03/07/2014 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB278 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 278 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 7, 2014
8:09 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Lynn Gattis, Chair
Representative Lora Reinbold, Vice Chair
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative Peggy Wilson
Representative Sam Kito III (Alternate)
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Gabrielle LeDoux
Representative Dan Saddler
Representative Harriet Drummond
OTHER MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Tammie Wilson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 278
"An Act increasing the base student allocation used in the
formula for state funding of public education; repealing the
secondary student competency examination and related
requirements; relating to high school course credit earned
through assessment; relating to a college and career readiness
assessment for secondary students; relating to charter school
application appeals and program budgets; relating to residential
school applications; increasing the stipend for boarding school
students; extending unemployment contributions for the Alaska
technical and vocational education program; relating to earning
high school credit for completion of vocational education
courses offered by institutions receiving technical and
vocational education program funding; relating to education tax
credits; making conforming amendments; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 278
SHORT TITLE: EDUCATION: FUNDING/TAX CREDITS/PROGRAMS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/24/14 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/14 (H) EDC, FIN
02/03/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/03/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/03/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/07/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/07/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/07/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/10/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/10/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/10/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/14/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/14/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/14/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/17/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/17/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/17/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/24/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/24/14 (H) Scheduled But Not Heard
02/26/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/26/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/26/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/28/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/28/14 (H) Heard & Held
02/28/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
03/05/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
03/05/14 (H) Heard & Held
03/05/14 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
03/07/14 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
WITNESS REGISTER
MIKE HANLEY, Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Education and Early Development (EED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions, during the hearing
on HB 278.
LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner
Office of the Commissioner
Department of Education and Early Development (EED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions, during the hearing
on HB 278.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:09:46 AM
CHAIR LYNN GATTIS called the House Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 8:09 a.m. Representatives Gattis, Reinbold,
Seaton, P. Wilson, and Kito III were present at the call to
order.
HB 278-EDUCATION: FUNDING/TAX CREDITS/PROGRAMS
8:10:11 AM
CHAIR GATTIS announced that the only order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 278, "An Act increasing the base student
allocation used in the formula for state funding of public
education; repealing the secondary student competency
examination and related requirements; relating to high school
course credit earned through assessment; relating to a college
and career readiness assessment for secondary students; relating
to charter school application appeals and program budgets;
relating to residential school applications; increasing the
stipend for boarding school students; extending unemployment
contributions for the Alaska technical and vocational education
program; relating to earning high school credit for completion
of vocational education courses offered by institutions
receiving technical and vocational education program funding;
relating to education tax credits; making conforming amendments;
and providing for an effective date."
8:10:18 AM
CHAIR GATTIS established that HB 278 has been before the
committee multiple times, and acknowledged the work accomplished
thus far. She referred to the committee packet, and the 16 page
handout labeled "HB 278 by Individual Components," to introduce
it as the reference document for purposes of addressing and
amending the 10 sections of the bill. Continuing with the
handout, she drew attention to page 1, with the subheading, "1.
Increasing the base student allocation." and paraphrased the
final entry on the page, which read [original punctuation
provided]:
House Education Committee will NOT address this
section - it will be advanced to House Finance
Committee.
CHAIR GATTIS noted no comments or objections from the committee
for setting this section aside.
8:11:31 AM
CHAIR GATTIS directed attention to page 2 of the committee
handout, with the heading, "2. Repealing the secondary student
competency exam (HSGQE)", to address the topic of the High
School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE). She reminded the
committee that HB 220, a bill specific to repealing the HSGQE,
was previously heard, amended, and passed out of this committee.
8:12:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III suggested the inclusion of the Armed
Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, as an
additional assessment option.
8:13:41 AM
MIKE HANLEY, Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Education and Early Development (EED), pointed out
the two components involved: removal of the HSGQE as a high
stakes test; and approving tests for state funding as proposed
in a separate section of the bill. Addressing the question
regarding the inclusion of ASVAB, he reported that the
department considered it for inclusion, however, proctoring was
a concern as it is administered in a manner unique from the
WorkKeys assessment, the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) and
the American College Testing (ACT).
8:15:40 AM
CHAIR GATTIS recalled that, while in school, her student was
administered the military assessment with his entire eleventh
grade class.
