Legislature(2015 - 2016)CAPITOL 106
01/27/2016 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Alaska Measures of Progress (amp) Reporting; Alaska Native Science & Engineering (ansep). | |
| Alaska Measures of Progress (amo) Assessment & Accountability | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT MEETING
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
January 27, 2016
8:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Senator Mike Dunleavy, Chair
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice Chair
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Berta Gardner
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Representative Wes Keller, Chair
Representative Liz Vazquez, Vice Chair
Representative Jim Colver
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative David Talerico
Representative Harriet Drummond
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
MEMBERS ABSENT
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
Senator Cathy Giessel
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Lora Reinbold
Representative Lynn Gattis
Representative Sam Kito
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: ALASKA NATIVE SCIENCE & ENGINEERING (ANSEP);
ALASKA MEASURES OF PROGRESS (AMP) REPORTING.
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
HERB SCHROEDER, Ph.D., Vice Provost
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information on ANSEP.
MIKE BOURDUKOFSKY, Chief Operations Officer
Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information on ANSEP.
LISA SKILES PARADY, Executive Director
Alaska Council of School Administration (ACSA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information on the Alaska Measures
of Progress (AMP).
MICHAEL JOHNSON, President
Alaska Council of School Administrators
Superintendent
Copper River School District
Glennallen, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
DEENA PARAMO, Superintendent
Mat-Su Borough School District
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent
Galena City School District
Galena, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
SUE JOHNSON, Superintendent
Kuspuk School District
Aniak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
KEVIN SHIPLEY, Superintendent,
Kake School District
Kake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
DAVE HERBERT, Superintendent
St. Mary's School District
St. Mary's, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
BOB CRUMLEY, Superintendent
Chugach School District
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
ED GRAFF, Superintendent
Anchorage School District
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
STEWART MCDONALD, Superintendent
Kodiak Island Borough School
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
DAVID NEES, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
MIKE HANLEY, Commissioner
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information on the Alaska Measures
of Progress (AMP).
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:00:02 AM
CHAIR MIKE DUNLEAVY called the joint meeting of the Senate and
House Education Standing Committees to order at 8:00 a.m.
Present at the call to order were Senators Huggins, Stevens,
Gardner, and Chair Dunleavy, and Representatives Seaton,
Vazquez, Colver, Kreiss-Tomkins, Talerico, and Chair Keller.
Representative Drummond arrived shortly thereafter.
^Presentation: Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) Reporting;
Alaska Native Science & Engineering (ANSEP).
Presentation: Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program
(ANSEP)
8:01:41 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that the first order of business would
be a presentation on Alaska Native Science & Engineering
(ANSEP), followed by a presentation on Alaska Measures of
Progress (AMP).
8:01:46 AM
HERB SCHROEDER, Ph.D., Vice Provost, Alaska Native Science &
Engineering Program (ANSEP), presented information on ANSEP. He
said that he started ANSEP 21 years ago. He introduced Mike
Bourdukofsky, who graduated from ANSEP as a civil engineer in
2003.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY noted the presence of Representative Drummond.
DR. SCHROEDER showed a short video on ANSEP that portrayed
students who were successful in the program.
8:03:35 AM
MIKE BOURDUKOFSKY, Chief Operations Officer, Alaska Native
Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP), presented information on
ANSEP. He described the components of ANSEP: Middle School
Academy, STEM Career Explorations, Acceleration Academy, Summer
Bridge for incoming university freshmen, and University Success.
At the middle school level, 54 students are brought to the ANSEP
campus every year and participate in career exploration. As they
transition to high school, they can begin to take college
courses. High school graduates getting ready to go to college
participate in the Summer Bridge program, an internship
opportunity with science and engineering partners. At the
university, students are supported in their pursuit of a science
or engineering degree.
MR. BOURDUKOFSKY referred to a booklet developed by the Urban
Institute after an evaluation of ANSEP.
8:04:53 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY noted the presence of Representatives Gattis,
Reinbold, and Kito.
