Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
04/16/2021 09:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB111 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 111 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 16, 2021
9:07 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. 111
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education
and Early Development; relating to public schools; relating to
early education programs; relating to funding for early
education programs; relating to school age eligibility; relating
to reports by the Department of Education and Early Development;
relating to reports by school districts; relating to
certification and competency of teachers; relating to assessing
reading deficiencies and providing reading intervention services
to public school students enrolled in grades kindergarten
through three; relating to textbooks and materials for reading
intervention services; establishing a reading program in the
Department of Education and Early Development; relating to
school operating funds; relating to a virtual education
consortium; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 111(EDC) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 111
SHORT TITLE: EARLY EDUCATION; READING INTERVENTION
SPONSOR(s): EDUCATION
03/24/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/24/21 (S) EDC, FIN
03/26/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/26/21 (S) Heard & Held
03/26/21 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/29/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/29/21 (S) Heard & Held
03/29/21 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/31/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/31/21 (S) Heard & Held
03/31/21 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
04/07/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/07/21 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/09/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/09/21 (S) Heard & Held
04/09/21 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
04/10/21 (S) EDC AT 10:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/10/21 (S) Heard & Held
04/10/21 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
04/12/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/12/21 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/14/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/14/21 (S) Heard & Held
04/14/21 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
04/16/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
MICHAEL JOHNSON, Ph.D., Commissioner
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions about SB 111.
ED KING, Staff
Senator Roger Holland
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question on SB 111.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:07:05 AM
CHAIR ROGER HOLLAND called the Senate Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Begich, Hughes, Stevens, Micciche, and Chair
Holland.
SB 111-EARLY EDUCATION; READING INTERVENTION
9:07:42 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 111
"An Act relating to the duties of the Department of Education
and Early Development; relating to public schools; relating to
early education programs; relating to funding for early
education programs; relating to school age eligibility; relating
to reports by the Department of Education and Early Development;
relating to reports by school districts; relating to
certification and competency of teachers; relating to assessing
reading deficiencies and providing reading intervention services
to public school students enrolled in grades kindergarten
through three; relating to textbooks and materials for reading
intervention services; establishing a reading program in the
Department of Education and Early Development; relating to
school operating funds; relating to a virtual education
consortium; and providing for an effective date."
[Version 32-LS0485\O was before the committee.]
CHAIR HOLLAND said the plan is to take up amendments for SB 111
and complete work on the bill.
9:08:08 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND moved Amendment 1, [work order 32-LS0485\O.9].
AMENDMENT 1
32-LS0485\O.9
Klein
4/13/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HOLLAND
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 38, line 19:
Delete "2023"
Insert "2024"
Page 38, line 26:
Delete "2023"
Insert "2024"
Page 38, line 30:
Delete "2028"
Insert "2033"
Page 39, line 6:
Delete "Thirty-Seventh"
Insert "Thirty-Eighth"
Page 39, lines 20 - 31:
Delete all material and insert:
"* Sec. 46. The uncodified law of the State of
Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
TRANSITION. The number of district-wide early
education programs that the department approves under
AS 14.03.410 in the fiscal year beginning July 1,
2022, may not result in more than $3,000,000 of total
state aid attributable to early education programs. In
the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, the number of
district-wide early education programs that the
department approves may not result in an increase from
the prior fiscal year of more than $3,000,000 of total
state aid attributable to early education programs.
* Sec. 47. The uncodified law of the State of
Alaska is amended by adding a new section to read:
TRANSITION: REGULATIONS. The Department of
Education and Early Development and the state Board of
Education and Early Development may adopt regulations
necessary to implement the changes made by this Act.
The regulations take effect under AS 44.62
(Administrative Procedure Act), but a regulation may
not take effect before the effective date of the
relevant provision of this Act implemented by the
regulation."
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 40, line 2:
Delete "2032"
Insert "2034"
Page 40, line 3:
Delete "sec. 47"
Insert "sec. 48"
Delete "2021"
Insert "2022"
9:08:12 AM
SENATOR BEGICH objected for purposes of discussion.
CHAIR HOLLAND explained that Amendment 1 simply moves the
effective date to 2022 and the repeal date to 2034; all other
dates cascade from that one year. The Department of Education
and Early Development (DEED) requested this change to allow more
time to develop the guidelines.
