Who Can Oppose Computers for Kids?

California ranks close to the bottom among the 50 states in the ratio of computers to students. Of those lucky public schools with computers in the classrooms, few are wired to provide Internet access or video conferencing, capabilities that can expand and maximize school resources.

Even if the state budget provides precious little money for hardware, software or wiring, few doubt the critical importance of computers as an educational tool. Few except, apparently, half of the members of the Assembly Education Committee.

One who does lament the scarcity of school computers and understand their value is Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson. The Los Angeles Democrat has introduced a bill to put a $500-million bond measure on next March’s ballot. The money would allow the purchase of computers, software and network cabling in some primary and secondary schools. Districts such as Los Angeles Unified, where many classrooms have not even one computer terminal, could apply to the state for funds. This week the L.A. County Office of Education unveiled a program for schools in the county that has similar goals and would be funded through private donations.

The Archie-Hudson bill should be a slam-dunk; passage by the Legislature would mean only that the voters could authorize or reject the bonds. AB 797, however, faces long odds. The Assembly Education Committee defeated the bill, 7-5, earlier this month on a straight party-line vote, with the Republican members voting “no.”

Some opponents worry about adding to the state’s bonded indebtedness, but with that rate now at about 5% of general fund revenue, still a prudent level of debt, this shouldn’t be a big concern. Others seem to be motivated by primitive fears about computers themselves. Anne McKinney, an Assembly Republican education analyst who gave the committee a report on the bill, contended that “scientific” evidence shows that the overuse of computers can damage the brains of schoolchildren. Her evidence: mainly photocopies of a book critical of children watching too much television.

In addition, McKinney, who later was placed on leave by Speaker Doris Allen, also a Republican, cited fears that the software used in classrooms might contain sexual or violent material. But because only school districts would purchase the software, we think it unlikely that anyone would be buying controversial video games like “Mortal Kombat.”

It is little wonder the state’s public schools are in such a sorry condition. Teachers and students must not only contend with crumbling buildings, outdated books and campus violence but apparently also must overcome plain ignorance in the state Assembly. AB 797 comes up today for reconsideration. We hope all members of the Education Committee have their thinking caps on.