8:05:13 AM
MR. BOURDUKOFSKY pointed out that one of the ANSEP metrics
measured at the middle school level is Algebra I completion
rate. He showed a graph depicting 77 percent of students passing
Algebra I or higher by the end of 8th grade. By comparison, 26
percent of all student nationally complete Algebra I by the end
of 8th grade. At the high school acceleration academy level, 95
percent of students advance one level or more in math or science
over a five-week period each summer. He said over 90 percent of
Summer Bridge students are successfully transitioning to science
or engineering BS degree programs at the University of Alaska.
At the university level ANSEP has a retention rate (on track to
graduate) and graduation rate of 75 percent.
8:06:29 AM
DR. SCHROEDER reported that ANSEP initiated an acceleration
academy in 2009 and a middle school academy in 2010. Students
who went through the middle school academy and the acceleration
academy, graduate from high school a full year early and are
prepared to complete a civil engineering degree at the
university. It puts them in the top one-tenth of one percent of
all students in the world.
He said that last summer 120 students went through the program,
which initiated the idea of what could be done if ANSEP had its
own high school. He discussed the idea of turning Mt. Edgecumbe
into an ANSEP acceleration high school using a three-year
curriculum. He showed a graph that depicted graduation results
and cost per students graduating from a regular high school
versus an ANSEP high school. He noted the savings of a three
year program - nearly $6 million in annual savings to the state
by serving 400 students each year. He pointed out that the
student's family would save the expense of a year of college,
also.
8:09:16 AM
DR. SCHROEDER related UAA President Jim Johnsen's opinion that a
full time acceleration high school has merit and is worthy of a
serious study. He said President Johnsen intends to initiate a
year-long study of its feasibility. Dr. Schroeder stressed that
an acceleration high school would improve the quality of
education in the state and save money. He further described a
plan to take this model into hub communities in order to serve
rural Alaska students. He noted a zero fiscal note and a savings
over time. He suggested that a 2,000 student school in Anchorage
would save even more.
8:11:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE COLVER asked if the new program would supplant
existing Mt. Edgecumbe students.
DR. SCHROEDER said no. He described how the acceleration high
school would work with a gradual set up. He noted that it would
broaden opportunities for students.
8:13:02 AM
SENATOR STEVENS asked if after three years the students would
transition to the UAA campus.
DR. SCHROEDER said yes.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if it was appropriate for self-selected
students, nominated students, or all students. She asked if
current Mt. Edgecumbe students would join in the accelerated
program.
DR. SCHROEDER said yes. He explained the selection process would
continue as it is; picking the best students that are available.
SENATOR GARDNER asked whether all students could participate at
the acceleration level. She inquired about the current selection
process of ANSEP middle school academy students.
MR. BOURDUKOFSKY replied that anyone who has the math background
could be placed - any student who has completed Algebra I. They
would then take intermediate algebra, college algebra,
trigonometry, and calculus.
8:15:54 AM
DR. SCHROEDER said ANSEP's goal is to raise the bar in K-12
education. He gave an example of a middle school in Bethel that
revised its curriculum so their students could complete Algebra
I. He noted that many other districts have done the same.
8:16:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked about the chronology of
ANSEP's conversations with Mt. Edgecumbe and the legislature.
DR. SCHROEDER recalled his recent discussions with legislators
and Native leaders, and with Commissioner Hanley and
Superintendent Hutton from Mt. Edgecumbe. He said he has offered
to explain the plan in Sitka.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked what the community thinks
about the plan.
DR. SCHROEDER said no one has voiced opposition so far. He said
some are worried about maintaining what Mt. Edgecumbe has, but
he declared that Mt. Edgecumbe would become the best high school
in the whole nation within four or five years.
8:18:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON noted Mt. Edgecumbe selects the best
students available. He asked if a new selection process would be
used for an accelerated high school program.
DR. SCHROEDER said that over time he would like to see every
middle school in the state offer Algebra I. He shared statistics
that show that remediation at high school is a national problem.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked if a different group of students
would replace those who now attend Mt. Edgecumbe.
DR. SCHROEDER assured that they would be the same students. He
pointed out that ANSEP works with students from 96 communities.
8:21:14 AM
At ease
8:21:43 AM
SENATOR GARDNER questioned whether the best students were
selected for Mt. Edgecumbe currently. She recalled that there
were students from the Office of Children's Services who had to
be removed from their homes and so boarded at Mt. Edgecumbe.
DR. SCHROEDER said those social referrals would still be
included.
