03/08/2021 09:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB32 | |
| SB36 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 36 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 32 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 8, 2021
9:02 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Roger Holland, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Shelley Hughes
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Tom Begich
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 32
"An Act establishing the Alaska middle college program for
public school students; and relating to the powers of the
University of Alaska."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 36
"An Act relating to reporting requirements of the Board of
Regents of the University of Alaska."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 32
SHORT TITLE: COLLEGE CREDIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEVENS
01/25/21 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/21
01/25/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/25/21 (S) EDC, FIN
03/08/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 36
SHORT TITLE: U OF A REGENTS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEVENS
01/25/21 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/8/21
01/25/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/25/21 (S) EDC, FIN
03/08/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
TIM LAMKIN, Staff
Senator Gary Stevens
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB32 on behalf of the sponsor.
PAUL LAYER, Ph.D., Vice President
Academics, Students and Research
University of Alaska (UA)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke about the advantages of middle college
programs for UA.
DEENA BISHOP, Ph.D., Superintendent
Anchorage School District
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Described the Anchorage School District
middle college program.
TIM LAMKIN, Staff
Senator Gary Stevens
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the sectional for SB 36.
PAUL LAYER, Ph.D., Vice President
Academics, Students and Research
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Described the accreditation reporting and
process for the University of Alaska.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:02:41 AM
CHAIR ROGER HOLLAND called the Senate Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:02 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Hughes, Begich, and Chair Holland. Senators
Micciche and Stevens arrived shortly thereafter.
SB 32-COLLEGE CREDIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
9:03:13 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 32
"An Act establishing the Alaska middle college program for
public school students; and relating to the powers of the
University of Alaska."
He asked Tim Lamkin to introduce the bill.
9:03:44 AM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that SB 32 is informally
referred to as the middle colleges bill. It was active last
spring, but the pandemic halted its progress. He reported the
data shows that middle college/dual credit programs
significantly improve student success in both high school
graduation rates and in entering some manner of postsecondary
education. There are different models described with different
vernacular. In some models students physically go to a campus.
In some the college goes to the high school and then there are
virtual campuses and various hybrids and combinations. The bill
tries to capture the hybrid/combination model. The bill is not
intended to micromanage. It says there shall be an agreement
between the university and school districts that is consistent
with individual district needs, interests, and capabilities. The
bill wants to set up a framework and an understanding and
agreement between the university and districts about what will
fit.
MR. LAMKIN advised that the sponsor negotiated some changes last
year in the Finance Committee so it is not one size fits all,
but that it is more readily available. He noted that some
districts are already successfully offering this.
9:06:13 AM
MR. LAMKIN presented the sectional:
Sec. 1: AS 14.07.168 Regarding an annual report
submitted to the Legislature by the state Board of
Education and Early Development, amended to include in
that report a current summary of middle college
activity and outcomes in the state.
Sec. 2: AS 14.30 is amended to add a new Article 15,
relating to the Alaska Middle College Program.
AS 14.30.780 (a) Establishes a Middle College
program for eligible students in high school
to enroll in courses at the University of
Alaska, and to earn credit toward a college
degree as well as credit toward high school
graduation.
(b) UA shall enter into an agreement with
each school district to participate in the
AMC, giving access to any eligible student
to participate in the program.
(c) Eligibility: Establishes baseline
student eligibility requirements to include
being enrolled in a public school, be in
high school (grades 9-12), to not have
already received a high school diploma, and
demonstrate to the satisfaction of both the
school district and the UA as being
academically competent to complete college
level coursework.
(d) Awareness: Requires school districts to
establish and maintain awareness of AMC
course offerings and eligibility
requirements to students and parents,
including the academic and social
responsibilities of participating in the
AMC.
(e) Financing: UA and school districts shall
include in their respective MOU a manner of
sharing costs associated with providing the
AMC program locally, including tuition
waivers, scholarships, and other means of
reducing program costs and finding
efficiencies.
