Legislature(1993 - 1994)
02/17/1994 01:30 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE BILL NO. 106
"An Act establishing the Alaska education technology
program; and providing for an effective date."
Representative Brown noted that CSHB 106 (JUD) would create
the Alaska Education Technology Program. She observe that
similar legislation was passed by the House during the
previous legislature. She stressed the need of education
technology.
KAREN CRANE, DIRECTOR, LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND MUSEUMS,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION spoke in support of CSHB 106 (JUD).
She noted that most Alaskans cannot access information that
is currently available. She asserted that the
telecommunications network must be available to all
Alaskans, the hardware must be available to access the
network and that training be available. She maintained that
schools and libraries will be able to open up the
"information highway" to students and citizens, and provide
training.
Co-Chair Larson questioned if training for education
technology could be provided as part of a teacher's
recertification. Ms. Crane could not answer.
Ms. Crane anticipated that the legislation would help to
bridge discrepancies which exist between the resources
available in urban and rural areas. She described the SLED
program being offered through the University of Alaska,
Fairbanks.
In response to a question by Representative Parnell, Ms.
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Crane discussed the Department's fiscal note. She observed
that the greatest cost to the Department will be for
training. She explained that the Department will add a
position to an existing position to provide training. The
two training positions will receive clerical support by the
requested clerical position. Contractual money will be
spent on a statewide plan for automation. Contractual money
in subsequent years would be spent on training in rural
areas. She explained that training may be done by video or
on-line.
Ms. Crane explained that only 13 or 14 of the 100 library
positions are professional librarians. She noted that the
Department would attempt to absorb administration costs with
current staff.
Representative Brown expounded that CSHB 106 (JUD) envisions
the creation of the Education Technology Fund that would
provide matching money for school districts and libraries to
implement locally prepared plans. She observed that HB 107
would propose a general obligation bond issue. She observed
that the fiscal note from the Department of Revenue would
not be applicable if the fund is not created. She
maintained that CSHB 106 (JUD) would allow the coordination
of resources and a planned approach for sharing information
that exists. She stressed the advantages of passing CSHB
106 (JUD) separate from HB 107.
JIM SCHAEFFER, COORDINATOR, DISTANCE DELIVER CONSORTIUM
testified via the teleconference network from Bethel. He
noted that the Consortium is composed of four school
districts, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation,
University of Alaska, Kuskokwim and KYUP Public Radio and
Television.
Mr. Schaeffer stressed that through their cooperative
agreement agencies are able to deliver training to rural
areas. He noted that teachers can receive in service
training without leaving the villages. He stressed the
importance of electronic mail. He maintained that planning
will allow economies of scale not otherwise possible.
DONNA PETERSON, PRINCIPLE, NORTH STAR ELEMENTARY testified
via the teleconference network from Nikiski. She noted that
a technological focus was implemented when the school opened
seven years ago. There is a four to one computer ratio in
the school. She asserted that the advantages to the
students are "legendary". She maintained that second
graders have mastered division through the use of computers.
She maintained that two weeks of math classes can be
accomplished in a half hour lab. She observed that class
size has been reduced by utilizing para-professionals to man
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labs. She emphasized the improvement of writing skills
through the use of education technology.
HELEN BARRETT, ALASKA ANCHORAGE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
testified via the teleconference network from Anchorage.
She testified in support of CSHB 106 (JUD). She asserted
that the changes in applications of technology to education
have been dramatic over the past ten years. She noted that
the finding of a 1993 Department of Education study stated
that, "the greatest need of Alaska schools was for training
teachers and administrators to use the existing technology."
She discussed the University of Alaska programs. (Ms.
Barrett's written comments are on file with the House
Finance Committee).
SKIP VIA, ELEMENTARY TEACHER, FAIRBANKS testified via the
teleconference network from Fairbanks. He expressed the
desire to apply for funds for educational technology. He
emphasized that schools should reflect the emergence of
world communication and education technology.
ZACHARY VIA, FOURTH GRADE STUDENT, FAIRBANKS testified via
the teleconference network from Fairbanks. He stated that
he would "die without technology." He asserted that he
survives on technology.
JESSIE NOAH, FOURTH GRADE STUDENT, FAIRBANKS testified via
the teleconference network from Fairbanks in support of CSHB
106 (JUD).
Mr. Skip Via emphasized that computers allow students to
progress at their own rate and to learn independently.
SALLY RUE, JUNEAU testified in support of CSHB 106 (JUD).
She noted that Juneau passed a $1.9 million dollar bond
proposition by 66 percent of the vote in 1993. She asserted
that education technology helps children learn and gives
teachers an effective tool to help meet the diverse needs of
children within the classroom. She added that children have
different learning styles. She maintained that computers
can provide motivation, challenges at different learning
levels, meet the needs of at risk students, integrate
students with disabilities into the classrooms, and increase
reading and writing skills in a non-judgmental way.
Ms. Rue noted that at the middle school level, technology
provides access to resources and communications that bring
real world issues into the classroom. She observed that at
all levels technology can bring a vast array of resource
materials.
Ms. Rue stressed that CSHB 106 (JUD) takes into account that
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school districts have differing capacity for local bonding
and requires local participation.
Ms. Rue added that the legislation is tied to educational
goals.
(Tape Change, HFC 94-37, Side 1)
Ms. Rue added that CSHB 106 (JUD) provides comprehensive
planning of technology and teacher training.
Representative Brown reiterated her intent to move CSHB 106
(JUD) in the absence of legislation to capitalize the fund.
Representative Brown noted that the effective date should be
1994. She MOVED to delete "1993" and insert "1994" on page
9, line 15. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
In response to a question by Co-Chair MacLean,
Representative Brown referred to the findings of the Alaska
Instructional Technology Survey, April 1993 by the
Department of Education (copy on file). She noted that 80
percent of the superintendents that responded said that
implementation of educational technology is a medium high or
high priority. She stressed that the legislation will
address the growing disparity between schools.
Ms. Crane clarified that the Commissioner of the Department
of Education supports CSHB 106 (JUD).
Representative Parnell expressed support for the
legislation. He observed the disparity between schools in
his district. Representative Brown noted that it is
difficult to retrofit buildings. She discussed other
reasons for the disparities that exist between schools and
school districts in regards to educational technology.
Representative Brown observed that a matching requirement
was included in the legislation to assure local commitment.
Representative Navarre noted the lack of a coordinated
effort. He observed that some equipment is included with
new school construction. He stressed that old schools have
difficulty finding room in their budgets for additional
items. He noted that class size can be reduced through the
use of educational technology.
Representative Martin referred to the fiscal note by the
Department of Education. Ms. Crane noted that funding for
the Education Technology Committee's travel and per diem is
included in the Department of Education's fiscal note.
Representative Brown reiterated that the Department of
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Revenue's fiscal note will not be needed unless the
appropriation to capitalize the fund is approved.
Representative Brown MOVED to report CSHB 106 (FIN) out of
Committee with individual recommendations and with the
accompanying fiscal notes. There being NO OBJECTION, it was
so ordered.
CSHB 106 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with individual
recommendations and with three fiscal impact notes, two by
the Department of Education, and one by the Department of
Revenue.
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