HB 220-REPEAL SECONDARY SCHOOL EXIT EXAM  [Contains discussion of HB 278 and SB 111] 9:26:34 AM CHAIR GATTIS announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 220, "An Act repealing the secondary student competency examination and related requirements; and providing for an effective date." 9:26:44 AM REPRESENTATIVE PETE HIGGINS, Alaska State Legislature, introduced HB 220, and provided a personal anecdote about his dyslexia and the struggles he faced to attend dental school. He said if the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE) had been in existence at that time, he would not have been able to complete high school. He suggested that there are many students who may not be able to pass this exam, and it would be a travesty for them to only receive a completion certificate at the end of a twelve year school career. The HSGQE was established due to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), of 2001, and since its inception has represented a cost burden to the state as well as a barrier for students. 9:30:07 AM REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX noted that tests are a matter of course throughout life, even as professionals, and asked how he passed his dental boards. REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS said the boards are designed to meet disability needs. He explained how persons with dyslexia can be served by not having time constraints placed on exams and by providing a private space for the test to be taken. REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX inquired whether the problem is the actual exit exam or the method used for proctoring. REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS responded that the purpose of the exam does not accomplish expectations and other exams would be more meaningful, such as the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), and the WorkKeys exam. 9:32:21 AM CHAIR GATTIS interjected that, at the time the HSGQE was established the expectation was for it to be a means to ensure that students would be graduating with basic skills, and there was general community support and reported that she served on the task force which saw this exam put into place; however it is clear that the original premise is not now being fulfilled. 9:33:09 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER stated his understanding that the exam was not originally considered an assessment tool but rather a guarantee of a minimum level of competency attained by high school graduates, and was of particular interest to the business community. 9:33:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked about the genesis of the exam. REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS stated his belief that NCLB was the impetus for adopting the exam. 9:34:43 AM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD noted that the State Board of Education unanimously supports repealing the HSGQE. Teachers in her district have been weighing in with support and stating the time that the exam takes, which they look forward to utilizing in a more productive way, and noted that special needs students can require a week of extra help in order to pass. REPRESENTATIVE HIGGINS agreed. 9:36:05 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON stated support for HB 220 and said that she had voted for the original implementation of HSGQE, which she now regrets. It has been shown that student's needs are too diverse for this test to be productive, and the ramifications of failing can be far reaching, such as preventing young people from enlisting in the military. 9:37:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON expressed support for HB 220. He said it should not be considered only in the light of special needs students. Other reasons include the fact that the majority of high school students take the exam in the tenth grade. He reported that surveys indicate how some tenth graders, once they have shown proficiency by passing the test, respond with a lack of interest in continuing study through twelfth grade and graduation. 9:39:00 AM JULIE MORRIS, Staff, Representative Pete Higgins, Alaska State Legislature, directed attention to the negative fiscal note, and pointed out that this is funding that could be better directed for use elsewhere in the education budget. 9:40:31 AM LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Education and Early Development (EED), said that the State School Board and the administration support this bill. 9:41:20 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON referred to Section 6 and the implementation date of July 1 and suggested having it be enacted sooner. MR. MORSE said the date is important to ensure that students are not caught in a time frame that would prove problematic. 9:43:06 AM CHAIR GATTIS theorized that a student who has completed all other requirements but failed to take, or pass, the HSGQE might stall in anticipation of the requirement being repealed, and receive a diploma, following the governor signing the new law. MR. MORSE stated his understanding that the bill would be effective from the time it is signed and forward. Transitional language has been suggested for the bill to cover this scenario. 