(f) Course Quality: specifies that courses
offered by the AMC must meet quality and
content standards, including quality
instruction, and regular course and
instructor review.
(g) Credit Cap: Under the AMC program,
students may not enroll in more than 15
credit hours per semester, nor earn more
than a total of 60 credits.
(h) ADM: Holds harmless a school district's
Average Daily Membership (ADM) calculation.
Students participating in the AMC program
are to still be counted toward the
respective school district's ADM.
(i) Transcripts: Allows the UA and school
districts to exchange student transcript
information for purposes of determining
program eligibility or for graduation
requirements.
(j) Definitions: Provides definitions for
use of the term "program" in this section as
being the AMC program, and for "school
district" as consistent with other uses of
that term in statute, as defined on AS
14.30.350.
Sec. 3:AS 14.40.040, relating to general powers and
duties of the UA, is a conforming amendment to:
(c) UA must implement the AMC and regularly
review the AMC course content and quality of
instruction to meet national standards for
dual credit, enter into MOUs with school
districts consistent with the AMC, and award
student credit for course completion of AMC
courses, which will be fully transferable
within the UA system.
9:09:43 AM
SENATOR BEGICH recalled that the committee had a long discussion
about the cost of the bill when it was heard last. He referred
to that in Section 2(e), financing. Part of the concern last
year was the cost to districts and the potential cost to
individual students so that would not become a barrier to
students. Oklahoma's is free and Michigan devotes millions of
dollars to this. He asked Mr. Lamkin to remind the committee of
last year's discussion about how to ensure equitable access
regardless of student income status and also not to adversely
affect school districts.
MR. LAMKIN replied that every district will be different. There
are memorandums of understanding (MOUs) out there. They are not
in the committee packet because they are dated at this point.
School districts are online that can go into those details.
9:11:23 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE noted that students who start in ninth grade
may be capable of accumulating more than 60 credits. He
described that as a limitation since students would not be
limited if they paid for the coursework on their own.
MR. LAMKIN answered that there was a lot of thought about that
and some interest in removing the cap, but it was based on
research he conducted in prior years. As a counterbalance, it is
possible, but not likely, that a student graduating from high
school could have a baccalaureate for free. Whether that is
desirable is a matter of policy.
9:12:39 AM
SENATOR STEVENS arrived.
SENATOR MICCICHE said he was thinking that the funding would be
capped at 60 credits. That is reasonable, but the credits could
go above that without a cost to the district. If a young person
is capable, it seems that they should be allowed to go further.
He acknowledged that it is a small subset of those who would
participate in the program, but they do exist.
MR. LAMKIN responded that is a very interesting observation.
Nothing precludes students from taking additional courses above
and beyond, but this puts parameters on the middle college
program.
9:14:02 AM
SENATOR HUGHES said she wants to hear from superintendents, but
her understanding is that it is a savings to at least some of
the school districts for students to take coursework through the
middle college program. Paying tuition can be a net savings for
school districts. In the sponsor statement, districts are
required to participate and the university must set up MOUs. In
the case of small districts that have no students interested,
she asked how the districts could participate and if it would be
a matter of simply filling out paperwork with the university and
notifying parents.
MR. LAMKIN responded that the framework of the bill is not
intended to micromanage. The bill says there shall be an
agreement, which could be that there is no program.
SENATOR HUGHES referenced page 3, lines 25-26 that talks about
national standards. She asked if those were specific to middle
college and what organization puts them out.
MR. LAMKIN answered that was language that was negotiated with
the university with respect to accreditation. The university
wants to make sure courses it is associated with are aligned
with national standards. The university will speak to that.
SENATOR HUGHES said that she looks forward to hearing from them.
CHAIR HOLLAND noted the bill says students pursue a college
degree or certificate. He asked if that could be a professional
or career/vocational certificate.
MR. LAMKIN replied yes. It is to provide flexibility. It is not
just degree-seeking. It could be carpentry, welding, etc.
CHAIR HOLLAND called on invited testimony.
