Legislature(2015 - 2016)CAPITOL 106
02/08/2016 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB264 | |
| HB157 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 264 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 157 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 157-LANG. IMMERSION SCHOOLS/TEACHER CERTS.
8:37:17 AM
CHAIR KELLER announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 157, "An Act relating to language immersion
charter schools; relating to teacher certification; and relating
to standards-based assessments in language immersion charter
schools and language immersion programs."
8:39:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS said the information from the
previous hearing was incorporated into a new committee
substitute and every section of the bill has been revised. The
goal of the bill is to encourage and streamline immersion
schools in Alaska.
8:41:49 AM
CHAIR KELLER noted that the legislation appears to create a
particular type of charter school model that is new to the state
and establish new educational policies. He stated his
understanding that charter schools are an effort to return local
control to districts; however, this legislation appears to
involve the Department of Education and Early Development (EED)
in the specific area of language schools.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS said that language schools are
quite different from other facilities, requiring that subject
teachers also be fluent in the immersion language. He pointed
out that these teachers may have difficulty in attaining a state
teaching certificate. The bill is a vehicle to address the
unique character of immersion schools and enhance the ability
for teachers to meet the certification demands. It is important
to understand that a qualified teacher, who has English as a
second language, may find it difficult to achieve a state
teaching certification.
8:44:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE COLVER expressed concerns for injecting
burdensome bureaucracy into the charter school system.
CHAIR KELLER said the proposed legislation may create a template
containing a new policy that will extend beyond the linguistic
programs.
8:45:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked if the main thrust of HB 157 applies
to a type M permit. The M permit is generally issued to someone
with a specialized skill to allow them to lead a class, such as
an expert welder. The immersion teacher doesn't necessarily
fall under the M permit, as they must provide a wider expanse of
topics, he noted, and asked for clarity regarding the intent of
the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS concurred and opined that the
current state certification process is not accommodating to
language specialists.
8:46:58 AM
CHAIR KELLER established that the original HB 157 labeled, 29-
LS03234\S was before the committee, and asked for a review of
changes that might affect the current charter school statutes.
He referred to the committee packet document, titled, "Sectional
Analysis, HB 157 - Language Immersion Schools/Teacher
Certifications (version S)," and the Section 1 entry, which
read:
Section 1 requires the charter contract between a
school board and a language immersion charter school
established under section 2 of the bill to contain
provisions requiring compliance with section 2.
CHAIR KELLER asked to whom the compliance language refers.
REID MAGDANZ, Staff, Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins,
Alaska State Legislature, responded that immersion institutions
would have a contract indicating compliance and ensuring that
the requirement to provide 50 percent of instructional hours in
a non-English language was being met.
8:48:35 AM
CHAIR KELLER noted that Sec. 2 represents a new section, and
expressed concern that it may contain restrictions to district
programs.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS assured the committee that the
intent is to eliminate the cumbersome process currently in place
and address the specialized field of language immersion.
However, he stressed, the expectation is for the bill to be
complimentary, and additive without displacing existing charter
school statutes.
8:50:20 AM
CHAIR KELLER asked if the 50 percent instructional requirement
could cause Fronteras to make significant curriculum changes to
remain in compliance, and whether the proposed bill provide any
benefits over current statute.
8:50:50 AM
JENNIFER HUTCHINS, Principal, Fronteras Spanish Immersion
Charter School, stated support for HB 157, and emphasized the
need for the legislation, as a means to bolster other programs
and alleviate the stress involved in staffing. She explained
the difficulty in recruiting language/culture holders, who can
also qualify for a state teaching certificate. The existing
statutes include specifications that ensures adherence to the
established standards and evaluation processes for all teachers.
CHAIR KELLER surmised that the certification portion of the bill
is the priority aspect.
MS. HUTCHINS concurred.
8:54:25 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON noted that the bill doesn't prevent a
school from using a 40 or 60 percent language practice, only if
a request is being made for this type of teacher certification.