9:08:51 AM
SENATOR BEGICH removed his objection.
CHAIR HOLLAND found no further objection and Amendment 1 was
adopted.
9:09:10 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved Amendment 2, [work order 32-LS0485\O.15].
AMENDMENT 2
32-LS0485\O.15
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR MICCICHE
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 1, line 2, following "schools":
Insert "and school districts"
Page 3, line 1:
Delete "early reading [LITERACY]"
Insert "[EARLY] literacy and early reading"
Page 3, line 7, following "read":
Insert ";
(5) a list of resources and organizations
that specialize in improving adult literacy"
Page 3, line 11, following "of":
Insert "literacy and"
Page 3, line 17, following "read":
Insert ";
(5) a list of resources and organizations
that specialize in improving adult literacy"
Page 26, line 22, following "guardians,":
Insert "by offering a list of adult literacy
resources and organizations,"
Page 26, line 23, following "workshops":
Insert ","
Page 27, line 13, following "guardian,":
Insert "by offering a list of adult literacy
resources and organizations,"
Page 27, line 14, following "workshops":
Insert ","
9:09:17 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR MICCICHE explained that Amendment 2 clarifies that
districts have a list of resources and organizations that
specialize in improving adult literacy for parents with
[reading] issues. It is entered into the bill in locations where
it is relevant to offer that type of assistance. There are no
costs associated with this amendment. DEED could provide
districts with the list, and districts could add local
resources. It could be a sheet of paper to hand to people. This
could help improve adult literacy in families that have children
with reading deficiencies.
9:10:15 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 2 was adopted.
9:10:29 AM
SENATOR HUGHES moved Amendment 3, [work order 32-LS0485\O.16].
AMENDMENT 3
32-LS0485\O.16
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HUGHES
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 22, line 4, following "requirements":
Insert ", and demonstrate proficiency as
determined by the department,"
9:10:38 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR HUGHES explained that Amendment 3 says that the
department must determine that teachers are proficient and
certified to teach reading. A person can pass a class with a D-.
Just as the bill asks students to be proficient, this amendment
makes sure teachers are proficient and ready to go. The bottom
line is that it will help students.
CHAIR HOLLAND commented that this adds proficiency. He removed
his objection.
SENATOR BEGICH asked if there would be a challenge based on
equal protection because something is required of one set of
teachers and not of others. He questioned whether that would be
an issue. He asked for the commissioner's feedback.
CHAIR HOLLAND called on the commissioner.
9:12:17 AM
MICHAEL JOHNSON, Ph.D., Commissioner, Department of Education
and Early Development (DEED), Juneau, Alaska, said he and Erin
Hardin, the DEED legislative liaison, have not had a chance to
thoroughly evaluate the amendments. The department will be able
to support professional development and whatever requirements
may be implemented for teachers. He clarified that he is
speaking generally.
9:13:25 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND found no further objection and Amendment 3 was
adopted.
9:13:41 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND moved Amendment 4, [work order 32-LS0485\O.12].
AMENDMENT 4
32-LS0485\O.12
Klein
4/14/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HOLLAND
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 8, line 14, following "section":
Insert "The department may review an approved
program at any time and may revoke approval of a
program if the program is not in compliance with the
standards adopted by the board under AS
14.07.165(a)(5)."
9:14:03 AM
SENATOR BEGICH objected for purposes of discussion and said this
is a smart addition to the process.
CHAIR HOLLAND said that a review of the bill revealed a possible
lapse. Amendment 4 ensures that department approval of an early
education program is not permanent and can be revoked.
9:14:31 AM
SENATOR BEGICH removed his objection.
CHAIR HOLLAND found no further objection and Amendment 4 was
adopted.
9:14:42 AM
SENATOR BEGICH moved Amendment 5 [work order 32-LS0485\O.14].
AMENDMENT 5
32-LS0485\O.14
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR BEGICH
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 28, line 26, through page 29, line 12:
Delete all material and insert:
"(e) A student in grade three should demonstrate
sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four. A
student demonstrates sufficient reading skills to
progress to grade four by
(1) scoring at grade level or higher on the
statewide screening or assessment tool or on the
statewide summative assessment;
(2) achieving an acceptable score on an
alternative standardized reading screening or
assessment as determined and approved by the
department; or
(3) demonstrating mastery of reading
standards through a student reading portfolio based on
criteria established by the department.