9:17:38 AM
PAUL LAYER, Ph.D., Vice President, Academics, Students and
Research, University of Alaska (UA), Fairbanks, Alaska, said
that dual enrollment provides great opportunity for students to
earn college credit and meet high school requirements. These
types of programs have been around a while. The university has
many partnerships with districts now. There are many different
approaches in existing programs now that have been successful
that students are benefitting from. The first middle college was
with Mat-Su. That has over 130 students. The Anchorage School
District program has over 280 students and is increasing every
year. This year the University of Alaska (UA) created a new
program this year with the Fairbanks district, which was capped
at 40 but has a waitlist of over 100. The university is looking
at expanding that. In addition to those on-campus programs, UA
has created the virtual college called Alaska Advantage with the
University of Alaska Fairbanks. This provides college-level
classes to students across the state. Students do not have be at
a location with a university campus. That has allowed the
program to expand to over 30 districts as well as home school
programs.
9:20:21 AM
DR. LAYER said that because UA is an open-enrollment system,
students can take university courses if they meet the
prerequisites, but these programs through the districts make it
affordable for students and students get dual credit. As Mr.
Lamkin mentioned, there are a lot of models. There are lots of
students and districts with different situations. The university
has developed models tailored to each district, whether in
person, virtual, or a hybrid. The university does not want to
limit itself to any particular model. Flexibility has made the
programs grow. There are cohort-based programs to prepare
students to become teachers and also in areas of health. The
programs can focus on specific areas like engineering.
DR. LAYER said the university calls these programs dual credit,
and they have been a boon to the university. Statistics show
that many high school graduates who have taken advantage of
Alaska middle college come to UA. That is a plus for UA. It
keeps students here and engaged with the university.
9:22:57 AM
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, speaking as sponsor of SB 32, said he
appreciates Dr. Layer's efforts, and noted that he made an
important point. This bill is a win-win for the state of Alaska.
It offers tremendous advantages to high school students, and it
is very important for UA, which has had serious budget cuts.
Statistically, students who start taking classes at UA in high
school continue with the university to get their degrees. The
legislature is for K-12 and the University of Alaska. This
advantageous for the state's children and UA.
SENATOR HUGHES said this is a good thing. She was concerned to
hear about the Fairbanks waitlist. She is glad to hear the
university is working to expand that. Dr. Layer said students
could go on campus or attend virtually. She asked if students
are on a waitlist, can they go to virtual middle college or does
a district need to agree to pay for that. She asked if there is
a remedy for the waitlist.
DR. LAYER deferred to superintendents about agreements and how
to deal with students who want to participate middle college
when there is no room. The virtual college is a partnership with
individual school districts, and they provide logistical
support, such as mentoring, proctoring, and supervision.
9:26:19 AM
DR. LAYER clarified that regarding standards, the purpose of the
program and courses is that students are taking the exact same
class as university students. These are not special classes for
students in high school, and they appear on academic transcripts
as university classes. They meet the standards the university
must have for institutional accreditation. Instructional staff
are held to high standards to deliver courses, including high
school staff eligible to teach that course. Students must bear
responsibility when taking a course that meets university
standards. Sometimes there is the idea that it is a different
course for high school students. It is not. It is university
level.
9:28:56 AM
DEENA BISHOP, Ph.D., Superintendent, Anchorage School District,
Anchorage, Alaska, said Alaska Middle College School, AMCS,
began in 2017-18 and is now in its fourth year with over 280
students. AMCS is an opportunity for students and families to
use BSA (Base Student Allocation) funding model to support the
costs of college and high school education simultaneously. Back
in 2012 when she worked for the Mat-Su School District, the main
goal for the program was to make students college ready. There
was an outcry from the university about students not being
college ready. Mat-Su wanted to begin a middle college program
and looked at many different sates where there are many
different models. Mat-Su chose a place-based model, which is on
campus. In the Anchorage School District (ASD), students must
show a level of competency on a placement test to show they are
ready to take college course. If kids are not ready yet, the ASD
works with them so they can pass the entrance exams. Some get in
in some areas but need tutoring to pass other entrance exams.
