Legislature(2001 - 2002)
04/10/2002 08:06 AM House EDU
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
April 10, 2002
8:06 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Con Bunde, Chair
Representative Peggy Wilson
Representative Gary Stevens
Representative Reggie Joule
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Brian Porter
Representative Joe Green
Representative Gretchen Guess
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Steven Beardsley - Anchorage
Donna Peterson - Kenai
Vickie McCubbin - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
Education and Early Development Board
Sally Rue - Juneau
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Mark Begich - Anchorage
Joseph Hardenbrook - Fairbanks
Marlene Johnson - Juneau
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 293
"An Act relating to the teachers' housing loan program in the
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation; and providing for an
effective date."
- BILL HEARING POSTPONED
PREVIOUS ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
STEVEN BEARDSLEY, Appointee
to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission
13201 Reef Place
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission.
DONNA PETERSON, Appointee
to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission
52856 Tenakee Loop
Kenai, Alaska 99611
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission.
VICKIE MCCUBBIN, Appointee
to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission
4272 Birch Run Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission.
SALLY RUE, Appointee
to the Education and Early Development Board
7083 Hendrickson Road
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Education and
Early Development Board.
MARK BEGICH, Appointee
to the University of Alaska Board of Regents
P.O. Box 201627
Anchorage, Alaska 99520
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the University of
Alaska Board of Regents.
JOSEPH HARDENBROOK, Appointee
to the University of Alaska Board of Regents
P.O. Box 750362
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-0362
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the University of
Alaska Board of Regents.
MARLENE JOHNSON, Appointee
to the University of Alaska Board of Regents
8800 Glacier Highway, Suite 109
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the University of
Alaska Board of Regents.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 02-15, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIR CON BUNDE called the House Special Committee on Education
meeting to order at 8:06 a.m. Representatives Bunde, Wilson,
and Stevens were present at the call to order. Representative
Joule arrived as the meeting was in progress.
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS
CHAIR BUNDE brought before the committee the confirmation of
appointees to the Professional Teaching Practices Commission,
the Education and Early Development Board, and the University of
Alaska Board of Regents.
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Number 0128
STEVEN BEARDSLEY, Appointee to the Professional Teaching
Practices Commission, testified via teleconference. He
explained that for the past three years he has been a member of
the Professional Teaching Practices Commission and has learned
quite a bit about the difficulties facing school districts
around the state, especially with respect to retention of
teachers. He told the members that he found the districts were
knowledgeable about the ethics of teaching and that complaints
which had been investigated and ruled upon by the commission
were routinely and appropriately handled.
Number 0229
CHAIR BUNDE asked how many complaints have come before the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission in the last three
years.
MR. BEARDSLEY stated he does not have that number with him. He
explained that Bonnie Barber, Executive Director of the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission, logs and
investigates complaints, then brings meritorious cases before
the commission. Most of the complaints are handled by her or
commission staff.
CHAIR BUNDE asked how many meritorious cases have come before
the commission.
MR. BEARDSLEY responded that the commission had a major case
that took three days to hear testimony, rule upon it, go into
executive session, and then come out with a decision. He
estimated there have been five or six cases that were not
lengthy.
CHAIR BUNDE shared a concern from school districts that as
teacher shortages continue, the pool of applicants continues to
fall. He has been told by the districts that they are not
taking the "cream of the crop," but rather the "skim milk."
Chair Bunde asked if Mr. Beardsley noticed an increase in the
number of complaints that have come before board. Chair Bunde
also asked if there were more complaints last year than there
were the previous year.
Number 0435
MR. BEARDSLEY replied that there are more contractual
complaints. He shared a common example, where teachers will go
out to the Bush and find that things will not work out. It is
an ethical question for them to get up and leave, because it is
difficult to find someone at a moment's notice to teach in the
Bush. Substitutes are hard to find.
CHAIR BUNDE asked if there were any more questions for Mr.
Beardsley. He found there were none, thanked Mr. Beardsley for
his service, and advised him that his name would be moved
forwarded for consideration by the full legislature. [There was
a motion later.]
