Legislature(2021 - 2022)DAVIS 106
03/18/2022 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s):|| Professional Teaching Practices Commission|| University of Alaska Board of Regents | |
| HB173 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | HB 173 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 18, 2022
8:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Harriet Drummond, Co-Chair
Representative Andi Story, Co-Chair
Representative Tiffany Zulkosky
Representative Grier Hopkins
Representative Mike Prax
Representative Mike Cronk
Representative Ronald Gillham
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Emma Melkerson Kivalena
Adam Reid Anchorage
Lem Wheeles Anchorage
Deborah Riddle Juneau
Kimberly Bergey Palmer
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Kali Spencer Eagle River
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 173
"An Act relating to state education policy; relating to school
climate and connectedness; establishing the School Climate and
School Connectedness Improvement Committee; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 173(EDC) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 173
SHORT TITLE: SCHOOL CLIMATE & CONNECTEDNESS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) TARR
04/14/21 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/14/21 (H) EDC, FIN
05/07/21 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
05/07/21 (H) Heard & Held
05/07/21 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
03/07/22 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
03/16/22 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
WITNESS REGISTER
EMMA MELKERSON, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Kivalena, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission, provided her
qualifications, and answered questions.
KALI SPENCER, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the University
of Alaska Board of Regents, provided her qualifications, and
answered questions.
ADAM REID, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission, provided his
qualifications, and answered questions.
LEM WHEELES, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission, provided his
qualifications, and answered questions.
DEBORAH RIDDLE, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission, provided her
qualifications, and answered questions.
KIMBERLY BERGEY, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission, provided her
qualifications, and answered questions.
DAVID SONG, Staff
Representative Geran Tarr
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Issued closing remarks on CSHB 173, Version
G, on behalf of Representative Tarr, prime sponsor.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:07:00 AM
CO-CHAIR ANDI STORY called the House Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 8:07 a.m. Representatives Cronk,
Gillham, Hopkins, Drummond, and Story were present at the call
to order. Representatives Zulkosky (via teleconference) and
Prax arrived as the meeting was in progress.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^Professional Teaching Practices Commission
^University of Alaska Board of Regents
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
University of Alaska Board of Regents
8:08:11 AM
CO-CHAIR STORY announced that the first order of business would
be confirmation hearings.
8:08:56 AM
EMMA MELKERSON, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, shared that she taught kindergarten and first grade
at Mcqueen School and has taught in Kivalena for 11 years. She
said that being appointed to the Professional Teaching Practices
Commission (PTPC) would allow her to aid students in learning
and achievement and make the classroom a more welcoming,
engaging, and safer place.
8:10:17 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:10 a.m.
8:10:39 AM
CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND asked how her appointment to PTPC would
contribute to the success of students in Alaska.
MS. MELKERSON responded that highlighting teachers would help
with professionalism, raising the bar for educators across the
state; therefore, bringing excellence to the students in their
classrooms. In response to a follow-up question, she shared
that this would be her first appointment to the commission.
MS. MELKERSON, in response to a question from Co-Chair Story,
conveyed that Kivalina is a Native village with about 500
Iupiaq people. She said she practiced culturally responsive
education by incorporating the local culture into the classroom
as often as possible. In response to Co-Chair Drummond, she
said that she does not speak Iupiaq; however, she has worked
with and relied upon several fluent staff members to check her
spelling and pronunciation.
8:16:17 AM
KALI SPENCER, Appointee, University of Alaska Board of Regents,
informed the committee of her educational background and
relevant experience. She expressed passion for student
advocacy and credited her parents for fostering an appreciation
for educators and for knowing the importance of a quality
education.
MS. SPENCER, in response to a question from Co-Chair Story,
stated that she has been involved in student leadership for
seven years and shared her credentials. In response to Co-Chair
Drummond, she stated that she was first appointed to the board
last summer. In response to a follow-up question, she shared
the names of the board members she has worked closely with.
CO-CHAIR STORY inquired about the outreach process to different
universities.
MS. SPENCER responded that she has frequently attended meetings
of a coalition of student leaders. These leaders are from
various organizations across the state. She added that she has
also checked in with friends at different campuses. In response
to a follow-up question, she stated that she has served on an
ad-hoc committee on refining and clarifying the board's policy
surrounding tuition.
8:21:08 AM
MS. SPENCER, in response to a question from Representative Prax,
shared her belief that the university system's primary mission
is doing what is best for students by ensuring the university is
crafting an educational experience which meets its student's
needs. In response to a follow-up question, she said some of
the challenges in her position involve establishing stability,
confidence, and trust in the university.
8:22:52 AM
ADAM REID, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, shared with the committee his educational background
and relevant experience, noting that he taught horticulture at
King Tech High School before transferring to the virtual program
in the Anchorage School District (ASD). He expressed the hope
to continue serving the teaching professionals in Alaska. He
expressed the belief that it is imperative to provide students
with professional educators and Alaskans an outlet for
protecting students' rights to have the best education possible.