8:17:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON directed attention to HB 278 page 3, lines
19-22, and the language bracketed for deletion. He expressed
interest in offering an amendment to retain the first portion of
the bracketed sentence which requires collection of data
regarding the number of teachers by district and school who are
teaching outside their area of endorsement. He maintained that
this information is valuable and should be retained, independent
of eliminating the HSGQE.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said the entire sentence is bracketed for
removal because it is connected to the HSGQE, and was deemed
information that is not utilized or actionable. The expectation
is that teachers are hired in areas in which they are endorsed
or highly qualified. A school with only 10 students may be an
exception to this, but neither can it be forced to hire another
teacher.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON pointed out the preceding paragraph, line
17, and asked about the actionable aspect associated with it,
then read the language, which states:
(7)[(8)] the number and percentage of turnover in
certificated personnel and superintendents ...
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said currently the expectation is that
teachers are hired who are highly qualified, but exceptions
exist. Regarding turnover, strategies are devised to assist
schools to improve retention rates.
8:22:17 AM
CHAIR GATTIS agreed with eliminating requirements for the
collection of data which is not actively utilized; ensuring
educators more time for teaching.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON maintained that the information regarding
the number of teachers who are working outside of their area of
endorsement, could prove important if a district has a school
that is under performing.
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III pointed out that the rural areas are
often restricted regarding hiring options.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON said that the data could prove helpful
to the urban school districts and agreed the information would
be less helpful to the rural schools.
CHAIR GATTIS cited this as housekeeping language to eliminate a
requirement for reporting that is not used by the department.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON pointed out that it wouldn't be used for
penalty purposes, but might prove to be helpful information for
analyzing the performance of a school, should the question
arise.
8:26:29 AM
LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner,
Department of Education and Early Development (EED), said the
data exists, but is not utilized or reported on a routine basis.
He said a report could easily be generated if necessary, thus
the language is redundant, and he advised allowing the deletion
indicated in HB 278.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON stated satisfaction, knowing that the data
is accessible and reportable.
8:28:13 AM
CHAIR GATTIS said removing the HSGQE has been argued and deemed
by the committee to be appropriate and the question is how to
best handle the transition period. She offered that one option
for any student not receiving a diploma might be a general
educational development (GED) certificate. Another
consideration would be to provide a diploma to any student who
has fulfilled all other graduation requirements; honoring the
validity of the courses which they have completed. The goal is
to save money, and by not extending the transition period to
three years, a significant savings will be realized and could be
directed to the classroom.
8:30:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved Conceptual Amendment [2], to read:
Page 2
Delete lines 12-31
Insert CSHB 220(EDC)
Page 3
Delete lines 1-22
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD objected.
8:32:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III asked for a brief understanding of the
changes in CSHB 220(EDC) that will be incorporated into HB 278.
8:32:58 AM
COMMISSIONER HANLEY provided that the governor requested a three
year transition period, during the elimination of the HSGQE, and
CSHB 220(EDC) reduced it to a one year period.
8:33:34 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:33 a.m. to 8:41 a.m.
8:43:47 AM
CHAIR GATTIS referred to the committee handout, page 4, and
read:
Amends information required to be included in the
annual February 15 report to the legislature by
removing the related to the high school competency
exam.
Amends information required to be included in the
annual School Report Cards to the Public, which are
submitted.
Amends language to match what is measured on the
standard-based assessments.
Recommend amending to include transitional language
that includes allowing a substitution test with a
change to the effective date.
CHAIR GATTIS referred to the [committee handout] page 5,
Amendment A.26, labeled 28-GH2716\A.26, Mischel, 3/6/14, which
read:
Page 17, line 30, through page 18, line 5:
Delete all material and insert:
"* Sec. 33. The uncodified law of the State of
Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
RETROSPECTIVE ISSUANCE OF A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. (a)
At the request of a student made by June 30, 2015, a
school district shall issue a high school diploma to a
student who
(1) did not receive a high school diploma
because the student failed to pass all or a portion of
the secondary school competency examination;
(2) received a certificate of achievement
under former AS 14.03.075; and
(3) successfully completed the general
education development examination.
(b) On or before October 1, 2014, a school
district shall mail a notice consistent with this
section to each student who qualifies for a diploma
under this section to the student's last known
address.