8:23:01 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY noted it would be an ongoing discussion. He
suggested committee members have further conversations regarding
ANSEP.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked for the rate of ANSEP students
attending college having to take remediation courses.
DR. SCHROEDER said none required remediation.
MR. BOURDUKOFSKY further explained that all students would have
taken all the prerequisites for freshman level math for the
science and engineering programs. Most would be ready for
calculus-level courses.
DR. SCHROEDER said in the past, students have not had the
opportunity to take accelerated classes. He gave an example of a
seventeen-year-old student from Cantwell, Alaska, who recently
enrolled at UAA with all his math completed.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON spoke of the Alaska Scholars Program,
which are the top ten percent of high school graduates, having
to take developmental courses in college. He asked if ANSEP
students need remediation English classes.
DR. SCHROEDER said they did not, and spoke of how the program
socializes ANSEP students before they get to the college campus.
8:26:37 AM
SENATOR GARDNER stated that she sees ANSEP as an exciting
concept and a demonstration project with the possibility of
building a cadre of highly effective teachers. She suggested it
could be transformative for the entire education system.
DR. SCHROEDER described how students who have completed courses,
work with students who have not. They are already experiencing
"teaching" and may decide to become teachers.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY saw it as an interesting mentoring project,
similar to a teacher mentoring program for potential Alaska
teachers, such as in Lake & Peninsula School District that
recruits students to be classroom aides first, and then hires
them as teachers. He suggested that ANSEP has increased the
probability of more Alaska Native teachers.
DR. SCHROEDER agreed. He gave several examples of ANSEP
graduates who became teachers.
8:29:01 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY wished to see the statistics on female enrollees
and graduates in ANSEP.
DR. SCHROEDER referred to the demographic report on page seven
of the Urban Institute's booklet on "Building Alaska's Science
and Engineering Pipeline."
SENATOR STEVENS expressed excitement about ANSEP because it has
the opportunity to raise the bar in education. He pointed out
that change is hard and the establishment may have difficulty
with the concepts.
8:30:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND said acceleration is not a new concept.
She spoke of her experience in the Bronx High School of Science,
a public high school in New York City. She noted other science
and math prep schools where 99 percent of graduates went to
college. She also expressed excitement about ANSEP.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked how many students are currently
enrolled.
DR. SCHROEDER said there were more than 1,500 students from 6th
grade through doctoral programs.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked what road map Mr. Schroeder
followed to develop the program.
DR. SCHROEDER provided his background of working for the federal
government in 1994 on sanitation research in rural communities.
He noted the poor communication between the public health
service and the communities. As a professor at the university,
he started an engineering program for Alaska Natives in order to
improve the communication. He stated that he had no idea what he
was getting into and there were many problems, but he persisted
by changing the approach to education.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ referred to ANSEP 8th grade math
completion data in 2009 and asked if there is more recent
information.
DR. SCHROEDER said current statistics have not changed since
2009.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked how ANSEP compares to Alaska
numbers for Algebra I completion rates.
DR. SCHROEDER thought that only 10 percent of Alaska students
had completed Algebra I by the end of eighth grade and it was
lower than that for Alaska Native students. He offered to
provide data on Alaska students.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ said it would be interesting to see that.
DR. SCHROEDER noted it was lower than 26 percent.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked what ANSEP's budget was for the
last two years and how much was federal and state monies.
DR. SCHROEDER described the current budget at between $5 million
and $6 million. More than 40 percent is from philanthropic funds
and some comes from contracts with the Fish and Wildlife
Service, Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management;
federal agencies who want to employ ANSEP students. There is
about $1 million from the Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED), and about $1 million from UAA. He noted that
the bulk of the funding is not from general funds.
8:35:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked for the average class size.
DR. SCHROEDER replied that they work with units of 54 students
in middle school and it varies with the acceleration program,
which had 120 students last summer.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ inquired how many ANSEP graduates go to
UAA.
DR. SCHROEDER said almost all students stay in Alaska - 99
percent. Last year everybody attended UAA.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked for details about entrance criteria
per grade.
