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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NOTICE OF FORMAL REQUEST FOR INFORMATION |
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COMMITTEE: Public Education TIME &
DATE: N/A PLACE: N/A
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Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in scheduling public hearings at this time, the House Committee on Public Education is conducting necessary oversight functions through an information gathering process under Section 301.014, Government Code.
This is notice that the House Committee on Public Education is seeking information and input from state agencies, interested parties, and the public in regard to the topics and questions outlined below. Submissions received in response to this request will be transmitted to members of the committee and posted on the House website.
The Committee seeks responses to the topics and questions outlined below from the following state agencies: Texas Education Agency, Texas State Auditor’s Office, and the Legislative Budget Board.
Submission Guidelines · Submissions must be in Microsoft Word, written in a 10-point font or larger. · Please submit a separate document for each topic to which you are responding. · Submissions are to be limited to 5 pages of text in length. · Submissions must be submitted via e-mail to education@house.texas.gov
Please include the following information in the submission email: submitter name, organization, or entity (if applicable and an authorized representative), mailing address, email, and telephone number.
The deadline for all submissions is Wednesday, September 30, 2020.
Comments received in response to this Request for Information will be publicly posted on TLO, TLIS, and the House website. When submitting comments, please remove any personal identifying information, such as your personal phone number, residence address, or e-mail address.
Topics:
Interim Charge 2: Determine if any barriers exist in providing a digital learning environment for all children, including an evaluation of the competitive marketplace for blended learning products and services. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Technology and Instructional Materials Allotment (TIMA) in providing districts the resources necessary to equip students with instructional materials and technology, including in the review all programs and initiatives funded by set asides from the TIMA.
Questions:
Question 1: Can a map, detailed list, or other resources be provided that shows where there are gaps in available internet coverage? If so, please provide. What needs to be done to close this gap?
Question 2: What plans do internet service providers have to roll-out increased coverage in the state to close the technological gap only highlighted by the current pandemic?
In the event it becomes feasible to safely conduct a public meeting, the Committee reserves the right to hold an in-person hearing on these charges.
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