Number 0550
DONNA PETERSON, Appointee to the Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, testified via teleconference. Ms. Peterson
explained that her appointment is a replacement for Bob
Christal, who was the superintendent representative on the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission. She explained that
the commission is composed of one superintendent, one principal,
and five teachers. Prior to this appointment, she had been
sitting in at commission meetings to give a district
perspective. She indicated that the commission is seeing an
increase in the number of contractual violations, and is
reviewing the question of whether it is an ethical violation to
pick up, leave one district, and go to another. Ms. Peterson
stated that the commission has come out with some guidelines for
individuals and districts, and the process of dealing with
complaints. Members also deal with crimes and moral turpitude
and none believe that a person convicted of those kind of crimes
should be with children. She stated that during the short time
she has served on the commission it has been a positive
experience.
Number 0718
REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS asked how much time is devoted to the
commission.
MS. PETERSON responded that there are three, two- to three-day
meetings per year on average. Sometimes meetings are held by
teleconference. The executive director sends the information
prior to the meetings so the members can review the case studies
prior to the meeting. It normally takes the commission an hour
for each case review.
Number 0816
REPRESENTATIVE WILSON inquired about the reasons behind
contractual complaints. Is the problem that the working
conditions are completely different from what they expected?
MS. PETERSON agreed that is part of the recruitment and
retention problem. She further indicated her uncertainty that
the districts are presenting an accurate picture of what it is
like to work in a lot of places in Alaska. She explained that
some teachers get off the plane and then get right back on, even
though they have signed a contract. Ms. Peterson shared some
examples of more serious ethical questions, where a teacher goes
from one district to another or signs contracts with two
districts. The commission must then determine if the teacher
should be sanctioned, or if his/her certificate should be
revoked so he/she will not be able to teach in the Alaska. She
explained the dilemma that if the commission punishes them, the
teachers are not being prepared for a job.
Number 0933
CHAIR BUNDE stated that since there is a signed contract, this
is not only an ethical question, but a legal one as well.
MS. PETERSON responded that the districts pursue that kind of
recourse. The commission deals with certification and whether
they be allowed to work in the state of Alaska.
CHAIR BUNDE inquired if there are allowances for extenuating
circumstances in breaking contracts, such as the recent
experience in Kivalina.
MS. PETERSON assured Chair Bunde that the commission considers
many extenuating circumstances. The question of merit when
dealing with ethical violations is very important.
Number 1024
REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS asked Ms. Peterson if she is comfortable
with the ethics training provided to teachers, and when and
where that occurs.
MS. PETERSON said that leadership classes have an ethics
component for administrators and superintendents. The
expectation is that it is passed on to teachers. The commission
also provides a packet to the districts to provide to teachers.
This year the commission worked to assure that the poster and
the professional code of ethics were in every school. A
newsletter goes out three time a year; for example, one of them
was on procedures on breach of contract. Ms. Peterson told the
members that today the Kenai Peninsula School District is
conducting a full day of ethics training with 60 administrators.
While each district handles training differently, the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission provides the
materials.
Number 1200
CHAIR BUNDE shared one concern he heard last fall concerning
smaller or remote schools throughout Alaska, which was that the
picture painted was not always accurate. The teachers in the
smaller or remote schools were not apprised of the reality of
their teaching situation. Chair Bunde asked if there is
anything the Professional Teaching Practices Commission can do
to counsel districts to prevent these problems by being more
realistic in their recruitment activities.
MS. PETERSON explained that the commission has a more informal
role with respect to that problem; however, she indicated the
commission does work with the Department of Education [and Early
Development] from the certification angle with retention-and-
recruitment "grants people." The commission lets them know we
are seeing increases in breach of contract because of certain
factors. The commission has asked them what they are doing to
better prepare people to do the job they need to do and honor
their contract.