8:37:25 AM
MR. BOURDUKOFSKY explained that the criteria is different at
each level. At the middle school level, students submit a
transcript, test scores, a recommendation letter, and an essay
and are measured against all applicants. They must also be
students who are on track to finish Algebra I by the end of
eighth grade. High school applicants must test into college
level math, intermediate algebra, and science courses that are
offered. At the college level there is no academic review
process after they are enrolled at UAA.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked what ANSEP's acceptance rate is.
DR. SCHROEDER replied that there are way more who apply than
ANSEP can accept. He pointed out that they do not have the
financial resources to accept more.
MR. BOURDUKOFSKY added that about half who apply are accepted.
He said that at the university level all students who apply are
accepted into ANSEP. Last summer there were about 500 ANSEP
students on campus.
DR. SCHROEDER spoke of the letter sent to students who are not
accepted. It details what they have to do to be accepted the
next time.
8:40:25 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked if the year-round boarding school
concept will change anything about who will apply.
DR. SCHOREDER said no. He predicted that the students would be
excited about it.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON inquired if students who are currently at
boarding schools participate in ANSEP.
DR. SCHROEDER said they have had students from Mt. Edgecumbe and
from Galina.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ requested a breakdown on where ANSEP
students come from.
DR. SCHROEDER agreed to provide that information. He said
students come from 96 different communities.
8:42:01 AM
CHAIR KELLER agreed that it was an exciting opportunity. He
challenged the committees to consider writing a bill on the
program.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ said the program is exciting. She wished
to see a similar program for non-Native students.
DR. SCHROEDER said everyone is welcome to ANSEP. He predicted
that many parents in the state are going to want this
opportunity. He stated that ANSEP is about raising the bar for
the state. He opined that once that happens, the philanthropic
money will flow into the state from all over. He said that ANSEP
has raised more than $40 million to support its work.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ thanked Dr. Schroeder for raising the
bar.
8:44:00 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS thanked Dr. Schroeder for his work. He asked
what the key implementation study finding related to the "tense
climate" at UAA was about.
DR. SCHROEDER explained that a year-and-a-half ago the
atmosphere at the university was tense because there were people
in the system who were fearful about losing funding because of
ANSEP. Currently at UAA there is a very supportive
administration, but there are still those in the system that
don't appreciate potential. There also used to be overt racism,
which has lessened, but is still present.
SENATOR HUGGINS noted the Mat-Su School District has an
accelerated program where high school students can take college
prep and college courses. He asked if Dr. Schroeder has worked
with other schools on the ANSEP model.
DR. SCHROEDER said he works well with the Mat-Su program and
pointed out that both programs face the same challenges.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ referred to page 11 of the Urban
Institute's booklet and asked about "careful sustainability
planning."
DR. SCHROEDER stated that careful sustainability planning will
be crucial to ANSEP's long-term success. He said ANSEP
recognized sustainability as a problem years ago so it developed
nine key sustainability goals, which all have been met. One of
the goals that was met this year was to have Alaska Native
instructors on university faculty or in masters programs, so
there is a cadre of leaders in ANSEP going forward.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ complimented Dr. Schroeder and read a
finding that stated, "ANSEP has benefited from a charismatic
leader whose personality is central to the program."
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON spoke of ANSEP as key to success in rural
Alaska. He suggested that the proposed ANSEP boarding school
program would meet Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
requirements, such as every student must have access to advanced
courses. He suggested to look at the success of this program and
other acceleration programs for the betterment of rural Alaska.
He spoke in favor of giving ANSEP the ability to grow.
8:50:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked about a statement in the booklet
that talks about program expansion to additional university
campuses and schools and the operational challenges, such as
staffing and facilities.
DR. SCHROEDER said it means, "We don't have enough money." ANSEP
is only limited by the amount of resources available. He pointed
out that the staff of ANSEP consists of eight people.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked what would be the optimal budget.
DR. SCHROEDER responded that it would be enough to take the
program to the whole state and would be cost effective.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked how much money would be needed for
that.
DR. SCHROEDER said he has no idea and has to take it one piece
at a time.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked how much would be needed for the
Mt. Edgecumbe program.
DR. SCHROEDER shared how a successful Mt. Edgecumbe would take
some pressure away from the university, by preparing students
before they enroll. He stated that he would need no new funds at
this point.