9:44:50 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER referred to AS 14.03.075(c) and paraphrased the language, which states [original punctuation provided]: (c) Notwithstanding (a) of this section, (1) a student who is a child with a disability and who does not achieve a passing score on the examination required under (a) of this section, with or without accommodation, is eligible to receive a diploma if the student successfully completes an alternative assessment program required by the student's individualized education program or required in the education plan developed for the student under 29 U.S.C. 794; REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the department retains records as to how often an alternative method is used and results in a diploma. MR. MORSE responded yes, and said that the first time a student takes the exam accommodations are made, such as having portions of the test read aloud. Alternatives go beyond what are considered accommodations and allow certain modifications of the exam, such as the use of computerized spell check. He said tracking occurs because of the approval that must be obtained from the department, and he offered to make the information available to the committee. 9:46:41 AM REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX stated opposition to the concept of eliminating the exit exam. However, assuming that it is eliminated and considering the hardships that it has apparently caused over the years, she suggested offering a retroactive date to provide diplomas to those who may have been impinged upon by the requirement since its inception. MR. MORSE offered that taking such a step would require a legal opinion and represent a legislative policy question. 9:48:17 AM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD asked whether there is any reason to maintain the exam: does it represent something particular to the student or perhaps a value to the business district. MR. MORSE stated that the assessment measures basic competency skills and has served to ramp up the curriculum to meet the needs of every student. In that light, it has fulfilled a purpose, but today it is no longer relevant. To a follow-up question, he said a replacement test will come under discussion. 9:50:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked to have the administration provide the committee with proficiency standards information to determine the effectiveness of the HSGQE. 9:51:34 AM CHAIR GATTIS opened public testimony. 9:51:51 AM MIKE COONS stated support for HB 220, paraphrasing from a prepared statement, which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: I support HB 220 as written. However, in the other body the companion bill, SB 111 has changed with transition language added: TRANSITION: STUDENT TESTING IN PROGRESS. Until June 30, 2017, a school district shall continue to administer the competency examination under former AS 14.03.075 and regulations adopted under former AS 14.03.075 in effect on August 31, 2014, to a student who seeks to qualify for a secondary school diploma under former AS 14.03.075, as it read on August 31, 2014. * Sec. 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2014. My problem with this is, that this severely impacts young adults from moving forward now as adults. Yes, I realize this will be the last class to take the exit exam, it is a logistical matter more than anything else. I'm sure there will be those students who will look at this as an opportunity to see how well they do for upcoming SAT's they plan to take. There will be others, like I was at 18 who will take it because we know we must and what the heck see how well I do and not be worried about it. Then there will those who weren't going to pass the test anyway and within that are those who have not passed all required classes and may not get a diploma under any circumstances. So, let this exit exam die a quiet death with minimal impact on the students. For to do the "transition", this then impacts those trying to go into the military since most require a diploma for enlistment and those students who will look at this as just another hoop to jump through. Myself, if I were not going into the military, I'd take the test, if I didn't pass the math, I'd get my transcripts for the entire High School years and submit that to any future employer instead of a "sheep skin diploma". I strongly believe that when I see a problem to not only identify it, but to come up with an alternative or fix to that problem, thus; delete the Transition Student Testing In Progress and instead insert: Procedures for graduation. Sec. 14.03.075. College and career assessments. (a) A student shall be issued a secondary school diploma upon completing all required course study throughout High School with a 2.0 GPA or higher. (b) A student who fails to qualify for the issuance of a diploma under (a) of this section will be held back so the student can retake the needed courses to meet the 2.0 GPA requirement, upon successful completion the diploma will be issued. As to the SB 111, line 30; change the September 1, 2014 back to July 1, 2014. 9:55:38 AM SALLY DYBDAHL, President, Hoonah School Board, stated support for HB 220 and said more relevant approaches should be taken. She noted the negative effects the exam has had on potential Hoonah graduates. 9:56:43 AM MARY NANUWAK, speaking for herself, stated support for education and noted problems which exist. The state and federal laws being discussed, she opined, sometimes create inequality. She expressed appreciation for the committee members working on the issues. 10:00:53 AM ERNIE MANZIE stated support for HB 220 and said there are other assessments which accomplish more relevant evaluations of students for college, and industry purposes. He provided a personal anecdote, about his son's struggles to pass the HSGQE, to underscore his statement. 10:04:06 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether there was any value to having his son pass the exam. MR. MANZIE answered that there was no educational value, only that he was then able to receive his diploma. 10:05:37 AM CHAIR GATTIS announced HB 220 was held over.