Number 1407
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE asked what recommendations the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission would put forward with respect to
the breach-of-contract problem. He indicated the committee
[House Special Committee on Education] may look at housing
problems. However, he asked, based on the problems the
commission has seen, what recommendations the commission might
offer. Would the commission suggest work on cross-cultural
communications, mentorship programs, or other issues that would
be helpful in addressing the problem either on the legislative
or district level?
MS. PETERSON responded that she does not see that as a charge of
the Professional Teaching Practices Commission, except on an
informal basis. She explained that the commission reviews
mitigating circumstances that need to be taken into account when
determining a sanction against an individual, and that is when
the commission works with districts. The commission might write
a letter to the superintendents' association, the state
Department of Education [and Early Development], or the
legislature, but it would always be based on a contractual
breach or sanction.
Number 1740
CHAIR BUNDE stated that he believes that while the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission may not have the official charge,
it does have the "cache" to encourage districts to reduce these
problems before they begin. Chair Bunde thanked Ms. Peterson
for her time and advised her that he would move her name on for
consideration.
Number 1815
VICKIE MCCUBBIN, Appointee to the Professional Teaching
Practices Commission, testified via teleconference. She told
members that this will be her second term, if confirmed, on the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission. She indicated that
she has served on the commission during the previous three
years. Her involvement through the commission has included work
with the National Education Association of Alaska, the
"educational excellence committee," and the "state teachers
certification advisory committee." She said her service working
with the school districts as the local "AEA" Mentor Coordinator
to address the problem of retaining competent teachers has been
very rewarding, and she would like to continue to support that
effort with her twenty years of teaching experience.
CHAIR BUNDE stated that the committee appreciates her service.
Chair Bunde asked what her reaction was to his previous comment
that while it is not part of the Professional Teaching Practices
Commission's charge, the commission should be willing to pitch
in and try to reduce some of these problems before they begin,
particularly in the contractual areas.
MS. MCCUBBIN agreed, and said the commission has spent a great
deal of time in discussions with its newly appointed executive
director, Bonnie Barber. Ms. McCubbin told the committee that
the executive director has done a lot of proactive things to
work with teachers, districts, and other professional
organizations. She indicated that she sees this as a direction
the commission has shown a willingness to pursue. She feels it
is important to work with districts in advising them of their
responsibility in letting new teachers know what's in store for
them when they come [to Alaska]. She reiterated agreement that
the commission should take a proactive stance, rather than
trying to deal with problems in a punitive way later.
Number 1910
CHAIR BUNDE asked if she saw the University of Alaska having a
role in screening candidates that have a criminal history.
MS. MCCUBBIN replied that a screening process is in place to
look at prospective student teachers before they go into the
classroom. If any problems come to light during that process,
it is brought to Ms. Barber for review.
CHAIR BUNDE responded that screening at that point in the
student's college career is a little late.
MS. MCCUBBIN indicated that she is not aware of anything earlier
in the process, but that it would be worthy of discussion at the
next commission meeting. She added that as a member of the
Teachers' Licensure Committee she believes it would be
appropriate for that committee to focus on the issue, since its
venue oversees the steps toward initial certification through
the universities.
Number 2027
CHAIR BUNDE asked about the Youth Risk Survey and the concern
about privacy. He asked: If teachers do not maintain
confidentiality during the administration of the survey, would
the commission view that as an ethical violation? Would it be
viewed as significant enough to have serious sanction?
MS. MCCUBBIN affirmed that a breach in confidentiality of
student information would be viewed as an ethical breach. The
commission would review each case individually, look at all
circumstances, and determine a sanction.
CHAIR BUNDE said that in the commission's statements regarding
ethical conduct with regard to testing, it does not indicate it
is unethical for teachers to assist students in taking statewide
tests. Chair Bunde questioned why that would be the case.
MS. MCCUBBIN said that while she does not have the statement in
front of her, she is sure the commission spent a great deal of
time going over all the ethical considerations. Further, she
said since the test directions preclude teachers from giving any
assistance, if that were to happen [a teacher helping a student
during statewide testing], even though it is not specifically
spelled out in the statement, it would be considered an ethical
breach.
