The purpose of this rule is to implement computer and technical training for students; notification of discounted computers and Internet access; and the distribution of eligibility certificates for students that qualify for the program.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
6A-10.070: Discounted Computers and Internet Access for Students
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule is to implement computer and technical training for students; notification of discounted computers and Internet access; and the distribution of eligibility certificates for students that qualify for the program.
SUMMARY: The proposed rule sets forth the requirements and implementation of computer and technical training for students; notification of discounted computer and Internet access availability for parents; and the distribution of eligibility certificates for students that qualify for the program.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.02(1), 1001.29(4) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.29 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: October 21, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
PLACE: Tampa Airport Marriott, Tampa Florida
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Kate Kemker, Bureau Chief, Instruction and Innovation, [phone] or e-mail [e-mail]

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-10.070 Discounted Computers and Internet Access for Students.

(1) Eligibility and Notification.

(a) Discounted computers and Internet access are available for any student enrolled in grades 5-12 in a public school, including a charter school, and students registered with a district home education program in the state.

(b) One computer per student will be available for distribution once per school year.

(c) The Department of Education will work with districts to notify students and parents of the locations where discounted computers and Internet access are available for purchase. Multimedia and print methods to be used include, but are not limited to, newsletters, brochures, websites, emails, or phone calls.

(2) Training.

(a) Training for students shall be created or adopted by each school district which must include the following components:

1. Cybersafety;

2. Basic technology skills;

3. Basic computer troubleshooting;

4. Ethical internet usage; and

5. Compliance with copyright laws.

(b) Training shall be implemented for the 2009-10 school year and every subsequent school year.

(c) A training component for parents and families is encouraged, but not mandatory.

(d) The training for students will be conducted online or face-to-face.

(3) Certificates and Payments.

(a) Students are qualified to receive an eligibility certificate after completing training through their school district.

(b) Districts shall print Form DCIAS-01, Eligibility Certificate, which is hereby incorporated by reference in this rule to become effective with the effective date of this rule. Form DCIAS – 01 may be obtained on the Department’s website at http://www.fldoe.org/bii/Instruct_Tech/discount.asp or by contacting the Division of Public Schools at 325 West Gaines Street, Room 126, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

(c) Vendors distributing discounted computers and Internet access will determine payment options for students and parents.

Specific Authority 1001.02(1), 1001.29(4) FS. Law Implemented 1001.29 FS. History–New________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Dr. Frances Haithcock, Chancellor, K-12 Public Schools
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Dr. Eric J. Smith, Commissioner, Department of Education
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: September 9, 2008
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: May 23, 2008