Requests the Department of Education to establish a group to study the further integration of e-books and implementation of cloud technology in elementary and secondary schools, along with related training and costs.
Impact
If adopted, SR167 would mark a significant change in how educational materials are provided in Louisiana, promoting a shift towards digital resources. This resolution aims to enhance the educational experience by leveraging technology to reduce costs, improve convenience for students, parents, and educators, and potentially streamline the process of updates and curriculum changes. Furthermore, it aligns with previous legislative efforts to ensure that electronic versions of approved textbooks are accessible in public schools.
Summary
Senate Resolution 167, introduced by Senator Crowe, urges the Department of Education in Louisiana to establish a study group to explore the integration of e-books in elementary and secondary education. The resolution emphasizes investigating the potential replacement of traditional textbooks with e-books, which would involve implementing cloud technology for educational purposes. The study group would also analyze current expenditures related to physical textbooks and compare these to the potential costs of providing tablets to students for e-book access.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding this resolution appears to be generally proactive and supportive, reflecting a growing trend towards the modernization of educational resources. Stakeholders recognize that the transition to e-books could potentially offer substantial savings and increased accessibility. However, there may also be underlying concerns about the efficacy of such a transition, particularly regarding the readiness of schools and the availability of necessary technology to implement these changes effectively.
Contention
While the resolution itself does not seem to directly present points of contention, discussions around the implementation of e-books versus traditional textbooks could potentially reveal differing opinions. Concerns may arise regarding the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to the technology required for e-learning. Additionally, questions about training for educators and the overall long-term adequacy of e-books in education versus physical textbooks might be significant focal points during the study group's investigations.
Requests the Department of Education to establish a group to study the current state of agriculture education in elementary and secondary schools. (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Requests BESE to convene a minimum foundation program task force to further examine the actual costs of educating a student in Louisiana public elementary and secondary schools.
Requests the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the state Department of Education to study the implementation and effectiveness of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program in public schools.
To urge and request the Department of Education and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to expand and enhance oral health care education in Louisiana public schools.
Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education study the feasibility and advisability of requiring training for teachers and other school employees relative to armed intruders
Requests the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to convene a study group to study issues relative to the minimum foundation program (MFP) formula
Requests that the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education study issues relative to the implementation of the Course Choice Program and submit a report to the House and Senate education committees by Sept. 30, 2013
Requests the Board of Regents to study the feasibility of establishing a program in colleges of education that offers college credit to future teachers who tutor students in elementary and secondary schools in poverty stricken areas of the state.
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.