California Senate Bill SB1096

California 2017-2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/18
• Refer: 2/22/18

Caption

Online instructional materials.

Impact

If enacted, SB 1096 would require that school districts adhere to certain conditions when applying for state funding intended for instructional materials. This includes holding public hearings and determining whether students have access to sufficient textbooks and instructional resources that meet state educational standards, particularly in online formats. The intent is to ensure that students receive high-quality educational materials in line with contemporary learning methods, which has become increasingly relevant as more courses adopt digital materials.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 1096, introduced by Senator Anderson, focuses on the clarification of requirements concerning online instructional materials used in California schools. The bill expresses the intent of the California Legislature to enact legislation that updates and clarifies existing educational guidelines related to the provision of digital instructional resources. This development reflects a growing emphasis on the integration of technology into education and the necessity for clear standards in this evolving landscape.

Contention

One notable area of contention surrounding SB 1096 is the distinction between traditional and digital learning resources. As educational technologies advance, discussions arise regarding the adequacy of existing frameworks to support online learning. Stakeholders may raise concerns about how well these legislative changes address the needs of diverse student populations and their access to necessary learning tools in an increasingly digital world. Critics may argue that without thorough consultations and considerations of specific community educational needs, the bill could lead to discrepancies in the quality of education across different districts.