Legislature(2017 - 2018)CAPITOL 106
03/28/2018 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB52 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 52 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 406 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 52-PRE-ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS/PLANS
8:03:09 AM
CHAIR DRUMMOND announced the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 52, "An Act relating to providing a pre-
elementary program within a school district; and providing for
the certification of early childhood education plans."
8:03:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT KAWASAKI, Alaska State Legislature, noted
that joint meetings were held last week with the House Health
and Social Services Standing Committee as it is important look
at early education and how early education is a great return on
investment to the state. The House Education Standing Committee
is the primary policy committee for education and this is
important public policy, while recognizing the "incredible"
fiscal note attached to this bill. He explained that when the
bill moves to the House Finance Committee it will discuss the
fiscal impacts to the state. He pointed out that from a purely
policy driven standpoint, the state can and should join with the
42 other states with some sort of state-level support for early
education. As the committee is aware, a pilot pre-K program was
put in place under Governor Sarah Palin and the results have
shown that children in the first phase advanced faster, had
better math, reading, and science scores, and "tested better in
the spring than they did in the fall." Those, he described, are
proven results for Alaska, and when a pilot program has shown
those results and improved efficacy, it is ready for prime time.
CHAIR DRUMMOND noted that her intent is to ensure that the state
continues to provide early childhood services.
8:06:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PARISH commented that "It's a great bill and that
we will realize a substantial saving. If we've got money to
invest in major industry projects, I think we've got money to
invest in our children."
8:06:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PARRISH moved to report HB 53, out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HB 53 moved from the House
Education Standing Committee.