Legislature(2001 - 2002)
03/20/2002 08:25 AM House ARR
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT COMMITTEE ON
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW
March 20, 2002
8:25 a.m.
HOUSE MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Lesil McGuire, Chair
Representative Jeannette James
Representative Joe Hayes
HOUSE MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
SENATE MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Lyda Green
SENATE MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Robin Taylor, Vice Chair
Senator Georgianna Lincoln
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
Regulation Changes for Special (Correspondence) Schools
Continued
PREVIOUS ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
DR. ED McLAIN, Deputy Commissioner of Education,
Department of Education and Early Development
801 West Tenth Street, Suite 320
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1894
POSITION STATEMENT: Announced that there are [new revised]
regulations.
CAROL SIMPSON, Administrative Assistant
Interior Distance Education of Alaska
43335 Kalifornsky Beach Rd., Suite 31
Soldotna, AK 99669
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the [new revised]
proposed regulations.
JIM FOSTER, Assistant Superintendent
Galena City Schools
PO Box 299
Galena, Alaska 99741-0299
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the new revised
proposed regulations.
JOAN DANGELI, Home School parent
PO Box 34711
Juneau, Alaska 99803
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed the need for the parents to
remain involved in the discussion of these regulations.
BEN PHILLIPS, IDEA parent
PO Box 2157
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns.
CHRISTIE AXMAKER IDEA parent
PO Box 215
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns.
J ROLLINS, Connections parent
PO Box 1491
Seward, Alaska 99664
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns.
JEFF SMARDO, CyberLynx
45112 E Sunrise Court
Kenai, Alaska 99611
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns.
GLEN BIEGEL, IDEA parent
5951 Barry Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns.
DIANE HILL, IDEA parent
5670 Cope Street
Anchorage, Alaska 99518
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern with the parents being
portrayed as the bad guy.
LINDA WAMSGANZ, IDEA parent
10731 Concord Hill Circle
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to any proposed
regulations.
HEIDI M. ARMSTRONG, PACE parent
P.O. Box 2312
Wrangell, Alaska 99929
POSITION STATEMENT: Questioned whether the regulations are
motivated from fear.
LYNETTE SCHMIDT, IDEA parent
PO Box 368
Nome, Alaska 99762
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified that there is no need for
regulations.
LOUISE PARISH
Parent Advocates Volunteering as Educational Rights Servants
PO Box 1182
Valdez, Alaska 99686
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern with special education
children being forced into home schools or correspondence
schools.
DAN MIELKE
HC30 Box 12910
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
POSITION STATEMENT: Addressed some of the concerns with home
schools and correspondence schools raised at the March 1st
meeting.
MICHAEL DAMMEYER
3351 Lucille Street
Wasilla, Alaska 99657
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed the need for choices [with regard
to education].
SHIRELY HEIN, IDEA parent
HC33 Box 2988-B
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern with regard to the
restrictions in the regulations.
ARTHUR E GRISWOLD, CyberLynx parent
HC 60 Box 4493
Delta Junction, Alaska 99737
POSITION STATEMENT: Urged the passage of HB 464 and SB 364.
RUSS BOWDRE
PO Box 1048
Delta Junction, Alaska 99737
POSITION STATEMENT: Encouraged the sponsors of HB 464 and SB
364 to continue to pursue their legislation.
RUTH ABBOTT
HC 60 Box 4225
Delta Junction, Alaska 99737
POSITION STATEMENT: Urged the passage of HB 464 and SB 364.
MARCELA JAVIER
(No address provided)
POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed that she was thrilled things are
working out with the regulations.
PAT CHAPMAN, IDEA parent
Ketchikan Home School Association
PO Box 7674
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
POSITION STATEMENT: Emphasized that parents have a vested
interest in the education of their children.
JOHANNA HUBARD, PACE parent
PO Box 7643
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
POSITION STATEMENT: Noted agreement with Ms. Chapman's
testimony.