CHAIR BUNDE asked if the fact that a teacher did not follow the
specific instructions would that be considered an ethical
breach.
MS. MCCUBBIN said that is correct.
CHAIR BUNDE asked if there were other questions. Since there
were none, he thanked Ms. McCubbin for her service.
Education and Early Development Board
Number 2341
SALLY RUE, Appointee to the Education and Early Development
Board, testified via teleconference. Ms. Rue stated that as the
parent of two children who have come up through the Anchorage
and Juneau school systems, she has remained an active parent
from preschool through high school. She said she currently sits
on the site council at the Juneau Douglas High School; however,
since her second child is a senior this year, her career there
is about to end. Ms. Rue went on to say that she has served two
years on the Board of Education and Early Development and has
really enjoyed it. Prior to that service, she served two terms
on the City and Borough of Juneau board of education. She told
the committee that she has a deep and abiding passion for
education, has always been involved as a volunteer in this area,
and would like to continue.
Number 2500
CHAIR BUNDE asked, other than the constant of "more money for
salaries," what the board is considering to improve teacher
recruitment and retention.
MS. RUE responded that the board has been looking at a number of
things including changes in the certification process by
removing some of the obstacles, for example, streamlining some
of the paperwork and reducing some of the costs associated with
certification. She also said working conditions play a major
role in recruitment and retention of new teachers. Some of
those issues include lack of adequate resources, need for
professional development including mentoring with experienced
and/or retired teachers, and adequate notice before classes
begin. Ms. Rue pointed out that teaching is the only profession
which places the least experienced people in "the deep end of
the swimming pool." They are often the last to come into the
school, usually with only a day or two notice, and sometimes
they do not even know what grade they will teach until the last
moment. In addition, new teachers do not have a lot of
resources and materials to work with. Last week the board met
with Vivian Montoya, the Alaska teacher of the year, who happens
to be from Juneau; she spoke about her classroom, the stress she
feels about teaching kids to read, and the need to get books in
the hands of kids. Ms. Rue went on to share her personal
experiences as a weekly volunteer in her children's classrooms
and the advantage of experienced teachers with tremendous
resources that they have built up over many years. Some of the
classes had whole libraries for kids to choose from. She said
that some kids do not have easy access to books, and she feels
it would be very helpful to make sure that when new teachers
come into the classroom, they have access to a richer learning
environment.
Number 2731
CHAIR BUNDE agreed that it is important to have the resources
available for new teachers. He said that when his wife retired
from teaching kindergarten, she passed all of that information
on to another teacher. Chair Bunde asked if Ms. Rue heard
earlier discussions about the youth risk survey and the concern
about the "Big Brother" perception by the general public. If
so, what role does she see the board taking in addressing this
issue?
MS. RUE told the committee that as community leaders, the board
has the "bully pulpit" to talk to people about issues and ensure
that accurate information is distributed. However, with respect
to this particular issue, she is unsure of any further role for
the board. Ms. Rue explained that it is vital to have good
information, whether as an academic to improve student
performance, to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, or to assist in
other issues kids face. While many communities, including
Juneau, participate in the youth at risk survey, Anchorage does
not, which takes out such a huge chunk of the population that
the statistics statewide are not valid. She believes it would
be very helpful to allow districts to give the surveys without
having to work so hard to get positive permission from parents.
Number 3000
CHAIR BUNDE stated that he does not see hard work as the issue,
but that the hard work did not produce the results that were
hoped for. Chair Bunde stated that the Board of Education and
Early Development's web site is not very timely. As of late
March it still had the tentative agenda for February and
approval of the minutes of the November meeting. He said he is
concerned that untimely information would encourage suspicion of
the education system, and encouraged Ms. Rue to take a look into
the accuracy and timeliness of the web site.
MS. RUE agreed that is a point well taken and assured the
committee she will look into it.
Number 3110
REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS asked about the time commitment required
in serving on the Board of Education and Early Development.