(c) The Department of Education and Early
Development shall immediately post a notice consistent
with this section on the department's Internet website
with information about how to request a high school
diploma.
(d) In this section, "school district" has the
meaning given in AS 14.30.350."
8:45:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON pointed out that adopting Amendment A.26
will not accomplish the same action as adopting CSHB 220 (EDC),
proposed by the Conceptual Amendment [2].
8:46:49 AM
CHAIR GATTIS returned to consideration of Conceptual Amendment
[2] as the appropriate course of action, noting that CSHB 220
(EDC) better mirrors what is identified for amendment in HB 278.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON agreed, and said that many of the points
in Amendment A.26 were incorporated in CSHB 220(EDC), including
elimination of the HSGQE as well as transition language with
specific options for students pursuing a diploma; within a one
year versus a three year period.
8:49:10 AM
MR. MORSE said that CSHB 220(EDC) may not have included the
deletion of the report and endorsement language, as indicated in
HB 278 [page 3, lines 19-22]. He pointed out that HB 278
contains the transition language on page 18, and suggested the
committee restrict the amendment to that aspect; cautioning that
insertion of CSHB 220(EDC) may not accomplish everything
intended.
8:51:44 AM
CHAIR GATTIS confirmed HB 278 as the working document.
8:53:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON acknowledged that the language in CSHB
220(EDC) retains the reporting requirement for teachers working
outside their area of endorsement.
8:55:40 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:55 a.m. to 8:57 a.m.
8:57:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved Amendment 1, to Conceptual Amendment
2, deleting the language from CSHB 220(EDC) page 2, lines 15-16,
which states:
(8) [(9)] the number of teachers by district and by
school who are teaching outside the teacher's area of
endorsement [BUT IN AREAS TESTED BY THE HIGH SCHOOL
COMPETENCY EXAMINATION].
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said the intent is to align the two bills
and, thus, remove the language, as proposed for deletion, in HB
278, while retaining the remainder of the language in CSHB
220(EDC) for insertion.
9:02:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON removed her objection, and without
further objection, Amendment 1 to Conceptual Amendment 2 was
adopted.
9:03:11 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III turned to HB 278 page 3, lines 12-14,
and paraphrased the language, which states:
(5) [(6)] a description of the efforts by the
department to assist a public school or district that
receives a low performance designation under AS
14.03.123
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III noted the proposed changes that would be
re-inserted by adopting CSHB 220 (EDC), and directed attention
to the CS, page 2, lines 9-10, to paraphrase the language, which
states:
(5) [(6)] a description of the efforts by the
department to assist a public school that receives a
designation of deficient or in crisis;
9:03:49 AM
MR. MORSE said CSHB 220 (EDC) retains some language that the
department considers to be problematic, including the lines read
by the member, which relate to an archaic statute. As a
housekeeping measure, this language is deleted from HB 278.
9:05:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III moved Amendment 2 to Conceptual
Amendment 2, to affect CSHB 220(EDC) as:
Page 2
Delete lines 9-10
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON objected for discussion.
9:08:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III, conjectured on the need to focus on the
transition language, and directing attention to HB 278 page 18,
line 1, read, "Until June 30, 2017". He said amending this date
may be all that is necessary.
CHAIR GATTIS agreed that the major change to CSHB 220(EDC) was
the transitional language, and noted nods of agreement from the
EED representatives in the gallery.
9:08:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON opined that the amendments, stated thus
far may not be necessary.
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III suggested rescinding action for adopting
the language of CSHB 220(EDC), and focus on amending the
transitional language.
9:09:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III withdrew Conceptual Amendment 2, to
Conceptual Amendment 2.
9:09:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON withdrew Conceptual Amendment 2.
CHAIR GATTIS announced all amendments, thus far, as rescinded.
[Amendment 1 to Conceptual Amendment 2 was treated as
rescinded.]
9:10:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III moved Conceptual Amendment 3, to read:
Page 18, line 1:
Following "June 30,"
Delete "2017"
Following "June 30,"
Insert "2015"
Without objection, Amendment 3 was adopted.
