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 297-POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS
9:07:30 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 297, "An Act establishing the governor's
performance scholarship program and relating to the program;
establishing the governor's performance scholarship fund and
relating to the fund; relating to student records; making
conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date."
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER opined that, with the dual track
approach, a student considering a career technical vocation, is
being given no incentive to achieve beyond a C+ grade point
average (GPA). She argued that award will be $3,0000, classes
are easier than the academic track, and earning an A, or a B GPA
does not alter the amount of the scholarship. She asked whether
this is an accurate summation.
CHAIR SEATON stated no, and pointed out that there is a
difference in classes required for a student earning a high
school diploma versus the rigorous curriculum required to
achieve a GPS award.
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER acknowledged that her concern was
addressed with the adoption of Amendment 3, and withdrew her
statement. She then turned to Amendment 9, and expressed
concern for a student being held liable for repayment of an
erroneously awarded scholarship.
9:10:10 AM
CHAIR SEATON read Amendment 9, as adopted by the committee
[2/26/10]:
Page 10, line 1, following "error":
Insert "less any scholarship award payments
previously expended if the error in the award of the
scholarship was not due to any fault of the student"
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER indicated general concern for the dual
track approach of the program.
9:11:41 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH moved to take from the table Amendment 11,
labeled 26-GH2771\A.18, Mischel, 2/18/10, tabled at the 2/19/10
meeting, which read [original punctuation provided]:
Page 5, lines 22 - 27:
Delete all material and insert:
"(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that
the student must have completed in high school; the core
academic curriculum must include one of the following:
(A) a combination of
(i) four years of mathematics;
(ii) four years of language arts;
(iii) four years of science; and
(iv) four years of social studies, one year of
which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native
language, fine arts, or cultural heritage; or
(B) a combination of
(i) three years of mathematics;
(ii) four years of language arts;
(iii) three years of science;
(iv) four years of social studies; and
(v) two years of a foreign language, Alaska
Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage;"
Page 6, lines 17 - 22:
Delete all material and insert:
"(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that
the student must have completed in high school; the core
academic curriculum must include one of the following:
(A) a combination of
(i) four years of mathematics;
(ii) four years of language arts;
(iii) four years of science; and
(iv) four years of social studies, one year of
which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native
language, fine arts, or cultural heritage; or
(B) a combination of
(i) three years of mathematics;
(ii) four years of language arts;
(iii) three years of science;
(iv) four years of social studies; and
(v) two years of a foreign language, Alaska
Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage;"
CHAIR SEATON objected for discussion.
9:12:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH said that Amendment 11, aligns the core
academic curriculum for both tracks, and provides two options,
as indicated in paragraphs (A) and (B). He offered Amendment 1
to Amendment 11, to delete subparagraph (B) throughout Amendment
11.
CHAIR SEATON objected for discussion.
9:14:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH directed attention to pages 5 and 6 of the
bill, and paraphrased the curriculum requirements beginning on
line 22, which read [original punctuation provided]:
(1) the four-year core academic curriculum
that the student must have completed in high school;
the core academic curriculum must include
(A) four years of mathematics;
(B) four years of language arts;
(C) four years of science; and
(D) three years of social studies;
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH explained that Amendment 11 maintains the
requirements for math, language arts, and science, but
stipulates an additional year of social studies with curriculum
directives, as well as a two-year foreign language requirement
in sub-subparagraph (v) [page 1, line 18, and page 1, line 15].
Amendment 1 to Amendment 11 maintains the additional social
studies year, but deletes the two-year foreign language
requirement.
9:16:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH, upon discussion of further changes to
Amendment 11, restated his motion to adopt Conceptual Amendment
1 to Amendment 11. Amendment 11, as amended, then read:
Page 5, lines 22 - 27:
Delete all material and insert:
"(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that
the student must have completed in high school; the core
academic curriculum must include:
(A) a combination of
(i) four years of mathematics;
(ii) four years of language arts;
(iii) four years of science; and
(iv) four years of social studies, one year of
which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native
language, fine arts, or cultural heritage.
Page 6, lines 17 - 22:
Delete all material and insert:
"(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that
the student must have completed in high school; the core
academic curriculum must include:
(A) a combination of
(i) four years of mathematics;
(ii) four years of language arts;
(iii) four years of science; and
(iv) four years of social studies, one year of
which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native
language, fine arts, or cultural heritage.
CHAIR SEATON removed his objection to Conceptual Amendment 1 to
Amendment 11.