9:31:28 AM
DR. BISHOP said that juniors and seniors can get college credit
while they complete their high school requirements. The students
have the potential to earn an associate of arts degree or can
work toward general education requirements. The AMCS data shows
kids earn about 48 college credits before they leave. There have
been students who earned over 60 credits. ASD allows them to
take additional classes at school district cost. One student
from East High School graduated with a bachelor's degree in
science and mathematics. There are some kids like that and ASD
works with them one on one. All credits are transferrable to the
UA system and credits have transferred to outside colleges. The
UA program is strong for those general education requirements.
Seventy-two to 78 percent of students have stayed with the UA
system. That is a demonstration of the quality of the
university.
9:34:09 AM
DR. BISHOP said there are other dual credit programs, but AMCS
has the power of place. It includes both UA and ASD staff.
Students attend UAA classes with other UAA students. Some
feedback from students is that they feel that the best features
of AMCS are increased sense of independence and responsibility
as well as flexibility with schedules. ASD teachers serve as
additional support. The most challenging classes are in math.
The parents shared that the best feature is the college
environment. Students have the opportunity to get ahead. Around
50 percent of students in AMCS are the first-time college
students [in their families]. The support assists with the
capital knowledge of how university works. ANSEP (Alaska Native
Science and Engineering Program) is part of the middle college
program.
9:36:31 AM
DR. BISHOP said five national merit scholars have come out of
AMCS. The ASD, which is about 60 percent minority students,
encourages diversity, but the middle college doesn't have the
same balance as the district. It is about 50/50 white and
minority students. She is proud of that. The ASD is happy to
have the program and the partnership.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if she has noticed any negative impacts
with the high school activities, such as social interaction
activities.
DR. BISHOP responded that students still have that high school
landing. They graduate with their local high school and play
sports there. There is also an AMCS graduation. Students have
passes to attend high school events. The ASD tries to keep that
balance in students' lives. It is usually utilized a lot in the
junior year but by the senior year, many have moved on except
for sports. The ASD guides the students so there are not
negative consequences, such as failing college courses and not
being able to graduate from high school.
9:39:59 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked about the costs for students as compared to
traditional high school. She asked if there is a gathering place
on campus for those students to meet.
DR. BISHOP responded that with a legislative grant starting in
2013, the initial gathering place was the Eagle River campus
with a commons area. There is special place for teachers at King
Career Tech, which is adjacent to UAA. Teachers now can support
teaching at King Tech. Students can gather and study together.
They are in college courses. The cost is affordable. The AMCS is
a school with its own funding number. The ASD utilizes the
support through the BSA. The ASD is able to support those kids
and pay all their fees and pay for books, which is a major
expense at the university level. AMCS pays for itself. It is
done well with partnerships. Speaking of partnerships, the Lower
Yukon opened up its career academy in Anchorage so students can
take courses at King Tech. AMCS also had its first Lower Yukon
student in the program. School districts can take advantage of
campus programs through partnerships.
9:43:30 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked if she believes it would not be a drain on
school district finances if the legislature were to lift the 60
credit cap.
DR. BISHOP confirmed it would not be a drain. She said not all
students take 60 credits, but the district wants to support
those who can take more than 60 credits.
CHAIR HOLLAND called on Dr. Randy Trani, Superintendent of the
Mat-Su School District.
9:46:19 AM
At ease
CHAIR HOLLAND noted that Dr. Trani could not join because of
technical difficulties.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked Dr. Trani to submit his testimony in
writing.
CHAIR HOLLAND commented that he sees everyone's enthusiasm for
the program.
SENATOR HUGHES said when the program first began, the Mat-Su
College was hesitant to host it but it has been a positive
experience. It has been wonderful for the students and families
appreciate it, including a lot of families who have not
previously attended college. It is a good program.
SENATOR STEVENS said he has gotten some reactions that this is a
dumbing down of university classes. That is simply not the case.