MR. MAGDANZ said correct.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS added that many immersion programs
have a blend of curriculum to provide more than 50 percent
target language instruction, which is the minimum that the bill
establishes.
CHAIR KELLER theorized that a school offering 40 percent would
not qualify for the proposed certification changes.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS clarified that the 50 percent
represents an aspirational benchmark. A school would submit a
proposal to EED to indicate how the benchmark would be reached,
and the agency would make the determination for compliance.
8:58:07 AM
MR. MAGDANZ turned to the bill Sec. 2, page 3, and lines 22-25,
which read:
(f) Notwithstanding (e) of this section, a person who
possesses a teacher certificate issued under AS
14.20.015, 14.20.017, AS 14.20.020, or 14.20.022, but
does not possess a language immersion endorsement
issued under AS 14.20.021, may teach classes in
English at a language immersion charter school.
MR. MAGDANZ pointed out that subsection (f) is specific to an
immersion language charter school, and no other charter schools.
8:59:05 AM
CHAIR KELLER referred to the bill requirements indicated on page
2, lines 9-11, and expressed interest in knowing whether the
language indicates a need for EED to write new regulation.
8:59:52 AM
MR. MAGDANZ said Sec. 3 includes language for implementation of
higher standards and specific training for teachers at immersion
schools. The section is modeled after one Utah has in place,
called a world languages endorsement, which attaches to a
standard certificate and verifies a fitness for teaching other
subject matter in a foreign language.
9:00:44 AM
CHAIR KELLER directed attention to the bill Sec. 4, page 4, line
2, which read:
(3) demonstrates the ability to conduct classroom
activities entirely in the indigenous or foreign
language; and
CHAIR KELLER surmised that this would require additional
departmental regulation to ensure compliance.
MR. MAGDANZ concurred, and to a follow-up question, responded
that the department will not be required to approve the course
or program of study that the immersion teacher attends.
9:02:20 AM
CHAIR KELLER questioned the deletion of the language on page 4,
line 11, which reads:
... expertise for which it is issued, to teach Alaska
Native [LANGUAGE OR] culture, ...
MR. MAGDANZ responded that in creating a new limited teacher's
certificate, specific to language, the deletion is appropriate
from this section and the intent is recaptured in Section 6.
CHAIR KELLER noted deletion of language from Sec. 4, page 4,
lines 19-22, which read:
... competent as a teacher [. THE BOARD MAY REQUIRE A
PERSON ISSUED A LIMITED CERTIFICATE TO UNDERTAKE
ACADEMIC TRAINING AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE BOARD BY
REGULATION AND MAKE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IN THE
ACADEMIC TRAINING].
MR. MAGDANZ clarified that it is being removed as it applies to
someone teaching a specific skill, such as carpentry, and the
requirement was deemed unnecessary for the purposes of the
language endorsement being proposed.
9:04:59 AM
CHAIR KELLER directed attention to Sec. 5, page 4, line 31, and
page 5, lines 1-2, which read:
(c) The board may not require, as a condition for
extending or renewing a limited certificate under (b)
of this section, that a person complete additional
academic training.
CHAIR KELLER noted that the wordage is in keeping with the
preceding language adjustments.
MR. MAGDANZ concurred.
9:05:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS moved to Sec. 6, beginning on page
5, to comment that it represents the vital organs of the bill in
order to provide a pathway for language speakers to be in the
classroom.
CHAIR KELLER opened public testimony.
9:07:48 AM
SUSAN SCHMIDT, Recruiting and Operations, stated support for HB
157, and said that all of the immersion classes are very popular
and have waiting lists. Recently a Spanish speaking teacher was
out of the classroom, and finding a substitute was difficult.
The person finally located has indicated interested in
continuing in the classroom, however, he would be required to
enroll in a class at the university.