There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment 1, to Amendment
11, was adopted.
9:18:05 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH, at the chairman's request, restated his
motion. He moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 11 [as amended].
CHAIR SEATON maintained his objection to Conceptual Amendment 11
[as amended].
9:18:22 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH reported that school districts have placed
importance on offering four years of social studies, and that
within the structure, which the department is creating,
opportunities exist for elective classes to be offered in
conjunction with the GPS.
9:18:56 AM
CHAIR SEATON said the action broadens social study requirements,
and includes electives that are currently available to students.
Although he does not oppose the possibility of requiring a
fourth year of socials studies, he opined that it narrows
options for students taking electives in other areas, and
maintained his objection.
9:20:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ agreed that it does appear to narrow
student options in the fourth year, and stated opposition to the
amendment.
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH argued that it expands the opportunities for
a liberal arts student to take a class that is not a standard
business acumen; providing additional curriculum options.
9:23:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked what courses are included in the
study of Fine Arts.
9:24:08 AM
CHAIR SEATON referred to the core requirements listed on page 5,
lines 24-27, and compared the proposed changes of Amendment 11.
He asked EED whether the listed courses [page 1, lines 11 and
12] are considered social studies.
LARRY LEDOUX, Commissioner, Department of Education and Early
Development (EED), replied no, and returned to Representative
Wilson's question, stating that the field of Fine Arts includes
the visual and performing arts, including: art, ceramics,
sculpture, band, music, choir, and theater. Social studies
comprise the social sciences, which are: sociology, psychology,
history, and economics. Fine Arts and social studies are
separate disciplines of study with two different sets of
curriculum attached.
9:25:34 AM
CHAIR SEATON questioned how a requirement to take an additional
year of social studies might affect students desiring to take
electives in other areas of interest, such as Fine Arts or
cultural heritage.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX explained that whenever the legislature or
State Board of Education imposes a require course, it displaces
a student's option for an elective. The GPS is a voluntary
program that encourages students to pursue a program of
excellence. There are many courses in the social sciences that
would meet that pursuit. However, a career tech, and college
tech program, particularly in regards to the social sciences are
both critical. A state mandated requirement would reduce
electives for a high school student, at a time when it is
important for them to be able to make choices. The data
indicates that all ethnic and gender groups are positively
influenced by taking math and science for four years versus
three, but not significantly reportable regarding social
sciences.
CHAIR SEATON noted that the amendment allows the substitution of
one year of Fine Arts for social studies, as an additional
requirement.
9:28:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON pointed out that the amendment includes
foreign language as a class option, and asked whether foreign
language is included in the Fine Arts curriculum.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX said usually not, as English, literature,
speech, writing, and debate constitute language arts.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON queried what category foreign language
falls under.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX indicated that foreign language is a
critical aspect of college preparation, and often a requirement
for college entrance.
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked whether an Alaska Native language
could be considered a foreign language.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX pointed out that it is an indigenous
language, which could not be considered foreign. He stated his
belief that it may be accepted at some universities.
9:30:23 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH reviewed the amendment, and opined that it
cleans up the bill. He asked Commissioner LeDoux whether the
proposed action would swerve to eliminate or enhances a
student's opportunities.
9:31:29 AM
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX underscored how research indicates that four
years each, of math and science, are significant indicators for
graduation from college. The change to allow a foreign language
as an alternative, and the possible effects, poses a question,
which may not be statistically supported.
9:32:26 AM
CHAIR SEATON clarified that the amendment before the committee
is strictly to include an additional year of social studies;
from 3 to 4. It adds one more requirement to the core
curriculum for both the academic and career technical
scholarships.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX indicated that it would be important to
specify what courses would meet the fourth year requirement in
social studies in order to ensure that a district could confirm.
The classes listed in the amendment are from a variety of
disciplines.
9:33:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked if curriculum varies between school
districts.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX replied yes. In a freshman level art
appreciation or theater class, the department would need to
determine the standards and qualify the classes offered.
9:34:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH expressed interest for allowing local
discrimination by school districts to work within the
requirements of the amendment, and asked whether the language
would allow current curriculum to be utilized.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX concurred, but said it would be difficult to
determine the rigor of the course, which is the basis for the
scholarship program.
9:35:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked about impacts of the amendment within
the department.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX explained that the department would need to
establish standards and guidelines to ensure rigor in the
diversity of classes comprising the Fine Arts discipline.
Standards for Fine Arts are more difficult to define, but it can
certainly be accomplished.