8:53:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ asked for the college graduation rate.
DR. SCHROEDER said since 2010, 75 percent of ANSEP college
enrollees have graduated or are still enrolled in the program.
The national average is nowhere near that. For regular Native
enrollees, it is below 30 percent.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked about three things Dr. Schroeder would do
if ANSEP was fully funded.
DR. SCHROEDER replied that he would build the acceleration high
school, make middle school academies available in districts
around the state in order to run one a month, and make sure
students have scholarship support at the university.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked how much potential the cyber approach has
in ANSEP.
MR. SCHROEDER said cyber approach does not fit with ANSEP's
model because ANSEP does everything in teams. He explained that
they have been trying cyber learning for a long time, but
students' education is built on friendships.
8:56:05 AM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY noted that public education is for lifting
challenged individuals up. He stated that ANSEP statistics are
very convincing. He suggested that legislators give this program
some thought.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY turned the meeting over to Chair Keller.
CHAIR KELLER announced that the next topic would be Alaska
Measures of Progress (AMP).
^Alaska Measures of Progress (AMO) Assessment & Accountability
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) Assessment & Accountability
CHAIR KELLER referred to the announcement by Commissioner Hanley
that the state is abandoning the Alaska Measures of Progress
(AMP) assessment and will be putting out a new RFP to find a new
vendor. He commended Commissioner Hanley, superintendents, and
the State Board of Education for their work on the state testing
plan. He highlighted the importance of the teaching profession.
He pointed out that many of the education issues have to do with
accountability and funding, but the important part in the
process is the kids.
He turned to the subject of federal requirements for Alaska's
accountability shifting back to the local level and the state's
opportunity to ensure that the accountability system is
credible. He cautioned not to consider the rejection of the AMP
as the end of the process.
9:01:40 AM
LISA SKILES PARADY, Ph.D., Executive Director, Alaska Council of
School Administration (ACSA), presented information on the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP). She referred to the press
release stating that Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED) would issue a new RFP to replace AMP for the
2016-2017 school year. She stated that ACSA is pleased to see
this happen as there was consensus to go in this direction. She
noted that ACSA is committed to continue to work with DEED to do
a comprehensive review of Alaska's accountability system.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked what is going to be different in a
new RFP for an assessment based on Alaska Standards. He
questioned what changes ACSA and DEED would be looking for.
DR. PARADY deferred to the upcoming testifiers to answer.
9:05:29 AM
MICHAEL JOHNSON, Ph.D., President, Alaska Council of School
Administrators, Superintendent, Copper River School District,
testified during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of
Progress (AMP). He read the press release regarding the decision
to move in a new direction away from the AMP test. He commented
that behind the press release there were over two years of hard
work and dedication by the Commissioner and his staff. He
thanked them for their commitment to Alaska students and for
remaining focused on improving student achievement. He thanked
the superintendents, educators, and students who worked with
DEED last spring and will again this spring to administer AMP.
He also thanked the members of the committees for their
countless hours working for Alaska students.
DR. JOHNSON related that Commissioner Hanley also noted in the
press release that "the recent passage of the federal Every
Child Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides new flexibility for the state
in designing their assessment system." He goes on to say that
"Alaska needs to take full advantage of the opportunity the new
ESSA provides and time is of the essence for moving in a
direction that better serves Alaska students." Dr. Johnson said
he agrees with Commissioner Hanley. Rather than take the path of
least resistance, he suggested focusing on developing education
policy that reflects the culture, the courage, and the common
sense of Alaskans. He cautioned to focus on the unique flavor of
Alaskan values that would truly improve student achievement.
CHAIR KELLER opined that "local control" refers to families. He
wondered if Dr. Johnson has any proposals to expand the role of
parents in a new accountability system.
9:09:00 AM
DR. JOHNSON related that the Copper River School District uses
the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment, and he
understood that 36 other districts also use it. He said that MAP
gives students, teachers, and parents the information they need
to improve student performance, and it informs the public how
schools are doing. He suggested moving toward what districts are
already doing instead of trying to create something new.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON discussed the issue of measuring students
against the Alaska Standards and pointed out that ANSEP does not
follow the Alaska Standards, but accelerates above them. He
questioned if Dr. Johnson was advocating for changing grade
level standards or the form and function of the assessment.