These are under university accreditation, and the university
would not dare dumb down a class. They are often taught on a
university campus or on a high school campus with a teacher with
degree in that field. It is a legitimate college credit. It is a
great program that works well throughout the country. The
university has done a great job and Mat-Su and Anchorage have
particularly done a great job as well. It is time to do it.
SENATOR MICCICHE said that some students are just ready and
prepared to go beyond the high school level. He said he wants to
see the program expand. He thanked Senator Stevens for bringing
the bill forward.
SENATOR HUGHES asked if Alaska would be the first state to have
middle college available in all districts.
SENATOR STEVENS said he does not believe so. The idea has been
around a long time. He introduced the idea four years ago.
9:51:57 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND held SB 32 in committee.
SB 36-U OF A REGENTS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
9:52:03 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 36
"An Act relating to reporting requirements of the Board of
Regents of the University of Alaska."
He called on Senator Stevens for opening comments.
9:52:21 AM
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, speaking as sponsor of SB 36, said the
bill comes from the disastrous moment in the University of
Alaska (UA) history when the University of Alaska Anchorage
(UAA) lost accreditation for its teaching program. This was
unknown by everybody. The former president was not aware that
the program was in jeopardy of losing its accreditation. There
was a lack of communication throughout the UA system. His fear
is that it could happen in other areas. Universities do not just
lose accreditation. A team is sent to campus and makes
recommendations months and months in advance. Months later the
team comes back to see if the changes have been made to improve
the program. The team makes every effort to make sure changes
are made so as not to lose accreditation. That is why it was so
shocking to him that in 2019 the UAA School of Education lost
its accreditation.
SENATOR STEVENS said he believes the university has made changes
so this will not happen again, but the legislature needs to
know. The bill establishes reporting to the legislature about
how accreditation is going on throughout the UA system.
Specifically, he thinks there should be a joint House and Senate
Education Committee meeting with the university to make sure
there are no accreditation issues.
CHAIR HOLLAND called on Mr. Lamkin.
9:54:14 AM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, said that the first section of the
bill is the result of an unintended consequence. AS 14.41.090(a)
reads that these reports be submitted to the education
committees. The last time the report was due there was no
Education Committee organized in the other body. To avoid that,
the first section of the bill has been changed, consistent with
other reporting requirements throughout the blue books, so that
the report is submitted to the senate secretary/house clerk.
Previous language said the report would be presented in person
to the education committees, and for obvious practice reasons
that has been struck from the reporting requirement.
MR. LAMKIN said the new reporting requirement that is the thrust
of this bill is about the status of the university's numerous
accredited programs. The committee packet has a summary of the
2019 accreditations. This morning he received an updated list
from August and that is also in the committee packet. The bill
is intended to align with what the university is currently doing
with reporting components with particular attention to
accreditation. The goal is to be preemptive and not be reactive.
9:56:22 AM
MR. LAMKIN presented the sectional analysis for SB 36:
Sec. 1: AS 14.40.190(b) Amends existing University of
Alaska reporting requirements regarding teacher
training and retention, to specify the report is
required to be submitted to the Legislature (Senate
Secretary / House Chief Clerk) biennially, by the 30th
legislative day of the first regular session of each
new Legislature.
Sec. 2: AS 14.40.190(c) is a new subsection
establishing a requirement for the University of
Alaska to issue a semiannual report on the status of
all of its accreditations within the UA system. The
reports must be submitted to the Legislature (Senate
Secretary / House Chief Clerk):
a. by the 30th legislative day of each regular
session of the legislature; and
b. on or by July 1st of each year.
The accreditation reports are subsequently to be
presented in a formal hearing setting to the education
committees of the legislature, the scheduling for
which are intended to be at the discretion of the
chairs of the committees.
MR. LAMKIN said that in fairness, some time has gone by since
the unfortunate loss of accreditation in 2019. It is the sponsor
intent to amend the bill to change the reporting to make part of
the biennial report every other year.
CHAIR HOLLAND called on Dr. Paul Layer.