(f) If it is determined, based on a statewide
screening or assessment administered in the spring,
that a student in grade three has a reading
deficiency, and the student does not demonstrate
sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four
under (e) of this section, the student's teacher and
other pertinent district staff shall notify and
attempt to meet with the student's parent or guardian
to explain that the student is not prepared to
progress to grade four. School staff shall work with
the parent or guardian to schedule a date, time, and
place for the meeting, to be held not later than 45
days before the end of the school year. Following that
meeting, the parent or guardian may decide that the
student will not progress to grade four, request a
good cause exemption under (h) of this section, or
decide to progress the student to grade four by
signing a waiver developed by the department
acknowledging that the student is not prepared and
agreeing that the student will participate in an
additional 20 hours of individual reading improvement
plan intervention services during the summer before
the student enters grade four. If no parent or
guardian attends the meeting, the superintendent or
the superintendent's designee shall, after considering
a good cause exception under (h) of this section,
determine whether the student will progress to grade
four."
9:14:57 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR BEGICH said Amendment 5 allows for the alternative
assessments that were in SB 42, SB 8, and the original version
of SB 111. He noted that the committee discussed trying to
maintain consistency with the alternative assessments.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if the state is measuring effectiveness
through statewide screening or assessment tools and if there is
an alternative method, how will the effectiveness of the reading
programs be measured. He asked how alternative methods will be
used to established collective progress.
SENATOR BEGICH answered that the department establishes the
assessments, so they would be consistent across the board. He
noted that an inadvertent error in the bill as it is written now
allows every district to develop a different portfolio or
alternative assessment. This amendment puts it back in the hands
of DEED to establish a standard.
9:16:46 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 5 was adopted.
SENATOR BEGICH moved Amendment 6, [work order 32-LS0485\O.4]. He
noted that this should have been included in Amendment 5.
AMENDMENT 6
32-LS0485\O.4
Klein
4/13/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR BEGICH
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 8, following line 2:
Insert new subparagraphs to read:
"(G) in grade three who demonstrated
sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four
based on an alternative standardized reading screening
or assessment;
(H) in grade three who demonstrated
sufficient reading skills to progress to grade four
based on a student reading portfolio;"
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion. He described
Amendment 6 as bookkeeping.
SENATOR BEGICH responded that if Amendment 5 had failed he would
have withdrawn Amendment 6 because the two are connected.
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection.
SENATOR HUGHES asked if the intent is that an alternative
reading portfolio will still involve scoring a child and the
department will have a standard for proficiency.
SENATOR BEGICH answered yes, that is precisely the intention.
9:18:33 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND found no further objection and Amendment 6 was
adopted.
9:18:51 AM
SENATOR HUGHES moved Amendment 7, [work order 32-LS0485\O.10].
AMENDMENT 7
32-LS0485\O.10
Klein
4/13/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HUGHES
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 28, line 17:
Delete "determine whether"
Insert "explain that"
Page 28, line 18, following "will":
Insert "not"
9:19:00 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR HUGHES explained that Amendment 7 simply aligns the
language about parental notification of deficiency on page 28,
Section (d), regarding K-2 students, to the language in Section
(f), regarding third graders.
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection.
SENATOR BEGICH emphasized that Amendment 7 better explains the
reality of a situation to parents.
SENATOR HUGHES said she had a conversation with Mark Foster who
was concerned about how strong or weak a promotion policy might
be. He said that in his research it can be better for a child to
spend more time in kindergarten if a child is not ready for
first grade. She said she wants it to be an option for parents.
She posited that clarity on language provides for a franker
conversation.
9:20:41 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND found no further objection and Amendment 7 was
adopted.
9:20:54 AM
SENATOR BEGICH moved Amendment 8, [work order 32-LS0485\O.5].