DR. JOHNSON explained that he would always advocate for raising
the bar and raising the standards, however, the Alaska Standards
went through a process and a lot of work and does not
necessarily have to be revised in order to have an assessment
that informs teachers and parents how students are doing.
9:11:26 AM
SENATOR STEVENS questioned whether a new vendor would provide
what the state is looking for. He pointed out that it is known
what the current vendor needs to correct.
CHAIR KELLER said Commissioner Hanley could respond to that
question after the superintendent testimonies were finished.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON requested superintendents to address
whether they want the MAP test to be used as the state
assessment, and whether that vendor, who applied under the
previous RFP will be considered now. He wondered if the real
crux of the matter was that districts remained with the MAP
instead of adapting to the AMP.
SENATOR HUGGINS requested to know the value of students taking
the AMP this year if the state is going to get rid of it. He
suggested that teachers will be asking this question.
9:13:57 AM
DEENA PARAMO, Superintendent, Mat-Su Borough School District,
testified during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of
Progress (AMP). She stated that the Mat-Su District and many
others were quite dissatisfied with AMP and now the State Board
of Education has recognized AMP's deficiencies and has made the
decision to sever ties with it. She hoped that superintendents
would have input on the selection of a new assessment. She said
the Mat-Su District believes that MAP can provide the assessment
needed to inform parents and students.
DR. PARAMO addressed the question asked about the Alaska
Standards. She discussed the reasons behind needing an
assessment in order to measure the mastery of students' skills.
She said that MAP is a good test because it shows what students
already know. She pointed out that MAP is not grade-level
dependent. MAP was not successful in its bid because it did not
have an end-of-the-year test, a summative assessment. She
understood that the MAP vendor - Northwest Evaluation
Association - is currently working on such a test. She stressed
that the district needs timely information in order to change
"what we do so that kids understand."
DR. PARAMO noted that her district implemented MAP eleven years
ago and some of the biggest supporters are home school families.
It is about keeping the district accountable and MAP does that.
9:18:22 AM
SENATOR STEVENS asked whether Dr. Paramo is suggesting that
superintendents be involved in selecting a new vendor.
MS. PARAMO replied that she would like to be a part of the
"gemba" or "where the value is added." She said it is the people
in a school district who deal with tests who make the
difference. She stressed that the value of including districts
would be shown in the classroom and will improve education.
9:19:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE COLVER requested that Dr. Paramo speak to the
value MAP assessments provide to her district and the results of
using that test for eleven years.
MS. PARAMO said the district "changed the game" by using MAP.
She related that eleven years ago, 52 percent of students
leaving grade 3 were at grade level. Also, many students at
grade 2 had already mastered grade 2 standards. MAP and other
assessments identified where students were currently at and
added value to the system by allowing students to work at their
current level. Accelerated courses have been moved to lower
classes and, currently, about 80 percent of students leave third
grade on grade level. Also, MAP has end-of-course tests that
students can take when they are ready and can test out of
courses. Education is more individualized now.
9:23:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said he appreciated that information. He
pointed out that the state is required to use a summative
assessment, but districts are working on a different focus for
student learning. He asked how to make a summative assessment
key to what Alaska wants in education, instead of measuring
grade-level Alaska Standards. He asked if there is an assessment
that changes the perspective of the Alaska Standards to reflect
student growth.
DR. PARAMO opined that the answer lies in the integrity of
Alaska's education leaders. She explained that in her district,
the school-based assessments (SBA's) were looked at "as a floor,
not a ceiling." The standards were not used just to meet the
SBA's. She stressed that schools should be looking for whether
students require remedial classes. She suggested that standards
provide information about what kids need to know, but educators
need to look beyond standards for success, in order to keep
education in balance. She agreed there is a need for an
assessment that shows mastery of grade-level skills, but
educators must also show that kids are growing in their
learning. She noted that AMP was supposed to create a dynamic
test in five years, but students don't have time to wait.
9:27:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON noted there are 53 districts in the state
that have grade-level standards and who are not required to
address grade level growth. The summative test will only give
minimum data on meeting the Alaska Standards. He asked if Dr.
Paramo is suggesting a new test to push the state to have a
growth model for all districts, as well as having a summative
assessment.