BARBARA HANNEY MARTINEZ, IDEA parent
3875 Geist Rd. PMB 164
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified that she was pleased there is a
consensus, but reserved her opinion as to whether she supported
it.
SHARYLEE ZACHARY
PO Box 1531
Petersburg, Alaska 99833
POSITION STATEMENT: Noted her appreciation of the work being
done with the regulations.
SHERYL SUTTON, Connections parent
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke about the commitment made by parents
who home school.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 02-3, SIDE A
Number 001
CHAIR LESIL McGUIRE called the Joint Committee on Administrative
Regulation Review to order at 8:25 a.m. Representatives McGuire
and James and Senator Green were present at the call to order.
Representative Hayes arrived as the meeting was in progress.
REGULATION CHANGES FOR SPECIAL (CORRESPONDENCE) SCHOOLS
CHAIR McGUIRE announced that today the committee would continue
its hearing from March 1, 2002, regarding the regulation changes
for correspondence schools. She related her understanding that
there have been changes to the proposed regulations.
Number 0092
DR. ED McLAIN, Deputy Commissioner of Education, Department of
Education and Early Development (EED), announced that he didn't
intend to review the details of the changes to the proposed
regulations. Dr. McLain reviewed the history that led to the
proposed regulations. Dr. McLain noted that the regulations
were put out for public comment in November in order to
accomplish the widest exposure possible, which he felt was
achieved. Dr. McLain noted that there are a series of amended
regulations that will be put out [for public comment], and there
is a proposal to extend [the public comment period for those
changes]. Dr. McLain said that he was confident that the
proposed extended public comment period would be approved. In
the April meeting in the next couple of weeks, there will be a
side-by-side comparison which specifies where the changes will
occur. He thanked everyone that has been involved with this.
Number 0340
CAROL SIMPSON, Administrative Assistant, Interior Distance
Education of Alaska (IDEA), informed the committee that she is
also a home schooling parent. In regard to the original
regulations, Ms. Simpson said that IDEA had concerns with the
following: the requirement of an annual application regardless
of the success of the program; the denial of a parent's right to
privately purchase materials with a religious component; the
requirement of a transcript designation of coursework when
anything other than traditional public school texts were used;
the mandated level and type of contact teachers support,
including monthly review of work and teacher approval of all
expenditures; the mandate to withdraw any student who didn't
take the standardized test; and the mandate to shut down any
program with test-participation rates not within 10 percent of
the state average. Ms. Simpson said that EED has listened to
the concerns, and has responded. She said that she has seen
some of the wording [of the new revised regulations] and found
that all of [IDEA's] concerns have been addressed. Therefore,
IDEA is supportive of those regulations and she noted her
expectation that parents will accept them. Ms. Simpson
expressed appreciation to the committee, to Senators Green and
Leman for their input on SB 346, as well as to Representatives
James and Dyson for their work on HB 464.
Number 05450
JIM FOSTER, Assistant Superintendent, Galena City School
District, thanked the committee for its efforts. Mr. Foster
also expressed thanks to Commissioner Holloway, Dr. McLain, and
Mr. Hall for bringing the issue of quality in schools to the
forefront. Mr. Foster also expressed appreciation for being
allowed to provide input in regard to the regulations. Mr.
Foster announced his support of the new revised regulations.
REPRESENTATIVE HAYES inquired as to whether the [new revised
regulations] negate the need for [SB 346 and HB 464].
MR. FOSTER pointed out that in April the State Board of
Education has the opportunity to deal with the regulations. At
this point, Mr. Foster said that he is confident that he would
be able to work with the board. However, there is always the
chance that the regulations could run astray. Still, a process
has begun with the board, the commissioner, and the deputy
commissioner and it should be honored. From Galena's
perspective, the bills aren't necessary.