9:10:51 AM
DR. BARBARA AMAROK, PhD, provided a brief history of the
depression of the Native languages and erosion of the culture,
during the last century in Alaska. Fortunately, the
generational change has seen a turn of events and refocused the
importance for acceptance and preservation of the Native's
authentic history and culture. She provided personal anecdotes
illustrating her families' experiences of the initial cultural
divide and the recent reunion.
9:13:12 AM
SHAWN ARNOLD, Superintendent, Nome Public Schools, stated
support for HB 157, noting the importance for having a method in
place that will help to recruit language speakers. Some people
are unable to attain certification until they have been hired,
due to financial constraints.
9:15:51 AM
LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Education and
Early Development (EED), pointed out that a limited certificate
is currently allowed, as shown in Sec. 4, page 4, line 7,
specific to teaching Alaska Native language or culture. He
suggested the language proposed for removal be retained and the
term "world" inserted. Thus, the concerns addressed by the
previous two witnesses might be satisfied. The Sec. 4 language,
proposed for removal, lines 19-22, were adopted to ensure that a
skilled worker, such as a carpenter, could not be required to
attend college classes in carpentry in order to receive a type M
certificate, but could be required to take classes specific to
teaching and assessing students.
9:19:10 AM
MR. MORSE moved to Sec.6, beginning on page 5, line 3, and said
the proposed language would allow a limited certificate teacher
to instruct any subject class, with allowance for the board to
impose content testing of an instructor's knowledge. However,
the concern is that although a teacher may be capable of
teaching a subject, such as math in a foreign language due to
having passed a content examination, they may not have a full,
extended knowledge of math. Additionally, a teacher not holding
a bachelor's degree, is not qualified to be enrolled in the
teacher retirement system (TRS). It is the teaching of the
other content areas that raises concern, he stressed. The
proposed language is appropriate to describe a paraprofessional
position, or teacher's aide. He added that the forthcoming bill
version may alter these concerns, as well as change the fiscal
note.
9:23:05 AM
CHAIR KELLER inquired about the status of immersion schools in
Alaska and whether they are all charter schools.
MR. MORSE said there is no charter requirement for an immersion
school, and he conjectured that some exist which aren't charter
facilities.
CHAIR KELLER asked about immersion school status in other
states.
REPRESENTATIVE DRUMMOND offered that Anchorage School District
(ASD) has had language immersion classes available, within the
neighborhood schools, since the 1990's.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS confirmed that ASD, as well as
other states, have immersion programs in public schools.
CHAIR KELLER noted that the limited certification applies to all
schools not only the charter school.
9:26:34 AM
KEVIN ALLEN, Student Representative, Thunder Mountain High
School, stated support for HB 157, suggesting that it may be the
best way to preserve Alaskan Native languages.
9:28:39 AM
CHAIR KELLER closed public testimony and announced HB 157 as
held.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2HB AK Perf. Scholarship Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
|
| 3HB264W.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 264 |
| 3a HB264 University of Alaska Questions & Concerns.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 264 |
| 4HB264 Supporting Documen-AK Performance Scholarship Outcome Report.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 264 |
| 5HB264 Supporting Document - AK Performance Scholarship Outcomes Report-Ex 10.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 264 |
| 6HB264 Supporting Document-AK Performance Scholarship Outcomes Report-Ex 7 & 8.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 264 |
| 7 HB264 Fiscal note.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 264 |
| 8 HB264 University of Alaska Questions & Concerns.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 264 |
| HB157 Hearing Request.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Summary of Changes ver S to ver F.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Sectional Analysis ver F.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Sponsor Statement ver F.pdf |
HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Support Fronteras.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Supporting Documents-Article Indian Country Today 9-1-2014.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Supporting Documents-Article Salt Lake Tribune 8-4-2012.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 Supporting Documents-Website Utah Dual Language Immersion Program.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| HB157 ver S.PDF |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |
| 8 HB157 SB84 Support.docx |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 SB 84 |
| HB157 Fiscal note.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2016 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/8/2016 8:00:00 AM |
HB 157 |