MS. PARAMO stated that MAP assessments will do both; continue
with the growth model and have a summative assessment that would
meet state standards. She stressed the integrity and involvement
of the whole state system in this process. She concluded that
the key to learning is determining what each student needs to do
next.
CHAIR KELLER said he considers the federal regulations a
detriment to Alaska districts.
9:30:18 AM
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent, Galena City School District,
testified during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of
Progress (AMP). He said he agrees with Dr. Paramo and Dr.
Johnson. He pointed out that there are no superintendents in
Alaska that are afraid of student assessment. He maintained that
the state needs both formative and summative assessments in
order to measure student growth and strengths and weaknesses of
standards.
MR. REITAN stated that the AMP implementation went well, the
testing process went smoothly, but the data provided after
testing was not useful for anyone. He requested a strong, robust
assessment model, easy to access, and that provides both
formative and summative information.
9:33:37 AM
SUE JOHNSON, Superintendent, Kuspuk School District, testified
during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
She said Alaska educators believe in assessment. She requested a
better summative assessment tool that is aligned with the state
standards and has meaningful data. She said AMP provided no
information about instruction direction. She spoke of time
wasted taking AMP and support for MAP.
9:37:03 AM
SENATOR STEVENS commented that the goal is to improve
achievement no matter the size of the district. He asked if
there were any differences due to the size of the Kuspuk
District.
MS. JOHNSON related that her district has 340 students within
120 miles, and the requirements of Kuskpuk's students and
teachers are no different than students from large districts.
She noted her district uses Common Core standards and they want
the same test results as all other schools in Alaska do. She
described a site with 13 students K - 10 and one teacher, with a
goal for all students to be successful.
9:39:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON pointed out that MAP does not have a
summative test. He asked if Kuspuk needs formative and summative
tests.
MS. JOHNSON said both are used three times a year. They are
looking for a summative test which would align with their
benchmark tests and would provide information on how to move
students to the next level. AMP does not do that, but MAP would.
She concluded that they are working for their students to exceed
the minimum standards.
9:41:56 AM
KEVIN SHIPLEY, Superintendent, Kake School District, testified
during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
He noted that in October he penned a letter signed by 18
superintendents expressing concern with AMP. The letter stated
that when ESSA is reauthorized, the superintendents would
encourage the State Board of Education to make drastic changes
to the current accountability structure. The department,
superintendents, educators, business people, and parents, should
help to create a more vibrant, long-term, and effective
integrated system of standards, curriculum, instruction,
evaluation, and review. He made suggestions as to how the system
could be improved.
MR. SHIPLEY said the passage of ESSA allows the state to provide
a system described above and set out in the 2012 Alaska Plan. He
commended the Commissioner for his leadership and his decision
to change from AMP, but he stressed that changing to another
test does not solve the problem, only addresses the symptoms. He
suggested making a systemic approach and integrating components
from the last process used to choose a test.
He opined that Commissioner Hanley had it right in his 2012
introduction to the Alaska Educational Plan when he stated,
"What is Alaska's vision for its schools and students? What are
our goals? What attributes and skills do we want high school
graduates to possess? What actions will meet these goals and
make this vision a reality? In short, the vision and goals of in
Alaska Educational Plan are our destination. The actions are the
road map. Knowing where we want to go, we can determine if our
expenditures of money and effort are efficiently and effectively
getting us there. The public having a clear vision for our
schools and students, can measure performance against the
goals."
He concluded that the state can create a system to allow Alaska
to be a leader in academic achievement for all Alaska children.
9:47:20 AM
DAVE HERBERT, Superintendent, St. Mary's School District,
testified during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of
Progress (AMP). He said his district and community believe in
accountability and has accepted the challenge to provide
instruction aligned to more rigorous standards, and AMP does not
provide the necessary data to inform instruction or help
students improve their academic achievement. He said he does not
understand how the state could spend the money, human resources,
and time on a test that does not work. He suggested the new test
provide useful data for schools, parents, teachers, and
students.