Number 0841
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES thanked Mr. Foster for his work with the
Galena School District. Representative James related her belief
that over the years the public education system hasn't worked
for some children, and therefore there is the need to be more
reactive to the various needs of students. She didn't believe
President George W. Bush's charge that no child be left behind
would be achieved by merely throwing more money at the public
education system. Therefore, work must continue in order to
ensure that every child receives an education. Representative
James said she believes that the establishment of the exit exams
and the benchmark exams will be the "proof in the pudding." She
expressed the need to ensure that every child gets that
evaluation. How that is achieved, she supposed, is through
several methodologies. For instance, if a child can't take the
test on the day it is [scheduled], it seems that the child could
still take the test [later] regardless of whether it counted.
Allowing the child to take the test [later] would provide the
knowledge as to whether the child was able to pass it.
Representative James indicated concern with regard to the
[public education system's] past of changing curriculum. She
remarked, "I think there is a progression that we have to do
with education to be sure that every kid has that opportunity."
In that vein, Representative James thanked Mr. Foster for
providing an alternative methodology. Furthermore, she felt
that Mr. Foster would continue to improve the system.
MR. FOSTER noted his agreement with Representative James. He
related his [appreciation] that this problem is being dealt with
through the regulatory process versus the legislative process.
Mr. Foster pointed out that Alaska will be faced with ESEA
(Elementary and Secondary Education Act) [of 2001], which is
almost 1,100 pages long. He indicated the need for those in
[public] education to focus on the areas that can be approved in
order to help each child do the best possible.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES agreed with Mr. Foster that there have been
some large steps [forward]; however, we're not there yet. She
announced that she is willing to hold back on HB 464 in order to
review the regulations in April. She expressed the importance
of getting everyone to think in the same direction, toward the
same goal. She noted her appreciation of the committee taking
up this issue, as well as the assistance from EED.
CHAIR McGUIRE announced that there has been a "casual" agreement
between Dr. McLain, Ms. Simpson, and Mr. Foster. Although there
is no public document available now, the State Board of
Education will meet on April 4th during which the proposals will
be discussed. Chair McGuire assured everyone that this
committee will continue to monitor the agreement that has been
worked out.
Number 1445
ADRIAN SLATER, Home School parent, informed the committee that
he has home schooled his three children for ten years. He also
informed the committee that he has [operated] as a private home
school, and as a member of the Alyeska Central School, the
Juneau School District Correspondence Program, and IDEA. Mr.
Slater noted that one of his children attends a public school.
Knowing that some of the concerns have been addressed, Mr.
Slater said that he wanted to go on record as supporting the
IDEA program, which has clear standards and good academic and
financial accountability, and also provides excellent support.
Therefore, Mr. Slater requested that [the IDEA program] not be
overloaded with regulations to the point of hampering the
program.
MR. SLATER turned to the reference to certified teachers under
the current proposed regulations. Although he understood [the
rationale behind] using certified teachers in order to guarantee
a certain standard, he didn't believe it to be the appropriate
approach. The regulations specify that certified teachers
should monitor work, assign grades, review curricula, review
learning programs, and approve all expenditures. He felt that
using specialists, as does the IDEA program, to review the
curriculum and [expenditures] is appropriate. Those types of
things don't need to be done by a certified teacher; someone
could be trained to do those things. However, the school
district could be responsible for determining how it's done.
Number 1790
JOAN DANGELI, Home School parent, informed the committee that
she uses the CyberLynx program. Ms. Dangeli said that she hoped
that parents would be allowed to be involved in the process.
[In regard to the current proposed regulations,] Ms. Dangeli
said that the regulations seem to have a lot of subjectivity.
Furthermore, in a couple of instances the regulations may even
violate the constitutional rights to education because some
communities don't even have a school. Therefore, she predicted
that [the students in those communities] would herd into
distance education. She characterized the regulation, 14 AAC
33.450, stating that those not taking the state mandated
[assessment] test [would be ineligible for enrollment into any
other statewide correspondence program] to be tantamount to not
allowing those students an education. Mr. Dangeli related
comments from Senator Wilken that "our" test scores for the High
School exit exam were terrible. She further reported that
Senator Wilken said that "we folks" meant well, but that not
even one child could slip through the system. However, upon
review of all the exit exam [scores], the scores were bad
statewide. She expressed her belief that it's unconstitutional
to deny enrollment.