9:15:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved Conceptual Amendment 4 [contained in
the committee handout labeled 28-GH2716\A.7, Mischel, 2/17/14],
which read:
Page 2, lines 1 - 10:
Delete all material and insert:
"* Section 1. AS 14.03 is amended by adding a new
section to read:
Sec. 14.03.073. Secondary school course credit. (a) A
school district shall provide the opportunity for
students enrolled in a secondary school in the
district to challenge a course provided by the
district by demonstrating mastery in the subject at
the level of the course challenged. A school district
shall give full credit for a course to a student who
successfully challenges that course as provided under
this section.
(b) A school district shall establish, within a
reasonable time, an assessment tool and a standard for
demonstrating mastery in secondary school courses
provided by the district that are likely to be or have
been the subject of a challenge requested under this
section.
(c) The board shall adopt regulations to implement
this section.
(d) In this section, "district" has the meaning given
in AS 14.17.990."
Page 8, following line 8:
Insert a new bill section to read:
"* Sec. 12. AS 14.16.050(a) is amended to read:
(a) The following provisions apply with respect to
the operation and management of a state boarding
school as if it were a school district:
(1) requirements relating to school district
operations:
(A) AS 14.03.030 - 14.03.050 (defining the school
term, day in session, and school holidays);
(B) AS 14.03.073 and 14.03.083 - 14.03.140 [AS
14.03.083 - 14.03.140] (miscellaneous provisions
applicable to school district operations);
(C) regulations adopted by the board under authority
of AS 14.07.020(a) that are applicable to school
districts and their schools, unless the board
specifically exempts state boarding schools from
compliance with a regulation;
(D) AS 14.12.150 (authorizing school districts to
establish and participate in the services of a
regional resource center);
(E) AS 14.14.050 (imposing the requirement of an
annual audit);
(F) AS 14.14.110 (authorizing cooperation with other
school districts);
(G) AS 14.14.140(b) (establishing a prohibition on
employment of a relative of the chief school
administrator);
(H) AS 14.18 (prohibiting discrimination based on sex
in public education);
(2) requirements relating to the public school
funding program and the receipt and expenditure of
that funding:
(A) AS 14.17.500 (relating to student count
estimates);
(B) AS 14.17.505 (relating to school operating fund
balances);
(C) AS 14.17.500 - 14.17.910 (setting out the
procedure for payment of public school funding and
imposing general requirements and limits on money
paid);
(3) requirements relating to teacher employment and
retirement:
(A) AS 14.14.105 and 14.14.107 (relating to sick
leave);
(B) AS 14.20.095 - 14.20.215 (relating to the
employment and tenure of teachers);
(C) AS 14.20.220 (relating to the salaries of
teachers employed);
(D) AS 14.20.280 - 14.20.350 (relating to sabbatical
leave provisions for teachers);
(E) AS 23.40.070 - 23.40.260 (authorizing collective
bargaining by certificated employees), except with
regard to teachers who are administrators and except
that the board may delegate some or all of its
responsibilities under those statutes;
(F) AS 14.25 (provisions regarding the teachers'
retirement system);
(4) requirements relating to students and educational
programs:
(A) AS 14.30.180 - 14.30.350 (relating to educational
services for children with disabilities);
(B) AS 14.30.360 - 14.30.370 (establishing health
education program standards);
(C) AS 14.30.400 - 14.30.410 (relating to bilingual
and bicultural education)."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 9, line 3:
Delete "sec. 14"
Insert "sec. 15"
Page 9, line 6:
Delete "secs. 14 and 15"
Insert "secs. 15 and 16"
Page 18, line 19:
Delete "Sections 17 and 35"
Insert "Sections 18 and 36"
Page 18, line 20:
Delete "Section 14"
Insert "Section 15"
Page 18, line 21:
Delete "15, and 18 - 20"
Insert "16, and 19 - 21"
Page 18, line 22:
Delete "Section 16"
Insert "Section 17"
Page 18, line 23:
Delete "Sections 22, 25, 28, and 31"
Insert "Sections 23, 26, 29, and 32 "
Page 18, line 24:
Delete "secs. 36 - 40"
Insert "secs. 37 - 41"
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said this language replaces HB 278 Section
1, with the language adopted by this committee and passed under
HB 190.
9:16:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON objected for discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said HB 190 allows students to earn course
credits through demonstration of mastery of the subject.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON removed her objection. Without further
objection, Amendment 4 was adopted.
