A Report to the 76^th Texas Legislature
from the Texas Education Agency

February 1, 1999

The Honorable George W. Bush, Governor of Texas

The Honorable Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Texas

The Honorable Pete Laney, Speaker of the House of Representatives

Members of the 76^th Texas Legislature

Section 32.037 of the Texas Education Code required the Agency to develop a study project to determine the costs and benefits of using computer networks, including the Internet, in public schools. The issues to be studied were to include the possibility of delivering, through a computer network, updated supplements to state-adopted textbooks.

An advisory committee of textbook publishers, educators, students, technology experts, and agency personnel was organized to assist the Agency in the study project. Additionally, a subcommittee was organized to investigate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of developing electronic textbooks that could be used by students who are blind or have other disabilities.

This report includes findings and recommendations in the following technology-related areas: Costs, benefits and impact of using computer networks in schools; infrastructure; professional development; electronic delivery of content for classroom instruction; and the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of developing accessible electronic textbooks for students with disabilities.

Additionally, a comprehensive literature review on technology use in the United States was conducted as part of the study and is available on the Texas Education Agency web site at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/Textbooks/.

I am pleased to submit this report for your consideration.

Respectfully submitted,

Mike Moses

Commissioner of Education

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

MIKE MOSES

Commissioner of Education

FELIPE ALANIS

Deputy Commissioner

Programs and Instruction

ANN SMISKO

Associate Commissioner

Curriculum, Assessment, and Technology

PROJECT STAFF

ESTER G. SMITH

President

EGS Research and Consulting

Austin, Texas