9:57:16 AM
PAUL LAYER, Ph.D., Vice President, Academics, Students and
Research, Fairbanks, Alaska, said SB 36 will add additional
accreditation reporting by all three institutions. Accreditation
is obviously the gold standard for all three universities. Each
of the three universities is a separately accredited
institution. Accreditation ensures students and external
stakeholders that the university programs are of high quality
and meet or exceed national or industry standards. There are
institutional or regional accreditations. UA has accreditation
through the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities.
It is a seven-year cycle of accreditation. UAA and University of
Alaska Southeast (UAS) had accreditations reconfirmed in 2017
and the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) underwent its
seven-year review last fall and received a letter in February
reaffirming its accreditation with commendations for the quality
of its accreditation visit and report.
9:59:32 AM
DR. LAYER said institutional accreditation is an ongoing
process. This year UAA and UAS revisited their mission
statements as part of that process and started strategic
planning. Northwest requires periodic program assessment in
five-year cycles to see whether they are meeting student
learning outcomes. Professional groups also have program
accreditation, and the university has over 90 programs and
majors that receive special accreditation. The 2019 report has a
list of all the different programs across the institutions and
their status. This morning he provided a report on the status of
accreditation to Mr. Lamkin that the university is required to
provide to the Board of Regents before its September meeting. As
a result of the UAA School of Education situation, the board
stepped up its expectations of reporting on the status of
accreditation and any red flags. The accreditation loss of
initial licensure programs at UAA in his mind was unprecedented.
As far as he knows it had never happened in the history of the
university, which has been accredited since 1934. He expects it
to be a one-time event, and the board has taken steps to hold
the universities accountable for their accreditation. In
addition to the annual report, the university provides quarterly
reports. The board looks at this very seriously.
10:02:43 AM
DR. LAYER said the university provides annual updates to the
board. Those are public documents and are on the board's website
as part of the meeting minutes. The university is happy to
provide those to the legislature if those would fulfill the
legislature's expectations for oversight. The university if
proud of its accreditations. They factor into national rankings
and recruiting.
10:03:23 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE observed that four or five programs were
revoked in early child education, early childhood special
education, secondary English, math, science, social studies,
elementary ed, and special education. He noted that the report
says that advanced preparation tracks were not affected. He
asked what that means.
DR. LAYER said that in 2018 the Council for the Accreditation of
Educator Preparation (CAEP) reviewed half of the UAA programs,
only those involved in initial licensure. That would be the
bachelor's in elementary ed and secondary ed, etc. The other
programs intended for secondary licensure were not affected by
accreditation review. Those programs now are undergoing review
by CAEP. The university is getting positive feedback from CAEP
about those programs.
10:05:47 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked about the status of the loss of
accreditation and what process leads to a return to
accreditation.
DR. LAYER answered that the university is working with each of
the three universities and the board to look at the prospects
for bringing back those programs. The big challenge is that the
State Board of Education was requiring that to get licensure in
the state of Alaska, students were required to graduate from
CAEP-approved programs. With the loss of that accreditation,
students graduating from a nonaccredited program could not meet
that standard. The university has been working with the state
board to relax that requirement, especially during the emergency
time of COVID. The university is looking at abilities to
redevelop those programs. The university is working with UAA
faculty to look at the early childhood program. UAA still has an
associate degree in early childhood education. The three
universities are working together to develop pathways for
students in the Southcentral region to get a CAEP-accredited
degree from UAS or UAF as a method to get licensure in the state
of Alaska.
10:07:31 AM
SENATOR STEVENS said the university has done a great job of
finding these pathways. The students are not badly affected.
They have been able to move forward, but as Dr. Layer said, it
is unprecedented. It is important that the legislature learn
what the red flags are and be part of what is going on. The
regents are the most important of the process. Whoever the chair
of the Education Committee is will need to have a face-to-face
meeting with the regents on a biennial basis to learn about the
process.
10:08:31 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND held SB 36 in committee.
10:08:55 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Holland adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting at 10:08 a.m.