MS. RUE replied that the time commitment is significant. She
explained that there are quarterly meetings that typically last
three days, with one day as a work session. In addition, there
are usually two special meetings, and a retreat each year. The
board members must also review packets prior to each meeting.
These materials require a substantial amount of time to read.
Finally, she stated that between meetings, members follow
education issues in order to remain informed.
Number 3246
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE asked if the Board of Education and Early
Development has discussed the possibility of K-14.
MS. RUE indicated the board has had some preliminary
discussions, but not detailed, intensive discussion of the
possibility of K-14 grades. The greatest attention has been on
both the front end and upper end of K-12, first, by making sure
that children are better prepared to go into kindergarten or
first grade, and then ensuring they have a better transition
after graduating from high school. There needs to be a plan in
place, whether it is college, junior college, or trade school.
She expressed a need to have more discussions about this issue
in the future.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE stated that there is a high drop-out rate
in many communities because they do not feel connected. What
role can the state board play in addressing the problem of
outlying communities and ensuring there is a seamless transition
from high school to college or vocational school for those
youths?
MS. RUE expressed her personal opinion that there is a real need
to have regional centers where opportunities are available for
high school graduates to get training. She testified that there
has been some discussion of regional boarding schools. However,
there are concerns that the drain on local schools would have a
negative effect on small communities. Ms. Rue pointed out that
it is not possible to have 13 and 14 grade levels in every
community.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE asked if the board discussed this with the
University of Alaska.
MS. RUE responded that a joint meeting of the Board of Regents
and Board of Education and Early Development is scheduled for
June in Fairbanks. Discussions with them on teacher training,
teacher preparation, and other programs are ongoing. She told
the committee there is more work to do on these issues.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE expressed concern for the student who does
not pass the high school qualifying exam by grade 12. He stated
that if there were a grade 13 and 14, then these students would
have another opportunity to pass the exams, and also would have
the opportunity to pursue something either at the academic or
vocational level.
MS. RUE agreed that it important not to lose students who get
discouraged by not passing the high school qualifying exam. It
is important to keep them in the system so that they can get the
skills they need. Ms. Rue expressed a desire to see a program
in place that would keep them in school, give them the skills
they need to pass the exam, and give them additional skills
necessary to enter the workforce.
CHAIR BUNDE thanked Ms. Rue for her service.
University of Alaska Board of Regents
CHAIR BUNDE then asked the appointees to the University of
Alaska Board of Regents to include in their opening statement an
overview of their priorities for the university in the coming
five years.
Number 3942
MARK BEGICH, Appointee to the University of Alaska Board of
Regents, testified via teleconference. Mr. Begich highlighted
his service as chair on a variety of corporations, nonprofit
organizations, and committees, such as the Alaska Student Loan
Corporation, Assets Board, Family Resource Center, and Spirit of
Youth Foundation. He explained that his focus has always been
for the youths of Alaska and the educational opportunities that
can be created for them. For the last five years he has worked
very hard with the Alaska Student Loan Corporation to assist,
with the help of the legislature and corporation staff, to turn
that organization around. These efforts should create some
credible opportunities for young people, as well as those who
are transitioning in their careers.
Number 4045
Mr. Begich, in response to Chair Bunde's request to address the
priorities for the coming five years, stated that he sees the
university system becoming an integral part in the development
and assistance of economic growth of the state. He sees
strategic planning of the university system as a vital element
in assuring economic development. He pointed out that
Representative Joule's question regarding [K-14] demonstrates
the need for the university to stay connected to all regions of
the state. The Board of Regents currently has a Planning and
Development Committee that is embarking on the daunting task of
developing a strategic plan between now and 2009. He sees this
as the most important goal, since a plan of action is necessary
to achieve the board of regent's goals.