Amendment 8
32-LS0485\O.5
Klein
4/13/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR BEGICH
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 28, line 24, following "section":
Insert "or whether the student has previously not
progressed to the next grade"
Page 29, line 12, following "section":
Insert "or whether the student has previously not
progressed to the next grade"
9:21:05 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR BEGICH said this amendment clarifies that on page 28,
line 24, after "section," and page 29, line 12, after "section,"
that whether a student has not previously progressed to the next
grade is still included as one of the exceptions. That was in SB
42, SB 8, and SB 111. It became less clear in the committee
substitute, so this amendment provides the clarity that it does
apply to other areas of the bill.
9:21:59 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection. He found no further
objection and Amendment 8 was adopted.
9:22:14 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND moved Amendment 9 [work order 32-LS0485\O.18].
AMENDMENT 9
32-LS0485\O.18
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HOLLAND
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 8, line 14:
Delete "subject to the limitations in (d) of this
section"
Page 9, lines 1 - 6:
Delete all material.
Reletter the following subsections accordingly.
Page 9, line 18:
Delete "or 14.17.905"
Page 19, lines 17 - 26:
Delete all material and insert:
"* Sec. 25. AS 14.17.500 is amended by adding new
subsections to read:
(d) Except as provided in (e) and (f) of this
section, a student in a district-wide early education
program provided by a school district and approved by
the department under AS 14.07.020(a)(8) is counted as
one-half of a full-time equivalent student.
(e) A school district may not include in a
school's ADM students who are four and five years of
age if the students are enrolled in an early education
program that receives state or federal funding other
than funding under this chapter.
(f) A school district may not include in a
school's ADM students who are four and five years of
age if inclusion of the students would result in an
increase of total state aid attributable to district-
wide early education programs approved under
AS 14.03.410 of more than $3,000,000 from the previous
fiscal year. The department shall prioritize the
funding of district-wide early education programs,
giving priority to school districts with lower
performance, based on the department's ranking of
districts under AS 14.03.410(c). When the number of
students in a district-wide early education program
will result in an increase of total state aid
attributable to district-wide early education programs
approved under AS 14.03.410 of more than $3,000,000
from the previous fiscal year, the department may
identify the amount, up to $3,000,000, available for
the district's district-wide early education program.
* Sec. 26. AS 14.17.500(d), enacted by sec. 25 of
this Act, is amended to read:
(d) A school district may not include in the
school's ADM [EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN (e) AND (f) OF
THIS SECTION,] a student in a district-wide early
education program provided by the [A SCHOOL] district
[AND APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER
AS 14.07.020(a)(8) IS COUNTED AS ONE-HALF OF A FULL-
TIME EQUIVALENT STUDENT]."
Page 20, lines 26 - 27:
Delete "(d) of this section,"
Insert "AS 14.17.500,"
Page 21, lines 12 - 13:
Delete "(d) OF THIS SECTION"
Insert "AS 14.17.500"
Page 21, lines 22 - 29:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 22, line 9:
Delete "sec. 32"
Insert "sec. 31"
Page 38, line 13:
Delete "AS 14.17.905(d)"
Insert "AS 14.17.500(e), 14.17.500(f)"
Page 38, line 19:
Delete "sec. 37"
Insert "sec. 36"
Page 38, line 22:
Delete "Section 35"
Insert "Section 34"
Page 38, line 23:
Delete "sec. 35"
Insert "sec. 34"
Page 38, line 24:
Delete "sec. 35"
Insert "sec. 34"
Page 38, line 27:
Delete "sec. 35"
Insert "sec. 34"
Page 40, line 1:
Delete "33, and 41"
Insert "32, and 40"
Page 40, line 3:
Delete "sec. 47"
Insert "sec. 46"
9:22:29 AM
SENATOR BEGICH objected for purposes of discussion.
CHAIR HOLLAND said that Amendment 9 tries to provide more
clarity regarding the ADM (Average Daily Membership) funding
limit and the ability of larger districts to participate. This
amendment moves the funding limit from AS 14.03.410, related to
early education grants, to AS 14.17.500, related to student
average daily membership counts. It also makes clear how the
department manages the approval of programs while controlling
the increase in state aid. Finally, the amendment moves the
prohibition on including students in programs receiving other
state or federal funding from AS 14.17.905, related to
facilities constituting a school, to AS 14.17.500, related to
student counts in the ADM.