MS. DANGELI informed the committee that she [knows of] several
cases in which the correspondence schools have been subjected to
rigid laws under the notion that bad schools can be created.
However, that isn't the case. Rather, students are flooding out
of the public system because "we" don't have a voice in that
system, a system which is monopolized by a select few in control
of education. She informed the committee that when she had a
problem [in the public education system] she worked up the
ladder of that system for three-and-a-half years. She stressed
that her child is eight years old and two years behind because
one child was left behind. After those three-and-a-half years,
Ms. Dangeli took her child, who was still at a preschool level,
out of the public school. Ms. Dangeli expressed her
appreciation for the correspondence school program, which
provides the freedom to choose a curriculum that works for a
particular child while achieving the benchmark. This freedom is
the very thing under attack by the department. She pointed out
that the Alyeska [Central School] and the Chugach [High School]
are forced into a specific correspondence package. Ms. Dangeli
related her belief that [these proposed regulations] are a way
in which to force [those in the] correspondence schools into a
system that doesn't work. By doing so, children are being
cheated, she charged.
CHAIR McGUIRE thanked Ms. Dangeli for her work with her child.
She reiterated her assurance that this committee will continue
to monitor the negotiations between EED and everyone else.
MS. DANGELI announced that she had copies of the [results] of
the benchmark exams and the related Juneau Empire article. She
noted that she only printed the [results] for those schools with
the highest dropout rates, except for Galena and Nenana because
those schools are being targeted by EED.
Number 2106
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES thanked Ms. Dangeli for coming forward.
She noted that she has known Ms. Dangeli for many years and can
see a great difference in her child. She thanked Ms. Dangeli
for her hard work as a dedicated mother.
MS. DANGELI commented that she had nothing but praise for those
willing to review [this issue]. Ms. Dangeli said that she
didn't want Alaska to become like Pennsylvania or Chugach,
Alaska.
Number 2165
BEN PHILLIPS, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference.
Although Mr. Phillips was happy that everyone seems to be
getting along, he still had concerns. Mr. Phillips highlighted
his main concern in regard to religious materials that are being
used by a parent in the privacy of their own home. He was
concerned that there is even an attempt to control that. He
didn't believe such is constitutional. Furthermore, this same
statute, AS 14.03.090, is basically put aside in Bethel and
Barrow when it comes to Native spiritualistic religion. Mr.
Phillips stated that he won't allow the [State Board of
Education] to tell him what he can teach his own children in his
own house. As long as the children pass the state test, receive
a good education, and the [state] money isn't used to purchase
materials that are religious, he didn't believe [the department]
could tell him [what he could teach his children].
Number 2282
CHRISTIE AXMAKER, IDEA parent, testifying via teleconference,
echoed the same concern as Mr. Phillips in regard to using
religious materials. She said that the state exams are the
proof of how the children are doing. Although Ms. Axmaker was
happy that there has been an agreement, she said that she really
couldn't comment without seeing the agreement. She mentioned
that like Ms. Dangeli she had a problem with almost every single
regulation and thus she hoped [all the regulations] have been
revised.
CHAIR McGUIRE explained that this is a bit of an unusual process
because people have worked out agreements, but because of the
public notice process there is no document available yet.
SENATOR GREEN inquired as to when the [new revised] regulations
will be available.
DR. McLAIN informed everyone that the board meeting is scheduled
for April 4-6 and the [regulations] are generally out [for
public review] a week ahead of time. Therefore, this
information would be available in about a week. He assured the
committee that the information would be provided to committee
members as quickly as possible.
Number 2445
J ROLLINS, Connections parent, testified via teleconference.
Mr. Rollins said that he had concerns with the proposed
regulations. He related that many public schools have
implemented home school programs in order to stem the tide of
folks going to the IDEA program. He opined that the Connections
program exists due to the success of Galena. Mr. Rollins also
echoed concerns regarding these regulations and the use of
religious materials during the home school process. Mr. Rollins
expressed his concern with the general tone of the regulations,
which seem to indicate an attitude of distrust.
