Disturbing Legislation

Basically the bill says that if we provide students with electronic devices such as iPads, notebook computers or Kindle like E-Readers, they will not be allowed to take them home.   As e-reader is defined in this legislation, one-to-one initiatives computers, tablet computers and Kindles would be prohibited from going home with the students which will defeat the purpose of having them in most cases.

I hope that all MECA members would see this as a step backward and would therefore be willing to try to do something about it.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

The following should be done from home or after work hours.  It just looks better that way.

Please review the Listing of the House Education Committee members and see if your representative is on the list.   If so, please contact them and let them know that you believe this legislation will be counterproductive to reaching our goals of providing a 21st Century Education for our students.   Refer to HB 389 when discussing the legislation.

If you are a parent in one of these districts, contact the representative as a parent first and a teacher or school employee second.

It is very important that you be nice and civil.   It is also preferable to make a phone call or send a paper letter than it is to use email.  It shows you are taking a genuine interest in the issue and it is important enough to you to take the time to make the call or send a letter.

It is possible that we will be calling on everyone if the bill makes it to the House floor.  Hopefully it will never leave the committee.

PLEASE,  check the list and make contact with the representatives.   Since the bill is authored by Chairman Moore, it is going to take a concerted effort to stop the bill in committee but with enough support, it will happen.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND PARENTS

Also on your own time.

Again, as you are out and about as a community member, get the word to parents and others concerned with doing what is best for the kids.   Give them the contact information and ask them to help.

Just remember that it would be unethical to use your position as a teacher or administrator in the school to make these contacts during work hours.

We need your help to stop this action.   Many districts have already moved in this direction and many others are making plans to do so soon.  Lets not let these initiatives go to waste and lets make sure our students have access to the tools that they need.

House Education Committee.pdf Download this file

hb0389in.pdf Download this file

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