Summary

West Virginia HB 3157 (Open States or West Virginia Legislature) amends the education system and seeks to restore the authority, flexibility, and capacity of schools and school systems to improve student learning. It promotes the hiring of technology specialists and increases funding for instructional technology.

Legislative Analysis

WV HB 3157 makes adjustments to how instructional improvement program funding is allocated.

It allows those funds to be used in the implementation and maintenance of the uniform integrated regional computer information system.

Also, in order to receive personnel funding from the instructional improvement funds, the county board must demonstrate to the state superintendent their employment of technology integration specialists to meet the needs for implementation of the West Virginia 21st Century Strategic Technology Learning Plan, among other requirements.

Beginning July 1, 2013, and thereafter, any funds available to a county to use for personnel above the amount available for the 2012-13 school year, must be used for technology systems specialists until the state superintendent determines that the county has sufficient specialists to serve their needs.

To improve instructional technology and meet the objectives of the Strategic Technology Learning Plan, HB 3157 increases the percentage of the local share amount from 15% to 20% for the 2014 school year. This is added on to the required appropriation.

The requirement for a statewide curriculum technology resource center is eliminated.

WV HB 3157 supports digital learning by emphasizing the importance of districts hiring the technology-oriented personnel they need and by providing increased funding for instructional technology.

Legislative History

Detailed Vote History: Legiscan |  Open States

Approved by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on 4/17/2013