Number 2558
JEFF SMARDO, CyberLynx, testified via teleconference. Although
Mr. Smardo said he has had a great experience with CyberLynx,
things seem to become a bit more regulated each year. As Mr.
Smardo read the regulations, there is no language that
recognizes the institution of the family or the parent.
Furthermore, the tone of the regulations indicate that public
school is superior and if [these home school/correspondence
school] programs don't work, then the children will be returned
to the public school system. He said that he definitely had a
problem with that tone. Mr. Smardo interpreted the issue of
local control in the regulations to phase out the long-distance
correspondence programs. Perhaps that point [might be
addressed] in the agreement. He concluded by informing the
committee that other states are looking to Alaska in order to
see what will happen.
Number 2707
GLEN BIEGEL, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. He
informed the committee that he is also on the board for the
Alaska Charter School Association and Alaskans for Educational
Choice. Mr. Biegel expressed the need for the 90-day public
comment [period] for regulations to begin on April 4.
DR. McLAIN said that his recommendation will be for the longest
period for public comment, as was the case with the first
regulations. However, he couldn't provide exact dates. He
explained that the next board meeting after April 4th is some
time in June. Therefore, the [public comment period] would have
to close in enough time to consolidate the comments. "It will
be ..., literally, as long as it takes," he stated. In summary,
Dr. McLain specified that the public comment period would be
extended at least until June, two to three weeks before the June
meeting.
MR. BIEGEL continued with his testimony, and turned to the
statistics regarding the performance of home
schools/correspondence schools that have been referenced. Mr.
Biegel said he would like for the legislature to not treat
correspondence schools as alternative schools. Correspondence
schools shouldn't be treated any different than other schools.
He then turned to the math variation, which he characterized as
a significant statistical variation. He noted that he had
provided the committee with a statistical review that he had
done. In that statistical review, CyberLynx and IDEA are
compared to a high performing Anchorage school, a middle
performing Anchorage school, and a Bush school. Through this
review, Mr. Biegel discovered that the statistical comparisons
made by EED aren't mathematically valid. A statistical
comparison can't be made on a 5 percent sampling. For example,
Service High School should be closed because its students fall
below the state average in reading and writing. If one believes
that, then one hasn't reviewed the scores historically. Another
example, Bethel didn't report a reading or writing score but
reported the highest math score in the state. Mr. Biegel
questioned how such was possible. He charged that one couldn't
generate a statistically valid average from scores like that and
thus one couldn't make the assessment that the correspondence
schools are performing better or worse on the high school
qualifying evaluation exams than any other schools. However,
that judgment can be made in relation to the CAT exams, which
have a valid population backing up the numbers. Mr. Biegel
stated that therein lies the problem with the benchmark exams
that have to do with math; the numbers don't track. There is
such a significant statistical variation in regard to math on
the CAT exam versus the benchmark exam. Therefore, he suggested
that a professional [oversee] the math exams.
TAPE 02-3, SIDE B
DIANE HILL, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. Ms. Hill
expressed her dislike [of the regulations] portraying the
parents as the bad guy. There is no one who cares more about
how her children do [in education] than she does. Therefore,
there should be more credit given to parents.
Number 2881
LINDA WAMSGANZ, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference in
support of the current programs. She announced her opposition
to the proposed regulations or any further regulations. The
proposed regulations are burdensome, unnecessary, and cumbersome
all of which results in a lot of expense. [The paperwork] takes
away from the task of home schooling tomorrow's leaders. Ms.
Wamsganz didn't support any of the proposed regulations [that
attempt] to fix something that isn't broken.
Number 2796
HEIDI ARMSTRONG, PACE (Personal Alternative Choices in
Education) parent, testified via teleconference. Ms. Armstrong
assured [the committee] that she is doing her best to educate
her children. She questioned whether these regulations were
motivated from the fear that home schooling parents aren't doing
their job. She suggested that there is a lack of knowledge in
regard to what really goes on in a home school situation. Ms.
