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR LAPTOPS FOR LEARNING.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The State initiated its "laptops for learning" program through Act 297, Session Laws of Hawaii 2000, section 13. By funding the laptops for learning program, the legislature provides constant access to computer technology for classroom use, promotes a means to nurture a technologically-skilled workforce, and reduces the digital divide by providing opportunities for all regardless of economic status.

The purpose of this Act is to extend the funding for this program initiated under Act 297 and expand it to start a loaner program for students who cannot afford to purchase laptops through this program.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 and the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for the laptops for learning program and to expand the program to include the purchase of laptops to start a laptop for learning loaner program to be administered at the departmental school district level for students who cannot afford to purchase laptops through this program; provided that the department of education shall:

(1) Establish an external evaluation system to measure the progress of this program;

(2) Require the schools to do a longitudinal study of laptop student users and nonusers;

(3) Develop outcome performance standards with the data provided by the schools; and

(4) Report its findings to the legislature at least twenty days before the regular session of 2002.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.