9:23:29 AM
SENATOR BEGICH removed his objection.
9:23:53 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND found no further objection and Amendment 9 was
adopted.
9:24:03 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND moved Amendment 10, [work order 32-LS0485\O.21].
AMENDMENT 10
32-LS0485\O.21
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HOLLAND
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 8, lines 21 - 31:
Delete all material and insert:
"(c) The department shall rank the performance
of each district in the state in accordance with the
accountability system and performance designations
required under AS 14.03.123. When approving grants
under (b) of this section, the department shall
prioritize eligible districts with lower performance,
based on the department's ranking of districts under
this subsection. A district is eligible for a grant if
the department determines an insufficient number of
children in the district attend high quality child
care programs, including head start programs, early
education programs provided by a local government, and
early education programs provided by child development
agencies, that
(1) meet or exceed the standards adopted by the
board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5); and
(2) would continue operating after development
of a district early education program."
9:24:13 AM
SENATOR BEGICH objected for purposes of explanation.
CHAIR HOLLAND said Amendment 10 is a grammatical and technical
fix to AS 14.03.410(c), which clarifies that the criteria apply
equally to all agencies providing alternative early education
programs. He asked Senator Begich if he maintained his
objection.
9:24:38 AM
SENATOR BEGICH said the committee discussed clarifying the
language in this section during the sectional analysis. The
issue was not wanting to provide early education grants to areas
that already had matched the quality level identified in the
bill. The clarification under (2), "would continue operating
after development of a district early education program," is an
"and," and not an "or" exception, which he thinks is the way it
should be written. He said he understands the intent, but he
will doublecheck the language to see what the chair intends. He
believes it does and legislators have to trust Legislative
Legal. He removed his objection.
9:25:57 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND found no further objection and Amendment 10 was
adopted.
9:26:09 AM
SENATOR BEGICH moved Amendment 11 [32-LS0485\O.22].
AMENDMENT 11
32-LS0485\O.22
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR BEGICH
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 33, lines 23 - 29:
Delete all material and insert:
"(10) annually convene, either in person or
electronically, a panel made up of teachers of grades
kindergarten through three, school administrators, and
parents of students in grades kindergarten through
three to review and provide commentary on the
effectiveness of the reading intervention programs
established under AS 14.30.760 - 14.30.775."
Page 35, line 1, following "program":
Insert "and"
Page 35, lines 3 - 5:
Delete "; and
(3) a data analysis conducted by an
independent contractor of the success of the reading
program and intensive reading intervention services"
Page 38, line 28, through page 39, line 2:
Delete all material.
Renumber the following bill sections accordingly.
Page 39, lines 5 - 19:
Delete all material and insert:
"REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE. Not later than the
thirtieth day of the First Regular Session of the
Thirty-Seventh Alaska State Legislature, the
Department of Education and Early Development shall
prepare and present to the legislative committees
having jurisdiction over education a report evaluating
the virtual education consortium established under
AS 14.30.800 and the following programs established
under this Act: the early education program, the
parents as teachers program, the reading intervention
program, and the department reading program. The
report must include
(1) data analysis conducted by an
independent contractor evaluating the success of each
program, including
(A) statistics measuring the effectiveness
of each program in accomplishing the program mission;
(B) the cost-effectiveness of each program;
(C) trends in reading assessment scores by
each group of students listed in AS 14.30.760(a)(4) as
the students progress through grade eight;
(2) recommendations from the panels
convened under AS 14.30.770(a)(10); and
(3) recommendations from the Department of
Education and Early Development addressing whether to
extend, expand, contract, or repeal each program."
Page 40, line 3:
Delete "sec. 47"
Insert "sec. 46"
9:26:23 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR BEGICH said this goes back to the robust reporting
requirements. His office and the chair's office worked on this
language to try to find the right way to approach the reporting
to make sure that the bill is doing what the legislature
intended it to do, that it includes public input, and that the
department can do the reporting. Working with the department,
they collectively developed this language and it effectively
puts all the reporting requirement in the same place, makes the
intent clear, and offers the independent process for doing it.