Number 4226
MR. BEGICH highlighted a recent meeting that discussed concerns
in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. He sees an
enormous amount of opportunity for employment of Alaskans as
nurses, police, firemen, paramedics, and teachers. Many of
these positions are being recruited and filled by people who do
not live in the state, when, in fact, Alaskans could fill those
positions. While they may not have the skills yet, or may not
be in the right environment to fill those jobs, he sees this as
a great opportunity for the university to play a significant
roll in developing a qualified workforce. He told the committee
it is imperative that the university system work in all regions
of the state to develop this workforce, especially smaller
communities and campuses. He reiterated his desire to serve on
the University of Alaska Board of Regents to ensure that the
university will be a top-notch institution. He hopes that his
experience working with corporations, nonprofit organizations,
and the business community, and nine and a half years' service
as an elected official, will be beneficial to the institution.
Number 4319
REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS asked if the community college mission
that used to be in place will be retained as a part of the
University of Alaska.
MR. BEGICH responded that the regents had a strategic planning
session earlier this year where the issue was discussed. During
those discussions, his impression was that there was a great
deal of support for the community college mission. He referred
to the statistic that 65 percent of students at the University
of Alaska Anchorage do not go on to obtain full degrees. He
explained that many are in transition from one job to another or
something of that nature. He sees the university's primary goal
as one of educating Alaskans, and feels it is essential that
these students not be forgotten. Mr. Begich went on to say that
earlier this week the board met with chief executive officers of
hospitals and institutions of medical care where there is a huge
problem in filling positions with trained staff. The university
may offer standard degree or certificate programs for a variety
of needs to help train people. Part of that program will be
integrating the old community college mission into the new
mission of the university. He emphasized that there is a role.
There are an incredible number of jobs out there. Many students
will attend classes at night because they work a full-time job
during the day. The university has to keep that in mind as it
continues to educate Alaskans. Mr. Begich said he sees this as
an important function.
Number 4530
CHAIR BUNDE stated that in Fairbanks the teacher preparation
program lost its certification for a while. He asked whether
Mr. Begich knows if that has been recertified or, if not, what
activity is occurring to reestablish it.
MR. BEGICH stated that he did not know the status of the
program.
TAPE 02-15, SIDE B
CHAIR BUNDE thanked Mr. Begich for his service and indicated
that his name would be moved on for consideration by the full
House [and Senate]. Chair Bunde said he would accept a motion
even though all testimony had not been taken.
Number 4541
REPRESENTATIVE WILSON moved that the House Special Committee on
Education forward the names of the candidates for the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission, the Board of
Education and Early Development, and the University of Alaska
Board of Regents to [a joint session of the full House and
Senate] for consideration.
CHAIR BUNDE asked if there were any objections to Representative
Wilson's motion. There being no objection, the confirmations of
the candidates for the Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, the Board of Education and Early Development, and
the University of Alaska Board of Regents were advanced.
Number 4508
JOSEPH HARDENBROOK, Appointee to the University of Alaska Board
of Regents, testified via teleconference. Mr. Hardenbrook gave
a brief overview of his college career and involvement in the
University of Alaska system, highlighting his activities with
the statewide student association [Union of Students of the
University of Alaska], representation on the University of
Alaska Fairbanks College Bowl, and representation on the
regional team for Alaska in the national tournaments in April.
He stated that he looks forward to continued service as a member
of the Board of Regents.
CHAIR BUNDE asked what his personal view is for the University
of Alaska for the next five years.
MR. HARDENBROOK responded that a high priority is good
participation from faculty, staff, and students in developing a
master plan that Regent Begich talked about earlier. He feels
that good support from all constituencies of the university will
enable them to develop a plan that will move the university
forward. One personal goal is to strengthen the Alumni
Association. Citing the latest U.S. News and World Report
rankings of institutions, he said the University of Alaska lags
pretty far behind in alumni support and participation. Mr.
Hardenbrook states that alumni recruitment and retention is one
of the keystones of his service as a regent.
CHAIR BUNDE stated that as a former faculty member he is aware
of the lack of available classes on Fridays, as the university
has reserved this day for administrative activities for faculty.
He added that he has heard this complaint from students, as
well. Chair Bunde asked Mr. Hardenbrook, if as a student, the
class schedule had been a problem for him, and as a regent, how
would he address that.