9:17:51 AM
CHAIR GATTIS directed attention to HB 278 page 2, lines 11-23,
to take up the subject of college and career readiness
assessments.
9:18:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD indicated interest in gaining a better
understanding of the entire assessment process. The common core
and the Alaska Standards are similar; however, these standards
appear to represent a significant change in the system. She
reported on the receipt of constituent comments expressing
concern for the language as written in Sec. 2.
9:20:21 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said the legislature found it necessary to
consider the 70 percent of students who don't proceed to college
and WorkKeys was adopted to support these students. The test is
taken by every high school student and can be repeated to
achieve the highest score; WorkKeys assessments are recognized
on a national level; and the assessment ranking becomes part of
a student's transcripts. He opined that funding for an exam,
which will provide a student with this type of information is
important, and pointed out that it serves a purpose unique from
that of a college entrance exam. Providing funding for only one
test eliminates a student's options, creates segregation in the
graduating cohort, and may represent a disadvantage in the work
place. The committee has implemented this system to ensure that
students graduate high school with a career ready status and
ranking. Removal of the requirement for the WorkKeys assessment
will change a philosophical direction that the legislature has
adopted.
9:24:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON directed attention to HB 278 page 2, lines
19-21, indicating that the state will only fund the
administration of a single test. Stating his belief that
administration of the WorkKeys assessment is required by
statute, he pointed out that a student's transcript may contain
a void, lacking the WorkKeys ranking. He proposed to offer an
amendment to fund WorkKeys, as well as one other college
readiness assessment.
9:26:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON expressed agreement with the proposed
amendment, and said that the state should fund appropriate
testing for all students. WorkKeys serves 70 percent of the
student population who statistically do not pursue a college
career. However, she said the state should also fund an
entrance examination of choice, for students who are college
bound.
9:27:20 AM
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said that the WorkKeys assessment is
administered by regulation as established by the Alaska State
School Board. The intent of HB 278 is to provide a choice, he
stressed, by removing WorkKeys from mandatory status and
including state funding of either the SAT or ACT. The bill
intent could also be satisfied by retaining the requirement for
the WorkKeys assessment, as well as stipulating that the state
fund an optional college entrance exam.
9:29:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD inquired about costs involved and
whether the tests compare with the common core standards.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY directed attention to the fiscal note,
indicating $525,000 for testing. With the adjustment of
removing the HSGQE and by enacting the option for WorkKeys v.
college assessment proctoring, he said the component will carry
a negative fiscal note. To a further question, he clarified
that the fiscal note will remain unchanged by the amendment.
The important aspect is to identify what options should be
provided for students, he pointed out, with an eye on the
performance scholarship.
9:32:42 AM
CHAIR GATTIS stated her understanding that HB 278 provides the
student with the opportunity to choose between taking the
WorkKeys assessment, the ACT, the SAT, or perhaps none.
9:33:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON pointed out that the committee has given
consideration to the statistical number of students who attend
college, how many earn a college degree, as well as the number
that leave college and enter a career field. The committee's
decision resulted in the regulatory requirement for WorkKeys to
be taken by every 11th grade student. He emphasized the need to
maintain and require this uniform test, which provides crucial
performance data as well.
9:34:05 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON stated her understanding that the
decision is whether the SAT or ACT tests will become state
funded exams, as the WorkKeys assessment is already in
regulation. Further, HB 278 changes the WorkKeys requirement to
a student option. She stated support for retaining the status
quo for WorkKeys while including funding for a college entrance
exam of the student's choice; SAT or ACT.
9:35:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III opined that the students should be
empowered to make the decision appropriate for them.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON explained that WorkKeys is given
specifically in the 11th grade to allow students to identify any
areas that they may need to bolster as they enter their final
year of high school and plan for life beyond graduation.
9:37:37 AM
CHAIR GATTIS upheld that the students and parents should be able
to make the choice.
9:37:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved Conceptual Amendment 5 to page 2,
line 19, such that the language read as follows:
The department shall provide funding for WorkKeys and
the administration of a single college readiness
assessment; SAT/ACT.
CHAIR GATTIS objected.
9:39:07 AM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wilson and Seaton
voted in favor of Conceptual Amendment 5. Representatives
Gattis, Kito III (Alternate), and Reinbold, voted against it.
