LEGISLATION REPORT
Teachers and Computers
Senate Bill 857
Description:
Would require teachers to demonstrate computer proficiency to receive a Michigan teaching certificate. Teachers who already hold a valid certificate would need computer proficiency before they are re-certified. The State Board of Education would define proficiency and determine if a teacher meets the computer proficiency standard.
Main sponsor:
Where it stands:
Referred to Senate Education Committee.
Arguments for:
Teachers must be computer literate because computer skills are as important to a student’s success as math, reading and writing. Some teachers don’t know enough to help students, and in some cases, computers sit idle because teachers don’t know how to use them. Only 10 percent of teachers had at least nine hours of technology training, according to a 1993-1994 U.S. Department of Education survey.
Arguments against:
A legislative mandate is unnecessary because the State Board of Education or local district could require computer literacy. Also, computer technology changes so quickly that requiring specific skills may not address new advances.
Prospects for passage:
Unclear. The Senate Education Committee has not scheduled hearings yet.
Submitted via e-mail by Nancy Bielik
Legislation Chairman