MR. REID, responding to Co-Chair Drummond, answered that King
Tech High School transitioned to a fully accredited, fulltime
high school in 2018 or 2019. In response to a follow-up
question, he described working closely with the Seeds of Change
program in Anchorage. He stated that the program attempts to
expand homegrown food opportunities to rural Alaska.
CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND pointed out that food security in Alaska is a
major discussion in the legislature. She expressed her hope
that students and educators from the horticulture program could
contribute to this.
MR. REID stated that his replacement at King Tech High School
was recruited from Seeds of Change where he specialized in food
security.
8:30:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked whether virtual instruction and remote
meetings presented challenges from PTPC's perspective.
MR. REID responded in the affirmative. He expressed the belief
that an increase in virtual learning made it difficult to
maintain an open-door policy and follow the general rule that a
teacher never be alone in a room with a student.
8:35:11 AM
CO-CHAIR STORY inquired about PTPC's duty to review the
department's regulations, as they relate to teacher
certification, and recommend any necessary changes.
MR. REID said the commission is considering different approaches
for teachers to become certified. He pointed out this could be
possible through nationally accredited colleges. He
acknowledged the staffing shortages among substitute teachers in
ASD, adding that PTPC is trying to facilitate teacher
recruitment, while maintaining high standards. In response to a
follow-up question, he stated that PTPC has made no official
recommendations to the Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED) regarding teacher certification. In response
to Co-Chair Drummond, he stated that he taught electives in a
variety of different science, health, and physical education
courses.
8:41:07 AM
LEM WHEELES, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, informed the committee of his educational background
and relevant experience. He noted that he is a high school
educator at Diamond High School, teaching AP government, AP
history, U.S. government, and student government. He said his
mission as an educator is to inspire students to be engaged
citizens. He said he empowers students to be politically active
by teaching government and its history. He said he teaches a
variety of political ideologies so that students can form an
educated opinion and engage in thoughtful, civic discourse,
regardless of their political beliefs. He shared that he has
served on PTPC for the past three years and currently serves as
chair. His goal has been to hold his colleagues to the highest
standards. He discussed the commission's responsibilities,
among which are promoting professional and ethical outreach and
responding to complaints. He addressed "the great teacher
resignation" and its impact on Alaska schools, districts,
students, and families. As a member of PTPC, he said he would
continue to work to increase education and outreach efforts to
ensure all educators are familiar with the code of ethics.
8:49:45 AM
MR. WHEELES, in response to Representative Prax, said PTPC could
make recommendations to the legislature; however, during his
time on the commission he has not seen anything which would
require changes to statute.
MR. WHEELES, in response to a question concerning homeschooling
from Representative Gillham, said he valued the many choices and
resources offered to families and students in Alaska, and more
specifically, ASD. He referenced the charter school programs in
various districts, which work as publicly organized homeschool
programs. He shared his belief that, in the age of virtual
education, Alaska has a better opportunity to support students
and families in these settings.
MR. WHEELES, responding to a question concerning culturally
inclusive courses from Co-Chair Story, explained that the
curriculum is designed to engage students with both content and
social and emotional learning. He emphasized the importance of
building a community of learners in his classroom, while
capturing the diversity of Alaska, particularly its state
government. In response to a follow-up question, he stated that
he has not taught classes on Tribal government.
8:59:08 AM
CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND questioned his perspective on SB 72. She
stated that this legislation would require a high school exit
exam on civics education.
MR. WHEELES expressed the belief that it would be "excellent" to
add a graduation requirement related to a government or civics
course; however, he opined that the citizenship exam is not the
way to accomplish this. He noted that some districts, including
ASD, have implemented a similar requirement, but it is not
currently a statewide requirement.
9:02:49 AM
DEBORAH RIDDLE, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, in response to a question from Co-chair Story,
explained that she replaced Tammy Van Wyhe on PTPC in August.
She informed the committee of her educational background and
relevant experience, adding that she currently oversees special
education and early childhood education at DEED. She expressed
appreciation that, during her time on the commission, Melody
Mann has made proactive efforts concerning pre-service educators
and teachers in general. She added that PTPC has set education
standards in Alaska. She added that she has taken the process
of evaluating complaints seriously, as it concerns livelihoods.
9:09:10 AM
CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND asked whether the Oregon school district,
where she previously worked, had put bond issues before the
voters for its operating costs.
MS. RIDDLE responded that she had been hired there because of an
unanticipated influx of students. When the bond measure failed,
she said the funding for her position dissolved.
9:11:21 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX noted the dichotomy between professional and
cultural standards and asked how she balanced conflicts between
the two.
MS. RIDDLE said it is vital to include stakeholders in state
plans and standards development, as this would balance competing
interests.