SENATOR HUGHES observed that the deleted material includes
parents as part of the process. She asked if parents will no
longer have the opportunity to be part of that process as far as
determining the effectiveness.
SENATOR BEGICH said the amendment says, "Delete all material and
insert annually convene, either in person or electronically, a
panel made up of teachers of grades," etc., and parents and
students are on line 5.
SENATOR HUGHES said she had overlooked that.
CHAIR HOLLAND asked if the commissioner had any comment.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON said he did not, but he thanked the chair
for the work the last few days to clean this up and unify it.
Reporting is the foundation for the accountability part of the
bill. He appreciates as much clarity as possible about the
reporting.
9:28:47 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 11 was adopted.
9:29:00 AM
SENATOR HUGHES moved Amendment 12, [work order 32-LS0485\O.17].
AMENDMENT 12
32-LS0485\O.17
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR HUGHES
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 13, line 7:
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(19) develop a list of child care programs
in the state that meet or exceed the standards adopted
by the board under AS 14.07.165(a)(5)."
Page 15, line 24:
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(19) DEVELOP A LIST OF CHILD CARE PROGRAMS
IN THE STATE THAT MEET OR EXCEED THE STANDARDS ADOPTED
BY THE BOARD UNDER AS 14.07.165(a)(5)]."
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"(4) require that districts
(A) ask a parent or guardian to identify
the name and address of the early education program
attended by each student; a district shall notify
parents and guardians that providing information under
this subparagraph is optional; and
(B) identify the early education programs
attended by students and report to the department the
average score on each performance assessment by
students in grades kindergarten through three who
(i) attended a state-approved early
education program;
(ii) attended a Head Start program;
(iii) attended a private early education
program;
(iv) did not attend an early education
program;"
Page 33, line 27:
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Page 39, line 14, following "also":
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attended child care programs that met or exceeded the
standards established under AS 14.07.165(a)(5) and"
9:29:14 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR HUGHES said the purpose is to check out what is working
and what is not working. The committee is hopeful that the
standards for the pre-K programs will work, but there can be a
variety of other programs, and it is yet to be seen whether
those programs will decide to meet the standards in SB 111. Some
Head Start programs may choose to adopt the same early learning
standards, but the state will not know. This amendment is an
attempt to know. It will require a district that is enrolling a
student to have an optional line where a parent can mark whether
the child was in an early learning program and the name and
location of program. That would be data about students' pre-K
experiences. The district would need to keep tabs, for example,
on which Head Start programs are meeting the standards in SB 111
and which are not.
SENATOR BEGICH said there is an equation of childcare programs
to early education in this document. Childcare is zero to
potentially five and older. He said he is uncomfortable with
that and the ability of the department to maintain the list of
programs and ascertain whether they are meeting the standards.
He said he is curious to hear from the commissioner if that is
something the department can do. It is optional self-reporting,
so he asked whether the department would have to review each
program a parent reports. It may be more problematic than
intended, he said.
SENATOR HUGHES replied that all those things have gone through
her head. Her intent is to put it on the record and then
withdraw it. The bill results will be analyzed, and she wants
the department to be aware, particularly with Head Start
programs, because there are many of them and they receive about
$6 million from the state each year. Some of those local boards
may choose to follow the SB 111 standards. Senator Begich is
right. It would be difficult to have a list, but she wanted to
get this on the record. The department needs to have good
information at the 10-year mark to know what is working. She is
going to withdraw the amendment, but she wants the commissioner
to know the importance of having some sense of what programs are
meeting the standards in SB 111.
CHAIR HOLLAND added that he was also concerned with tasking DEED
with some sort of inspection status for over 200 Head Start
programs in the state and how that would affect the fiscal
notes.
SENATOR BEGICH said what is important about putting this
amendment on the record is to make school districts aware that
perhaps they should be collecting this data. Without mandating
it, the legislature sends a message that this data will be
important for its analysis.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON reiterated that he is working through
reading the amendments. He said he appreciates the emphasis on
quality for all programs. He said care needs to be taken for
unintended consequences, such as the state interfering or
diminishing choices in private programs that do not receive
state money. The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
supports all these programs with safety and health. The
department will support all programs with the standards it
develops. Thred and several other organizations do that work
effectively. The intent and spirit are something the department
can do. The department can focus on quality for all students in
the state.
