Education proposals

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

* EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY: Within six years, provide five computers in each classroom. Cost: $35 million in one-shot funding for computers and software, $8.6 million for maintenance and training and $193,010 for consultants and a state panel to set goals and standards.

* ACADEMIC STANDARDS: A council appointed by the governor and Legislature will set higher standards for student achievement within one year. School districts would have the following year to implement the standards. Cost: $482,495 for training and materials.

* STUDENT TESTING: Add nationally recognized science exams to the fourth- and eighth-grade test batteries and raise requirements for passing the high school proficiency test before graduation. Cost: $1.36 million.

* SCHOOL ACCOUNTABILITY: Discourage schools from failing to tackle low test scores, absenteeism, and violence and substance abuse problems. First year of deficiency leads to official notice from the state and a required improvement plan from the school district. A warning is issued in the second year, with the state Department of Education making recommendations to the school and district. A deficiency lasting a third year will place the school on probation, followed by a public hearing and establishment of a review team of educators and citizens to investigate and make recommendations. Cost: $178,221.

* CLASS-SIZE REDUCTION: Complete class-size reduction in third grade, down to a ratio of one teacher per 16 students in fiscal 1999. Cost: $18.1 million for the reduction, $425,000 to evaluate the program and $225,000 for team-teaching training.