Armstrong turned to the [problem] with the religious materials
and requested clarification on that matter. She noted that
under the PACE program she knows for which curriculum the state
will pay.
DR. McLAIN explained that the new regulations will specifically
state that nothing under the regulations should be construed to
restrict a parent's right to use whatever materials the parent
wishes.
CHAIR McGUIRE added, "So long as it's purchased with your own
private dollars."
MR. ARMSTRONG reassured the committee that reimbursement [is
only] requested for approved materials.
Number 2596
LYNETTE SCHMIDT, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. Ms.
Schmidt related her frustration that the regulations have been
amended but aren't available for review.
CHAIR McGUIRE interjected that Ms. Schmidt should feel good
[about the amended regulations]. She explained that oftentimes
parties in the capitol are able to make quick resolutions to
problems. She reiterated that there will be an official version
of the regulations in about a week. Furthermore, there will be
approximately 60 days to comment on the revised regulations.
She also reiterated that the committee will continue to follow
this issue.
REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said, as a legislator, she shares Ms.
Schmidt's concern. However, what has been helpful is that Ms.
Simpson and Mr. Foster have said [the revised regulations] are
[acceptable].
MS. SCHMIDT continued by stressing that she hesitated to offer a
blessing for something she hasn't seen. She concluded by saying
that she didn't see the need for regulations at all. She
characterized the regulations as micro-managing at its worst.
Number 2420
LOUISE PARISH, Parent Advocates Volunteering as Educational
Rights Servants (PAVERS), testified via teleconference. Ms.
Parish said that she is especially concerned with those children
in special education. She suggested that sometimes discipline
issues may encourage or force children to go into correspondence
schools as an alternative educational placement. Although she
supported choice, she felt it was inappropriate for a child to
be forced out of the [public school] due to a discipline issue.
Ms. Parish said that there is a need for regulations. She
related that Valdez recently had an attendance policy that has
led to many dropouts, some of which may move into correspondence
programs. She expressed concern that there may be discipline
issues that unfairly sweep special education children out of the
[public] system and into a home school or correspondence school
where the child no longer has the protection of the special
education laws.
Number 2289
DAN MIELKE testified via teleconference. Mr. Mielke recalled
the March 1st Joint Committee on Administrative Regulation
Review meeting during which Mr. Hall informed everyone of the
young person who had fallen through the cracks of the [home
school/correspondence school] education system. However, as a
faculty member at the University of Alaska - Anchorage, Mr.
Mielke said that he has seen many home school children attending
upper level math classes at the university. Mr. Mielke also
recalled concern with regard to the parent teacher ratio. In
regard to that concern, he explained that in a home school
situation the parent is the teacher and thus he estimated that
the ratio is probably three students to one teacher. Therefore,
he didn't feel that [a high] student to official certified
teacher ratio was of concern.
Number 2162
MICHAEL DAMMEYER recalled that at the March 1st meeting there
was discussion with regard to the protection of out-of-district
students because the law doesn't require such of the school
board. He viewed this as funny in light of the influx of
students to school districts like Galena, which he saw as the
reason for the regulations. Mr. Dammeyer didn't believe out-of-
district students needed protection, rather they need choices.
Number 2108
SHIRELY HEIN, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. She
informed the committee that she is a certified teacher from
California. She remarked that IDEA has provided a healthy
framework for her home school. She expressed concern that the
restrictions in the regulations will restrict curriculum choices
and place another certified teacher over her children. She said
that she hoped that the revised regulations will address [those
restrictions].
Number 2026
ART GRISWOLD, CyberLynx parent, testified via teleconference.
Mr. Griswold emphasized that he didn't trust EED to make a deal.
Therefore, he supported passing HB 464 and SB 346.
RUSS BOWDRE testified via teleconference. Mr. Bowdre recalled
that during the [March 1st hearing] Dr. McLain said that when
the school board reviews the curriculum [of home schools or
correspondence schools], it isn't supposed to review whether it
is religious or not. The curriculum review should review
whether the subject is being taught correctly. Therefore, he
expressed the need to include that in the revised regulations.
