81(R) HB 2893 - Engrossed version

The bill would convert the existing technology immersion pilot project (TIP), which expires August 31, 2011, into the technology demonstration sites project (TDSP). The TDSP would end August 31, 2013.

The bill would allow Texas Education Agency (TEA) to establish sites in school districts or campuses that would demonstrate the use of technology for improving teaching and learning, leverage digital tools and resources to extend learning opportunities from school to home, and exemplify instructional practices and lessons that support learning in the classroom and home. The TDSP would be required to leverage existing home computing devices or provide access through electronic device check-out to extend learning at home.

TEA would be required to select at least five districts, with at least one TDSP to include students in grades 6 through 12. The TEA could select at least one entire school district. TEA must select demonstration site school districts based on their technology readiness.

According to TEA, the agency could implement the bill's provisions primarily with existing resources, the federal funds it is currently receiving for the TIP, and no additional full time equivalent employees.

A school district could apply to participate in the TDSP. Participating school districts would have to send an annual progress report to the TEA by August 1 of each year. A participating school district could incur some administrative costs related to participation in the TDSP. Costs would vary depending on a district's level of participation. Any costs would end with the 2012–2013 school year, when the TDSP expires.

LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD
Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION


May 12, 2009

TO:	Honorable Florence Shapiro, Chair, Senate Committee on Education

FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board

IN RE:	HB2893 by Hochberg (Relating to the technology demonstration sites project.), As Engrossed