Legislature(2009 - 2010)CAPITOL 106
01/25/2010 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Overview: Viewing of "a Whole New Mind" and Discussion of Potential Education Impacts, and Proposed Postsecondary Scholarship Program Criteria | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
January 25, 2010
8:02 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Paul Seaton, Chair
Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz, Vice Chair
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Peggy Wilson
Representative Robert L. "Bob" Buch
Representative Berta Gardner
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Wes Keller
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW: VIEWING OF "A WHOLE NEW MIND" AND DISCUSSION OF
POTENTIAL EDUCATION IMPACTS~ AND PROPOSED POSTSECONDARY
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CRITERIA
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:02:29 AM
CHAIR PAUL SEATON called the House Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. Present at the call to order were
Representatives Seaton, Munoz, Peggy Wilson, Edgmon, Buch and
Gardner.
^OVERVIEW: Viewing of "A Whole New Mind" and discussion of
potential education impacts, and proposed postsecondary
scholarship program criteria
OVERVIEW: Viewing of "A Whole New Mind" and discussion of
potential education impacts, and proposed postsecondary
scholarship program criteria
8:03:43 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the only order of business would be
a viewing of a motivation speech by Daniel Pink, titled "A whole
New Mind," and discussion of potential education impacts, and
proposed postsecondary scholarship program criteria.
8:04:25 AM
CHAIR SEATON said that the video is in preparation of the broad-
based scholarship program that is being developed statewide.
The SAT and ACT tests have been the standard filter for
providing scholarships, and this presentation will challenge
that approach. It also coincides with the required committee
reading by the same author.
8:06:43 AM
[Due to copyright concerns, the audio of the DVD presentation is
not available.]
9:07:31 AM
CHAIR SEATON referred to the book, of the same title, and
reiterated the purpose for bringing the DVD. Technology
Engineering and Design (TED), TED.com, is also an influential
source, and discusses motivation by the same author, Daniel
Pink; under the science tab in the committee packet. Another
book by Mr. Pink, DRIVE, is a current publication that may
affect how scholarships will be addressed in the future. The
committee will be reading both of these books as review for
discussion and consideration, regarding what criteria to use for
scholarship awards. Education program reform needs to align
with what will serve students and meet the current needs of our
society. The jobs that are being trained for, in our schools
today, may end up being industries that are not centered in
America, or become automated and obsolete in the nation's
workforce.
9:08:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON offered her review of the book and the
helpful self tutorial at the end of each chapter, which assists
readers to address a realm that may not have been included in
their school curriculum. She noted that one area of emphasis is
art and design, programs that have been eliminated in many
schools due to budget cuts. Minimizing art, music, and other
creative classes has a dampening effect on what the book
suggests should be focus skills given today's economy and
changes in future workforce requirements. She stressed that it
is important to establish a system that prepares students for
the future, and two important approaches would be: "zeroing
into our workforce development as far as some type of ...
technology, but also bringing out those qualities in kids that
are there but probably need to be developed a little bit more."
The curriculum that addressed this aspect has fallen by the
wayside and figuring out how to re-implement it is of concern,
she said.
9:11:06 AM
CHAIR SEATON said that this has been one of the primary
complaints about NCLB, which focuses on the fundamental teaching
principles, tending to inhibit the ability to bring arts back to
the classroom. The focus became narrowed under NCLB for
reading, writing, and mathematics, cutting off or eliminating
other areas. The material being reviewed is a stimulus for
establishing design criteria for future curriculum. The
educators will take their cue from what policies are set
regarding testing standards for scholarships.
9:13:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH commented that the means of assessment is an
aspect for consideration. A question that should be asked is
what has been accomplished when a student leaves the school
system. A radical change may not be called for, but accurate
assessments should indicate what is occurring in our school
system. The WorkKeys is one method, and other creative means
will help identify which direction to take in school reform. He
stressed that the object is to reach the majority of the
students, and tailoring the right process is important.
9:16:18 AM
CHAIR SEATON underscored the importance of expanding the scope
for how students are addressed and assessed. Expanded skill
assessments other than ACT and SAT may be required. WorkKeys,
which committee members took as a sample test, required a broad
thought process and integrated a number of skills for problem
solving. He reminded the committee that WorkKeys will be
implemented for eleventh grade students, as a required
assessment test. He directed attention to the committee packet,
and pointed out the power point from Tufts University, titled
"Intelligence, Creativity, and Wisdom: Assessments of Abilities
for the 21st Century." The power point is a presentation of an
assessment alternative to SAT. He discussed the predictability
for success as indicated in the report. There is a high
correlation between taking a rigorous curriculum, and success in
college. However, there is no difference in the predictive
success between maintaining a high grade point average (GPA)
throughout a rigorous curriculum and receiving high assessment
scores. However, a higher GPA did indicate a higher success
rate in college classes.
9:21:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON commented on the handout titled "The
Dreaded "P" Word, An Examination of productivity in public
postsecondary education," by Patrick J. Kelly. She said that
Alaska has the highest tuition costs in the United States, but
the cost versus outcome, as indicated by this nationwide report,
does not indicate a positive for Alaska. She questioned the
wisdom of raising the cost of tuition given the apparent
outcomes.
9:24:22 AM
CHAIR SEATON pointed out that only 10 pages of this report were
inserted in the packet, however, it is a 33 page document;
available as a Delta Cost Project white paper series, supported
by Making Opportunity Affordable, an initiative of Lumina
Foundation for Education.
9:27:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH referred to the postsecondary loan
forgiveness programs. Legislation has been introduced to
provide this opportunity for retaining students in state, and he
solicited the chairman's opinion.
9:28:23 AM
CHAIR SEATON recalled that the committee has passed out a broad
loan forgiveness bill, based on filling career needs identified
by the Department of Labor & Workforce Development. The bill is
currently in the House Finance Committee. He opined that it
appears to be an incentive and alternative mechanism for
retaining Alaska's youth. What will be proposed in a
scholarship program will not only be for college degrees, but
will include vocational education and certificated programs. He
drew attention to the productivity models and stressed that the
University of Alaska is unique among the western states. As a
single entity it combines two and four year programs. Two year
institutions may sometimes educate a broader spectrum of the
population but may not be as degree productive as a four year
college. Given that fact, the number of completed courses
versus degrees should be considered, when reviewing the
committee packet. The population of Alaskans who hold a
bachelor's degree, or higher, appears to be shrinking, and an
educated work force is a means to attract business.
Additionally, information on adult learners is included in the
packet. Adult education is also an important aspect to
consider. He pointed out that even if every graduating high
school senior went on to enter Alaska's workforce, they could
not fill all of the positions being vacated by the aging out
populace.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A whole new mind discussion guide for business.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| A whole new mind discussion guide for educators.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| It's never too late to learn.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| sternberg.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| The States and Student Financial Aid.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| The Legislative Role in Improving Higher Education Productivity.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| The Dreaded P Word.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| Scan001 (3).pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| Researchers Call SAT Alternative Better Predictor of College Success.docx |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| Michelau.pdf |
HEDC 1/25/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 1/27/2010 8:00:00 AM |