Legislature(2009 - 2010)CAPITOL 106
03/01/2010 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB360 | |
| HB297 | |
| HB206 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 360 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 297 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 206 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 206-HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSM'T/POSTSECONDARY CLASS
9:54:56 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 206, "An Act establishing a career assessment
requirement in public schools; and relating to postsecondary
courses for secondary school students."
9:55:39 AM
CHAIR SEATON moved to take from the table Amendment 1, labeled
16-LS0765\P.1, Mischel, 2/16/10, tabled at the 2/19/10 meeting,
which read [original punctuation provided]:
Page 3, line 18:
Delete "The"
Insert "Except as provided in AS 14.17.610(d) and
(e), the"
Page 3, line 23, following "(d)":
Insert "and (e)"
Page 4, line 2:
Delete "a new subsection"
Insert "new subsections"
Page 4, line 8, following "AS 14.17.500.":
Insert "A recomputation under this subsection
shall take into account the supplement received by a
district under (e) of this section and include the
remaining balance owed in state aid for the increase
in the current year student count that was the basis
for the supplement if, at the end of the 80-day count
period, the increase in the current year student count
is the same or higher for the entire count period."
Page 4, following line 10:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(e) Before a recomputation is made under (d) of
this section, a district may request supplemental
state aid by providing satisfactory proof on a form
provided by the department that the student count
conducted in the first 20 days of the 80-day student
count period in the current fiscal year is more than
10 percent above the count made in the 80-day student
count period for the preceding fiscal year. The
department shall provide an eligible district
supplemental state aid before the recomputation period
in an amount that is equal to 80 percent of the state
aid owed for the difference in the student counts.
Nothing in this subsection requires a district to seek
supplemental state aid before a recomputation is made
under (d) of this section."
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON renewed her objection, from the 2/19/10
meeting.
9:56:35 AM
CHAIR SEATON said Amendment 1 deals with the proposed 80 day
count period, which has been indicated as problematic by some
districts. He directed attention to Amendment 1, page 1, line
23, to explain how the 80 day count would affect the
recomputation, and fund distribution, for a district with an
enrollment count variance above 10 percent.
9:58:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ opined that the 80 day count period is a
huge demand, particularly on smaller districts, and it may not
be an appropriate time period to implement.
CHAIR SEATON pointed out that the amendment is to provide a 20
day bump-up. He explained how the bill has evolved from
stipulating two count periods, and said the 80 day count period
was suggested by the commissioner. The amendment is to address
any large variance in student populations, a problem that has
been anticipated.
9:59:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ moved Conceptual Amendment 1, to Amendment
1, to read:
Page 1, lines 16 and 23
Delete: 80
Insert: 40
and
Page 2, line 2
Delete: 80
Insert: 40
10:00:13 AM
CHAIR SEATON objected for discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ speculated that this would have a lower
financial impact and provide easier implementation.
CHAIR SEATON opined that 40 days may not accomplish the intent
of an expanded count period. Expanding the count to span two
semesters of the year is an effort to provide a financial
incentive for districts to retain students throughout the year.
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ cited the lack of district support for an
80 day count, as well as the opposition voiced during public
testimony.
10:02:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH agreed that the 40 day count eliminates the
opportunity for an effective, longer count period.
10:02:30 AM
CHAIR SEATON, in deference a teleconference witness, tabled
Conceptual Amendment 1, to Amendment 1, and opened public
testimony.
10:02:56 AM
STEWART MCDONALD, Superintendent, Kodiak Island Borough School
District (KIBSD), said HB 206 has been a focus of discussion in
Kodiak, and local questions have arisen regarding the dual
credit offering, which occurs in the district. Kodiak offers 20
approved classes, which count as dual postsecondary credits;
beginning in the 9th grade. Students taking these courses may
not have passed all three sections of the high school graduation
qualifying exam (HSGQE). He explained how this works as part of
the schools drop-out prevention program, effectively keeping a
student purposefully connected to the high school. It continues
to be a hook, even after a student passes the HSGQE.
CHAIR SEATON assured the superintendent that it is not the
intention of the committee to preclude this class/credit option
in Kodiak.
10:06:34 AM
MR. MCDONALD explained that the Kodiak College vets the
participating high school teachers, as well as the class
syllabus, and charges only $25.00 per credit hour. The extra
time that is required by the teachers, primarily on-line with
the college, is done on a voluntary basis, with no additional
cost to the district. A concern has arisen that if a provision
is included to require dual credit offerings, it may remove the
ability for the voluntary action to occur, based on teacher
union restrictions. The voluntary status does mean that not all
schools have this option. He asked if it will be a problem
under HB 206.
10:09:12 AM
CHAIR SEATON said that legislative legal staff will be contacted
to determine whether there is an issue, including the teacher
union concerns. Additionally, he said the National Education
Association (NEA) will be invited to comment.
10:09:58 AM
MR. MCDONALD pointed out that the drop-out rate in Kodiak is at
3.5 percent, or 28 students, and reported that these 28 students
withdrew for various reasons. Only eight of these drop-outs did
not return to attain a diploma. He attributed this success in
part to the dual credit program. Addressing the count change
issue, he reported the district's response, paraphrasing from a
prepared statement, which read [original punctuation provided]:
KIBSD is not in favor of expanding the twenty-day
student enrollment count to eighty days.