Therefore, Conceptual Amendment 5 failed by a vote of 2-3.
9:40:27 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON moved Conceptual Amendment 6, requiring
funding of the WorkKeys assessment for all students.
CHAIR GATTIS objected.
9:41:27 AM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Wilson and Seaton
voted in favor of Conceptual Amendment 6. Representatives
Gattis, Kito III (Alternate), and Reinbold, voted against it.
Therefore, Conceptual Amendment 6 failed by a vote of 2-3.
9:42:15 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III moved Conceptual Amendment 7, to include
the following:
Page 2, line 23 following "assessment":
Delete "."
Insert "or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery"
9:42:27 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON objected for discussion. She recalled
that the test may need to be proctored on military grounds.
CHAIR GATTIS added that the department will bring concerns in
the event that this test is not deemed appropriate and requires
a further amendment to remove it prior to passage of HB 278 from
committee.
9:43:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON removed her objection. Without further
objection, Conceptual Amendment 7 was adopted.
9:44:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III explained that the test is required for
entry into the military to ascertain aptitude and determine
placement.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON conjectured that a contract to proctor the
test and a fiscal note may need to be considered.
9:45:25 AM
CHAIR GATTIS offered that further information would be made
available, and pointed out that these are federal tests.
9:46:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD objected to the course of action being
taken, during the hearing, and reviewed a number of procedural
points. Additionally, she expressed concern that amendments
were being adopted without the benefit of having fiscal notes
attached for consideration.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON pointed out that the amendment
procedure does not typically include fiscal note attachments.
9:50:01 AM
CHAIR GATTIS turned to page 8, [lines 10-30] to address the
topic of increasing the stipend for residential boarding
schools, and reminded members that the committee previously
considered and passed [HB 291} regarding this topic.
9:51:30 AM
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said the first consideration, of Sec. 12,
accommodates the requirement of residential facilities to file
an application by establishing an annual open period. Secondly,
HB 278 proposes an increase of the allowable stipend, as
specified by region.
9:52:29 AM
CHAIR GATTIS said that, although this section of HB 278 mirrors
HB 291 as passed, the effective date may need to be amended for
fiscal year alignment purposes.
9:52:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD expressed concern for the cost that
increasing the stipend will impose on the state's budget that is
currently running in a deficit.
9:54:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III asked for a recap of the programs being
served by the proposed stipend increases.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said the traditional full term resident
programs were expanded by legislative order, in 2013 to include
2-6 week, variable term programs. The variable term program
does not allow the base student allocation (BSA) to be directed
to the boarding school, but instead allocates a stipend to
offset the cost of housing the students. The bill also modifies
how the October count is handled to determine the BSA.
9:56:23 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON ascertained that the variable term
programs are funded for the year, as established during the
count period.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said correct, with the expectation that
students will attend 170 days of the school year. He clarified
that the student count remains with the home district school and
a stipend amount is generated for the variable program facility.
9:58:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KITO III asked if the change to this section
might generate additional variable term, as well as full term
residential programs.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY replied yes.
9:59:05 AM
CHAIR GATTIS reported village support for the variable term
program as a means to give students an experience that otherwise
would not be available, while not "losing" their children for
the entire school year.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked to have the effective date change
clarified.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said the date was an apparent oversight
should be amended to a July date, as September is problematic.
10:02:46 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON moved Conceptual Amendment 8, to read:
Page 18, line 20:
Following: "Section 14"
Insert: ", 12, and 13"
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON objected to ask whether other sections of
the bill required a similar effective date amendment.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY responded no, and offered that some dates
are established based on tax codes.
10:07:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON removed his objection, and with no further
objection, Conceptual Amendment 8 was adopted.
[HB 278 was held over.]
10:08:42 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2.26.14 Proposed Charter School Legislation Analysis.pdf |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| Charter Schools.pdf |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| Transportation of Pupils.pdf |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| Comments on Charter School Law Improvements (3).doc |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| GED Info from DOLWD.pdf |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| GED responses from DOLWD.pdf |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| Anchorage Charter Schools % ASD budget.xls |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| AnchorageCharterSchoolfacilities.xls |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |
| HB 278 Amendments committee working document.docx |
HEDC 3/7/2014 8:00:00 AM |
HB 278 |