Mr. Bowdre mentioned that he sits on the local school board. He
encouraged the sponsors of HB 464 and SB 346 to continue to
pursue their legislation.
Number 1867
RUTH ABBOTT testified via teleconference. She noted her support
for passage of [HB 464 and SB 346] pass as a safeguard against
the possibility of [these proposed regulations] recurring. Ms.
Abbott informed the committee that Delta Junction's own school
superintendent has said that parental involvement is imperative
for the success of all school students. Therefore, it is
interesting that this discussion is even occurring.
Number 1815
MARCELA JAVIER testified via teleconference. Ms. Javier said
that she is thrilled to hear that things are working out. Ms.
Javier reviewed her experience with home schooling her children.
She thanked the committee and the sponsors of HB 464 and SB 346
for bringing attention to the home school issue.
Number 1739
PAT CHAPMAN, IDEA parent; Ketchikan Homeschool Association,
testified via teleconference. Ms. Chapman reviewed her history
with teaching and opined that the IDEA program is the best. She
thanked the committee. She noted that the Ketchikan Homeschool
Association did send a set of proposed regulations to Senator
Taylor. Ms. Chapman echoed earlier statements that parents have
a vested interest in their children's education, and she didn't
want that taken away. Furthermore, she didn't believe that a
certified teacher would have more vested interest in her
children receiving a good education than she would. Moreover,
she said she believes that [home schools] educate children on a
higher level for less money than do public schools. In regard
to the notion of leaving no child behind, Ms. Chapman charged
that many are left behind in the public school system. Ms.
Chapman noted her agreement with Mr. Biegel that the statistics
that are being used are invalid.
Number 1628
JOHANNA HUBARD, PACE parent, testified via teleconference. Ms.
Hubard noted her agreement with Ms. Chapman. She thanked the
committee for its work on this.
Number 1584
BARBARA HANNEY MARTINEZ, IDEA parent, testified via
teleconference. Ms. Martinez said that she was very upset with
the proposed regulations. She expressed surprise that the state
is in a fiscal crisis and the board is proposing regulations
that would increase the cost of education. She noted her
overwhelming support of Mr. Biegel's comments. She informed the
committee that when she was an economist in the Department of
Economics at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, samples far
greater than 5 percent [were required]. In regard to the
religious materials, Ms. Martinez highlighted that children in
the public schools were required to do units on religions in
their social studies class. However, these regulations point to
a problem with religious materials in the home
school/correspondence school setting. Ms. Martinez said that
she was pleased that some consensus has been reached, although
she reserved her opinion on whether to support it.
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SHARYLEE ZACHARY testified via teleconference. Ms. Zachary
noted her appreciation of the hard work being put into these
regulations, which will help clarify that [home
schools/correspondence schools] are educating [children] in an
effective way. Ms. Zachary related how well her daughter has
done with home schooling. Although Ms. Zachary understood the
importance of state testing, she emphasized the need to track
children and not merely use one test [as a means to know how the
children are doing].
Number 1266
SHERYL SUTTON, Connections parent, informed the committee that
on the news she heard a report saying that teachers stand in the
stead of parents. She strongly disagreed with that notion. Ms.
Sutton noted that she uses a religious based curriculum that
isn't paid for [by the state]. She estimated that she spends
$1,200-$1,500 a year on books and materials for one student.
Ms. Sutton related her daughter's very positive experience with
being home schooled. "Parents who home school make a huge
commitment; we are making a further investment in the lives of
our children. It's our responsibility to make that investment,"
she said.
CHAIR McGUIRE reminded everyone that updates can be obtained
from EED via the mail, 801 West 10th Street, Suite 200, Juneau,
Alaska 99801, or its website, www.eed.state.ak.us, or her
office. The revised regulations should be available in about a
week. She also reminded everyone that the State Board of
Education would be meeting on April 4-6.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the Joint
Committee on Administrative Regulation Review meeting was
adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
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