KIBSD researched its student enrollment records for
the past five years focusing on the time frame of
October through February and averaged a decline of
1.5%. The decline was not a consistent trend as each
year indicated unique circumstances as follows:
2004-2005 minus 50 - Enrollment declined between
October to February due to early graduation at
semester, some students enrolled in drug and alcohol
rehabilitation programs; and some students transferred
to other schools.
2005-2006 plus 52 - Enrollment increased between
October to February due to more students enrolling
than withdrawing - early graduation at semester; some
students enrolled in drug and alcohol rehabilitation
programs; and some students transferred to other
schools.
2006-2007 minus 74 - Enrollment declined between
October to February due to excessive attendance
expulsions (misused policy - policy has since been
revised) - early graduation at semester; some students
enrolled in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs;
and some students transferred to other schools.
Nearly all the 74 students were brought back into the
system by the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year.
20007-2008 minus 30 - Enrollment declined between
October to February mostly due to early graduation at
semester; some students enrolled in drug and alcohol
rehabilitation programs; and some students transferred
to other schools.
2008-2009 minus 3 - Enrollment declined between
October to February mostly due to early graduation but
was balanced by increased enrollment - early
graduation at semester; some students enrolled in drug
and alcohol rehabilitation programs; and some students
transferred to other schools.
MR. MCDONALD added that the 2008-2009 year may also have low
numbers due to increased efforts for personal contact with at
risk students, and alternative pathway offerings. Taking a
personal, and flexible, approach is the reason that the district
has a high student retention/return rate, and the count period
is not an influence. The four year graduation rate is 77.25
percent; 58.06 percent for Native students, and 65.63 percent
for students with disabilities. The district is pursuing the
expansion of course offerings, and implementing the KeyTrain and
WorkKeys assessments. Elaborating on the district's use of
these materials, he continued paraphrasing from the prepared
statement, which read [original punctuation provided]:
KIBSD is not in favor of a requirement that would make
Work Keys a high-stakes assessment.
Our District utilizes Work Keys, in addition to a
variety of other assessments, by allowing students to
take multiple assessments throughout a school year to
compile the vital information needed to study their
own learning. Students become more meaningfully
engaged in instruction and ultimately more connected
to their life goals by studying their own learning.
KIBSD also reaches into elementary grade levels with
this low-stakes formative assessment methodology
through Key Train. KIBSD intends to apply the
knowledge gained through low-stakes formative
assessments such as Key Train and Work Keys to a
student's five-year career plan; hence, laying the
foundation for career choices and the pursuit of high
school dual credit courses. Any legislation to
increase the formality of the Work Keys test would
disrupt our low-stakes formative assessment process
and hinder our ability to study student learning with
students at their speed of learning. This combination
of assessments, formative assessments, and student
options for dual credit helps to keep students engaged
in school, graduate on time, and address drop-out
issues.
MR. MCDONALD relayed the surprising fact that the majority of
the 28 reported drop-outs had already passed their HSGQE,
indicating that they were students on track to graduate. He
finished, indicating that an extended count would prove costly,
as well as represent an additional requirement for staff.
10:20:28 AM
CHAIR SEATON acknowledged the efforts at KIBSD as a viable
district, which implements the basics of economy, mastery, and
purpose. He assured the superintendent that the purpose for
having WorkKeys identified in the bill is to provide a
continuous improvement model, not to create a high-stakes
assessment. Additionally, a WorkKeys certified score would be
placed on a diploma to provide information regarding a student's
performance. He requested any written data referenced, during
testimony, be provided to the committee.
10:22:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER asked whether the superintendent planned
to testify on HB 360.
10:23:09 AM
MR. MCDONALD expressed interest, but said he has not yet
reviewed the bill.
10:23:17 AM
CHAIR SEATON solicited input from the district on HB 360 and
announced that HB 206 would be held for further consideration.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 297 Amendment #1.pdf |
HEDC 2/15/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 297 |
| HB 297 Amendment #2.pdf |
HEDC 2/15/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 297 |
| Amendments 3 through 7.pdf |
HEDC 2/17/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 297 |
| Amendments 8 through 11.pdf |
HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 297 |
| Amendments 12 and 13.pdf |
HEDC 2/26/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 297 |
| HB 297 GPS Materials.pdf |
HEDC 2/3/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/12/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 297 |
| HB 206 Version P February 4, 2010.pdf |
HEDC 2/5/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/10/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/12/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/19/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/8/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/17/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 206 |
| HB 206 version P Sponsor Statement February 4, 2010.docx |
HEDC 2/5/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/10/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/12/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/19/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/8/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/17/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 206 |
| HB 206 Version P Amendment.pdf |
HEDC 2/19/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/8/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 3/17/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 206 |
| Scan001.PDF |
HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 360 Sponsor Statement and Background |
| count date brief - final.doc |
HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 206 |
| HB 360 DMVA Support Letter.pdf |
HEDC 3/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 360 |