9:14:30 AM
KIMBERLY BERGEY, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, informed the committee of her background in
education and relevant experience. She shared that she
currently serves as the principal for Raven Homeschool, a
publicly funded statewide homeschool program. She expressed her
pleasure to be able to serve as the principal representative for
PTPC, thus far.
9:17:35 AM
MS. BERGEY, in response to a question from Representative Prax,
shared that she has benefitted from bilingual education in a
school setting, which is a key factor in her approach to
teaching in a classroom and incorporating different cultures.
She indicated that getting to know the students' cultural
connections helped to engage students and parents and aided in
student achievement. In response to a follow-up question, she
said she has not witnessed conflict between cultural norms and
professional standards in her work as an educator.
9:20:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM recalled that she lives on a commercial
vegetable farm and asked whether she had considered bringing her
students to the farm to teach them about agriculture and food
security.
MS. BERGEY responded in the affirmative. She stated that youth,
community members, and classes have made trips to the farm for
educational purposes. She added that the Alaska Farm Bureau has
done an excellent job of supporting agriculture in Alaska's
schools.
9:23:36 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS inquired about the numerous short-tenured
positions in her work history.
MS. BERGEY explained that she had multiple children with special
needs who required a specific level of care, and this care is
only available in certain communities. For this reason, she had
taken various positions where she could support her family
during this time. In response to a follow-up question, she
confirmed that she has the necessary certifications to serve as
the principal representative on the commission.
9:27:20 AM
CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND also expressed similar concerns about the
short tenures on her resume. She highlighted the issues with
teacher turnover in Alaska and asked how the state could retain
teachers in rural communities.
MS. BERGEY responded by emphasizing the importance of providing
appropriate housing for teachers in rural Alaska. In response
to a follow-up question, she clarified that her observation of
housing for teachers is a personal one. She continued that
during her membership of DEED's Instructional Audit Team from
2008 to 2010, the team had been tasked with looking at whether
education at a particular school had met state requirements.
MS. BERGEY, in response to a question concerning inclusion in
the classroom from Co-Chair Story, referenced her time at Clark
Middle School in Anchorage. She explained that it is imperative
to greet students and meet them where they are. She stated that
developing a dialogue with students produces vital information,
which can keep them engaged and help increase their performance.
9:34:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ZULKOSKY asked how working in many small Alaska
Native communities has helped shape her perspective and world
view.
MS. BERGEY said her background and interaction with Alaska
Native people is "different than most." She stated that she
understands the culture around hunter gatherers and respect for
elders. She emphasized the importance of teaching language
through tradition and tying concepts to culture.
9:40:59 AM
CO-CHAIR STORY opened public testimony on the appointees to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents and to the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission. After ascertaining that there
was no one who wished to testify, she closed public testimony.
9:41:38 AM
CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND stated that the House Education Standing
Committee has reviewed the qualifications for the appointees and
recommends that the following names be forwarded to a joint
session for consideration: Kali Spencer, appointee to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents; and Emma Melkerson, Adam
Reid, Lem Wheeles, Deborah Riddle, and Kimberly Bergey,
appointees to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission, to
the joint session for consideration. She reminded the committee
that this does not reflect the intent of any of the members to
vote for or against these individuals during any further
sessions for the purposes of confirmation.
HB 173-SCHOOL CLIMATE & CONNECTEDNESS
9:42:53 AM
CO-CHAIR STORY announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 173, "An Act relating to state education
policy; relating to school climate and connectedness;
establishing the School Climate and School Connectedness
Improvement Committee; and providing for an effective date."
[Before the committee, adopted as a working document on 3/7/22,
was the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HB 173, Version
32-LS0727\G, Marx, 1/27/22 ("Version G").]
9:43:33 AM
DAVID SONG, Staff, Representative Geran Tarr, on behalf of
Representative Tarr, prime sponsor of CSHB 173, Version G,
stated the proposed legislation resulted from a collaboration
with teachers across the state for many years. He asked for the
committee's support.
9:43:58 AM
CO-CHAIR DRUMMOND moved to report CSHB 173, Version 32-LS0727\G,
Marx, 1/27/22, out of committee with individual recommendations
and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection,
CSHB 173(EDC) was reported out of the House Education Standing
Committee.
9:44:44 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 9:44 a.m.
9:44:59 AM
CO-CHAIR STORY issued closing remarks and committee
announcements.
9:45:37 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Kimberly Bergey Application_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Kali Spencer Resume_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Kimberly Bergey Resume_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Lem Wheeles Board Application_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Lem Wheeles PTPC Resume_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Education Confirmation Memorandums.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Emma Melkerson Resume_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Deborah Riddle Resume_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Adam Reid Board Application - Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |
| Adam Reid Resume_Redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/18/2022 8:00:00 AM |
Confirmation Hearing |