MR. HARDENBROOK explained that class schedules vary from campus
to campus. At the University of Alaska Anchorage, classes are
offered either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday,
with Friday being reserved for labs and three-hour classes. At
the University of Alaska Fairbanks, classes are offered Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday and Thursday. He stated that
he is aware that it is a concern in Anchorage, but in Fairbanks
it is not an issue. He does not think that a lot of students
want to take classes on Fridays anyway. Some students are
supportive of the way the classes are organized because it
allows them to take three-hour, once-a-week classes or four-hour
labs on Friday. He stated that it allows them to have their
evenings free.
CHAIR BUNDE replied that the cost of maintaining those buildings
continues whether there is a class meeting on Friday or not.
Even if it cuts into a student's three-day weekend, it is
important to maximize the use of those facilities.
MR. HARDENBROOK agreed, but indicated he is not sure what role
the Board of Regents would have on this. He added that he does
stay touch with the students' concerns and will see if there is
any way the administration and students can work constructively
on it.
CHAIR BUNDE thanked him for his service on behalf of the
students and wished him well in his college career.
Number 4044
MARLENE JOHNSON, Appointee to the University of Alaska Board of
Regents, testified via teleconference. Ms. Johnson gave a brief
overview of her interest and service in the education and
training of Alaska's youths for the past 34 years. She stated
that she has served 25 years on the local school board and
education committees for the school board association
[Association of Alaska School Boards]. While chairman of the
Sealaska Corporation, she implemented an internship program for
college students that is still ongoing today. The program has
successfully placed students in very good summer jobs. Ms.
Johnson has also served the University of Alaska system over the
last 25 years in various capacities, such as trustee for the
University Foundation, member on the Advisory Council for the
School of Fisheries and Sciences, and members of the University
of Alaska Southeast Site Council. She said she has served on
other local, state, and national committees in the areas of
education and health issues. It has been her passion to work on
behalf of young people.
Number 3838
MS. JOHNSON, in speaking about five year goals for the
University of Alaska, reiterated Mark Begich's comments
regarding the Board of Regents' commitment to increase access to
the university system for all Alaskans. She feels this goal can
be implemented through a combination of increased distance
education and maximization of university resources including use
of facilities of what used to be the community college program.
Many people want to get training, but do not want to enroll in a
four-year degree program. She stated that it will be essential
to increase involvement of faculty, student, and business
communities for support. Ms. Johnson said she is committed to
recruiting and retaining rural students in the university
system, primarily through the satellite campuses and distance
education. She expressed her interested in Representative
Joule's suggestion of a 13-14 grade and hopes that this kind of
a program could be offered through the local campuses. As a
member of the Academic and Students Affairs Committee, she said
she will be following up on this idea with the committee. The
Board of Regents are committed to the implementation of a
community college program because of the needs of students and
the business community.
CHAIR BUNDE expressed his appreciation for Ms. Johnson's support
of and interest in a community college program. He noted that
as the university system looks to making the community college
available to all Alaskans, it would require an expansion of the
community college mission.
Number 3555
REPRESENTATIVE STEVENS expressed his appreciation for Ms.
Johnson's support of the community college mission. He asked if
she would comment on vocational education.
MS. JOHNSON advised members that the vocational education issue
will be on the June agenda. She said the board needs to talk
with the business communities to determine what jobs out there
are not being filled. Some classes are offered at one campus,
but not at another. For example, the Board of Regents are
looking at how we can make sure those students in Fairbanks can
take nursing courses, when the major program is in Anchorage.
With distance education the university has the capacity to offer
the classes throughout the University of Alaska campuses. A lot
of community college training such as computer training,
welding, and mechanics is actually vocational training.
CHAIR BUNDE said he had seen many students come to the
University of Alaska to take only one class or certificate, but
then go on to get a degree. He thanked Ms. Johnson for her long
and dedicated service to Alaska's students.
The confirmations of all the appointees to the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission, the Board of Education and Early
Development, and the University of Alaska Board of Regents were
advanced.
Number 3355
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Education was adjourned at 9:08 a.m.
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