9:37:12 AM
At ease
9:37:25 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection and Senator Hughes withdrew
Amendment 12.
9:38:02 AM
SENATOR BEGICH moved Amendment 13 [work order 32-LS0485\O.7].
AMENDMENT 13
32-LS0485\O.7
Klein
4/13/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR BEGICH
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
Page 33, line 7, following "specialist":
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Page 33, following line 29:
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"(b) The department may employ and assign a
support reading specialist for each school selected to
participate in the program as necessary to support the
reading specialist assigned under (a)(4) of this
section or serve as a reading specialist for the
school's early education program."
Reletter the following subsections accordingly.
Page 35, line 6, following "specialist":
Insert "or support reading specialist"
9:38:11 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR BEGICH said Amendment 13 has language from the original
SB 8 about reading specialists "or support reading specialist."
That phrase was added because rural districts may not have
reading specialists. The amendment says "or support reading
specialist" for each school selected to participate. The
amendment defines that. That becomes a department employee,
specifically for the reading program. There are five schools
identified. A support reading specialist could also provide
training to a reading specialist in a school. That was the
intention built around capacity for struggling schools that may
not have a reading specialist or may need more than one. That
was why the language was added before. It was eliminated in SB
111. This would be essential for the five struggling schools
covered by the reading program.
CHAIR HOLLAND said his office had discussed with DEED whether
those five positions would be retained. DEED was supportive of
keeping those five positions out. He said he objects to the
amendment.
SENATOR HUGHES asked to hear from the commissioner.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON responded that the department was willing
to support the reduction to reduce the cost of the bill. The
department supports whatever the committee can contribute to a
robust implementation of this bill but knows there are
tradeoffs. If the department has to give up those five positions
for other things in the bill, the department is willing to do
that but also would appreciate a robust opportunity to implement
this bill. That is for the committee to decide in the larger
picture of the state budget.
SENATOR HUGHES asked if offering districts professional
development so their own staff could be taught to be reading
specialists rather than DEED hiring specialists and flying them
out to schools.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON responded yes, these positions were
intended to go to districts to train their staff and build
capacity within the districts. It is possible to provide that
kind of staff development. The department would work with other
partners, like Alaska Staff Development Network, to provide as
much professional development as possible. To implement the bill
in a way that makes a difference, the state needs to provide
professional development for everyone in the system, including
teachers and administrators and board members. Everyone has to
come around and support the implementation of the bill.
SENATOR BEGICH said the commissioner has made the argument for
the positions. It is a relatively small cost for the support
levels identified. The Moore lawsuit filed in 2005 identified
the importance of the department having the capacity to actually
do its job. That has come up numerous times. The legislature has
cut back the capacity of the department to do its job. He
encouraged the members to support this amendment.
SENATOR HUGHES said her question was whether professional
development would be provided so that districts could train
their own staff to support reading specialists. The commissioner
indicated that could happen. Eventually every district should
have its own support reading specialist, so she was happy to
hear the commissioner say professional development could be
provided to districts to do this. She will be a no for the
amendment.
CHAIR HOLLAND asked Mr. King for some comments. This is the
Education Committee and he may worry too much about what the
Finance Committee should worry about. He thinks the bill will
struggle to get through the Finance Committee because of the
fiscal notes.
9:46:19 AM
ED KING, Staff, Senator Roger Holland, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, said the five additional positions would cost
$5-$600,000 a year, in addition to the cost already in the
fiscal note. The more than 18,000 positions in the state are not
enumerated in law. It is rare for positions to be enumerated in
law. Nothing precludes the department from providing these
services if the department gets it through the budget process.
The positions do not need to be in the bill, but if they are,
they will trigger the fiscal note.
9:47:01 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND maintained his objection.
9:47:21 AM
At ease
SENATOR MICCICHE said one of the reasons for the bill is to
satisfy people with what the state is spending on education.
Alaska is not competing on the national stage. He wants the bill
to pass. It is incredibly important. The state will find a way
for the necessary resources to be there but adding to the fiscal
note at this point jeopardizes the passing of the bill, so he
will be a no [on the amendment].
9:48:26 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND removed his objection.
