SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 84

(By Senators Plymale, Wells, Beach, Browning, Edgell, Foster, Laird, Stollings, Tucker, Unger and Boley)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the implementation of the 10 elements of high-quality digital learning and the implementation of the State Board of Education’s Middle School Global 21 initiative.

    Whereas, Former Governor of West Virginia, Bob Wise, and former Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, created the Digital Learning Council to identify policies that would integrate current and future technological innovations into public education; and

    Whereas, This Council included more than one hundred leaders from education, government, philanthropy, business, technology and think tanks; and

    Whereas, The Council has identified 10 elements of high-quality digital learning; and

    Whereas, Digital learning can customize and personalize education allowing students to learn in their own style and at their own pace; and

    Whereas, Digital learning breaks down geographic barriers allowing every student to enroll in courses they would not otherwise have access to; and

    Whereas, The State Board of Education is seeking state funding to implement its Middle School Global 21 initiative. This includes funding for the development of a digital platform for all middle schools and funding to pilot schools who sign a memorandum of understanding to implement additional career modules and to be evaluated; and

    Whereas, The goals of this initiative are to increase student achievement in all core subject areas in order to enhance career and college readiness and to increase student “informed” decisions and establishment of realistic career goals; and

    Whereas, The State Board of Education has identified several objectives for the initiative. One of these identified objectives is the preparation of all students to make informed decisions and set realistic career goals, as reflected in an Individual Student Transition Plan that leads to a positive post-secondary outcome; and

    Whereas, The State Board of Education has identified the process to accomplish its stated goals and objectives. One part of the process includes the creation of a functional, digital platform to support the content delivery and documentation of individual student learning. Another part of the process is to design and/or procure engaging and relevant middle school career-focused modules that transform students’ core courses to have a career focus and a hands-on project-based curriculum. Another part of the process is to establish a memorandum of understanding with each county and school to implement all elements of the initiative and establish defined supports; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the implementation of the 10 elements of high-quality digital learning and the implementation of the State Board of Education’s Middle School Global 21 initiative; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.