9:50:13 AM
BOB CRUMLEY, Superintendent, Chugach School District, testified
during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
He voiced disappointment in the AMP test and applauded the
Board, Commissioner, and department for their conviction for
raising the bar for Alaska students and working in their best
interests. He shared a previous district plan to achieve student
success by developing their own tests to ensure that learning,
not time, was the constant. He called the state exams secondary
to their own tests. He encouraged DEED to include
superintendents and district test coordinators when making
decisions on the next RFP for a new test.
9:55:02 AM
ED GRAFF, Superintendent, Anchorage School District, testified
during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
He suggested that the new test provide information about what
students individually already know based on the standards,
demonstrates an effective use of resources, provides useful
reports related to classroom instruction and parent
understanding, and that can be used throughout the state and
nation. He said his district supports more rigorous standards,
accompanied by high expectations and accountability. He spoke of
the importance of training and of implementation support for
assessment practices, and adequate financing. He wanted to
ensure that the time used for assessments is valuable, as is the
need to inform parents about their students' progress. He shared
that his district has goals for student academic growth and
proficiency, and having meaningful reports helps the district
align and allocate its resources
9:58:40 AM
SENATOR STEVENS said he has serious concerns about having enough
time to get a new assessment in place for 2017.
MR. GRAFF agreed that it is extremely time consuming and
requires the involvement of many stakeholders. He suggested that
the process must start now and have a plan B.
10:01:02 AM
STEWART MCDONALD, Superintendent, Kodiak Island Borough School,
testified during the discussion of the Alaska Measures of
Progress (AMP). He said there are 54 districts in Alaska made up
of diverse populations and sizes. It is important to take time
to understand the issue. He termed the state assessment "a
single tool in the tool box." He spoke of the goal to have
students college-and-career ready. He highlighted the programs
in Akiak. He stated that Alaska needs an assessment that
includes formative assessments. He concluded that the test will
be only a piece of the puzzle and the state needs time to choose
a new one. He described the role of superintendents as partners
with corporations.
10:10:10 AM
DAVID NEES, representing himself, testified during the
discussion of the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP). He stressed
the need to have a summative test as required by ESSA, and said
MAP is a formative test and not a replacement for AMP.
10:11:11 AM
At ease
10:11:38 AM
MIKE HANLEY, Commissioner, Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED), testified during the discussion of the
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP).
10:12:04 AM
SENATOR STEVENS cautioned that adequate time be taken to decide
on a new test. He wondered how to deal with the issue of
teachers and students not valuing the AMP test which is to be
given this April.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said the decision to not continue with AMP
caused a lot of anxiety. Moving forward with AMP was not
feasible considering the loss of confidence in doing so from all
of the stakeholders. This led to the decision to seek a new path
and go as fast as possible to get something in place for 2016-
17, but it will be a challenge. He said they need to take steps
forward in a feasible and intentional way, and include
stakeholders.
SENATOR STEVENS thought that a year from now the state may be
unhappy with the new test if the process is not done right. He
said "fast" is not necessarily right.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY agreed. He said we need to move together in
a way that is right and makes sense. He noted there are
significant changes in the new contract. For the previous RFP,
stakeholders requested an Alaskan-made test that would address
the diversity in the state. That was one of the strengths of AMP
and there were no concerns about the test contents. He stated
that MAP is an off-the-shelf assessment, with no Alaskan input,
aligned to a national set of standards. He stressed the
necessity of having a conversation about that.
10:16:15 AM
CHAIR KELLER said he appreciates Commissioner Hanley's
leadership.
10:16:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ congratulated the Commissioner for the
courage to change. She asked how much the AMP contract cost.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said it cost $25 million; $5 million each of
five years.
REPRESENTATIVE VAZQUEZ requested to see the next proposal in
writing. She agreed it was a short timeframe.
10:18:04 AM
CHAIR KELLER thanked the presenters.
10:18:11 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Keller adjourned the Joint House and Senate Standing
Committees at 10:18 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| ANSEP for Ed Committee 2016.pptx |
HEDC 1/27/2016 8:00:00 AM |
|
| FW Mt. Edgecumbe - Science School Swap.msg |
HEDC 1/27/2016 8:00:00 AM |
|
| University of Alaska ANSEP.pdf |
HEDC 1/27/2016 8:00:00 AM |
|
| Mt Edgecumbe high school an ANSEP STEM school.msg |
HEDC 1/27/2016 8:00:00 AM |