9:48:30 AM
SENATOR BEGICH said he would withdraw the amendment because the
committee has been so united. He will leave the contention for
the last amendment. The department has experimented with this
approach and has had some success in some difficult districts.
He hopes the state will find a path to provide this resource and
training because it would lead to consistent policy. He withdrew
Amendment 13.
9:49:29 AM
SENATOR BEGICH moved Amendment 14 [work order 32-LS0485\O.13].
AMENDMENT 14
32-LS0485\O.13
Klein
4/15/21
OFFERED IN THE SENATE BY SENATOR BEGICH
TO: CSSB 111 (EDC), Draft Version "O"
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Page 38, line 19:
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Page 38, line 24:
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Page 38, line 27:
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Page 39, line 23:
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Page 40, lines 1 - 3:
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"* Sec. 34. This Act takes effect July 1, 2021."
9:49:40 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND objected for purposes of discussion.
SENATOR BEGICH said the amendment removes all the repealer
clauses in the bill. The other amendments have created a more
robust bill and a more robust reporting process. He understands
the philosophy behind the repealer clauses. Sunsetting education
policy is not in the best interests of the state. He hopes
members will find a reason to support removing the sunset
clauses from the bill.
CHAIR HOLLAND said he is not in favor of sunsetting policy
necessarily, but the intention of the sunsets in the bill is to
provide fiscal sideboards and an efficacy test for the programs.
If he is in the legislature, he would be one of the first to
champion removal of the sunsets before the 10 years if success
is shown. He maintained his objection.
SENATOR HUGHES said she appreciated the concern of the amendment
maker. The legislature wants good policy to stick, but
legislators get dozens of reports every year. There is something
about a sunset that forces review. It holds everyone's feet to
the fire. She wants legislators to review this program and she
wants to put a fire under everyone's feet to do the best they
can. She thinks it is a good thing, even though normally she
wants good policy to continue. Ten years is plenty of time to
make sure it is working. Any tweaking can be done during the
sunset review to make it better.
9:53:35 AM
A roll call vote was taken. Senator Begich voted in favor of
Amendment 14 and Senators Stevens, Hughes, Micciche, and Holland
voted against it. Therefore, Amendment 14 failed by a 1:4 vote.
SENATOR BEGICH thanked the chair for his diligence in working
with the members. As the chair has noted to him in the past,
communication is the key to successful committee work.
CHAIR HOLLAND responded good communication is important. Many of
the amendments were discussed significantly before the committee
hearing.
SENATOR MICCICHE said this has been a positive process. It is
how a legislature is supposed to work. There was respectful
disagreement. Everyone came together on the bill leaving this
committee. It may not be what everyone wants, but it moves on to
the next committee. The committee is working together to improve
outcomes for Alaska students even though they are not 100
percent aligned. He appreciates how the other members came
together. He hopes this bill can pass this legislature this
year. Alaska kids need this to be successful. He urged the
committee to not let the perfect get in the way of the much,
much better. It is a great committee and he enjoyed the process.
CHAIR HOLLAND asked if there were any further amendments or
comments.
SENATOR HUGHES said she was very happy with the work and thanked
the chair for his leadership.
CHAIR HOLLAND asked the commissioner for comments.
COMMISSIONER JOHNSON thanked the committee for working together
and exemplifying the type of governance and statesmanship that
he so wants students in the state to see when it comes to policy
making. It is not an easy process but a worthy one. He
appreciates the heart and commitment to kids the committee
members brought to the discussion.
SENATOR MICCICHE said he had a conversation with the
commissioner about not repealing the policy. That is something
he will work on. He would hate to see the policy disappear. He
will keep his eyes on the bill to preserve the policy even if
something else goes away.
9:58:44 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND asked for the will of the committee.
9:58:51 AM
SENATOR STEVENS moved to report the committee substitute (CS)
for SB 111, version 32-LS0485\O as amended, from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s).
CHAIR HOLLAND found no objection and CSSB 111(EDC) was reported
from the Senate Education Standing Committee.
9:59:20 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Holland adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
at 9:59 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 111 Amendments to version O.pdf |
SEDC 4/16/2021 9:00:00 AM |
SB 111 |