9:36:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ queried what the current social studies
requirement is for graduation.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX stated that it is three years, of which one
year is U.S. History, and one semester must be Alaska studies or
the standards for Alaska studies must be integrated into another
course.
9:37:12 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked if the category includes courses
named in the amendment [page 1, lines 11 and 12].
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX replied no, but a class could be designed,
particularly in Alaska Native Studies that includes language and
culture to meet the social studies requirement. Ordinarily a
language course would not meet the social studies requirement.
9:37:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked whether Commissioner LeDoux would
deem it beneficial to add a fourth year required course to the
GPS program.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX opined that the requirements of HB 297 are
adequate to provide a rigorous curriculum.
9:38:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON questioned whether the set of requirements
[in the amendment] might disenfranchise a student pursuing a
performing arts avocation, or degree.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX explained that every added class requirement
for graduation or scholarship eligibility removes the ability
for a student to participate in an elective class out of
personal interest. He opined that the amendment should not
prove stressful for a student pursuing a college or technical
school career.
9:39:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON opined that the amendment does not
change the options available for students.
9:40:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH maintained that a fourth year of social
studies should be a mandate, to include one year of other
disciplines as listed.
9:40:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON cited that the fourth year disciplines
are not social studies, and could be viewed as electives, which
negates the need for an amendment.
9:41:25 AM
CHAIR SEATON agreed, and said that is the reason for sustaining
his objection. The amendment could restrict the options of some
students.
9:42:41 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked the commissioner for his opinion.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX described what a student's schedule might
entail for each year of high school, should they choose to focus
on qualifying for the GPS. A freshman's year will have six
periods comprised of math, science, history, English, physical
education (PE), and one elective. A sophomore will have the
same requirements of math, science, history, and English. The
Sophomore year is when a foreign language is usually taken up,
which would be the fifth hour, and one elective remains, however
many districts require a half year of PE and health, leaving one
semester for an elective course. The junior year will also be
dictated by required math, science, history, and English
courses, and the second year of foreign language takes up one
elective, leaving one free choice elective. As a senior it will
be the final requirement year for math, science, and English.
Many students may need to take an additional math class, to
double-up, depending on their interests. He pointed out that it
leaves little space for other interests to enter in particularly
if a final year of history/social studies is also required. He
stated his belief that students will fill their elective hours
in a meaningful way, given the opportunity, and expressed
concern for creating a situation that does not allow a student
to exercise their own interests.
9:45:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH stated that the amendment is an effort to
expand opportunities for students in all areas of the state, and
enhance what exists.
9:47:33 AM
CHAIR SEATON maintained his objection to Conceptual Amendment
11, as amended.
[The objection by Representative Wilson at the 2/19/10 hearing
was treated as withdrawn.]
A roll call vote was taken. Representative Buch voted in favor
of Conceptual Amendment 11, as amended. Representatives Edgmon,
Gardner, Munoz, Wilson, Seaton, voted against it. Therefore,
Conceptual Amendment 11, as amended, failed by a vote of 1-5.
9:48:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER noted that the bill envisions the use of
qualified postsecondary institutions, and asked what facilities
are included. She reported that she queried DLWD and only
AVTECH was named.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX said DLWD will be the approving department
for eligibility of programs. Using AVTEC as an example, he
indicated that the highest priced tuition is $5,000 to earn a
nursing certificate; many programs are less than $3,000.
However, a student entering diesel mechanics must purchase tools
to enter the program, the cost of which exceeds the tuition.
The needs component of the GPS allows awards to defray
reasonable costs such as room and board, or equipment. It is
not the intent of the department to set a gold standard in the
development of new training programs throughout the state, i.e.
institutions establishing tuitions reflecting scholarship award
amounts. He stated the department's opinion that $3,000 is an
adequate starting figure.
9:51:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER referred to tuition costs listed in the
AVTECH catalogue, and noted that program lengths vary upwards
from as few as 38 training days. She reflected on the flat
$3,000 award for the career technical training versus the tiered
award system for the academic element, and opined that this may
inadvertently diminish incentive for a student who is pursuing a
career track to achieve beyond a C+ GPA.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX stated his belief that the dual tracks
established, and the standards required for qualification, will
better prepare every student for whatever postsecondary program
they choose.
9:53:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked whether the department considered
allowing advanced foreign language classes to satisfy part of
the four year language arts requirement.
COMMISSIONER LEDOUX replied no, explaining that the recognition
of the language arts requirement is a long established standard.
To a follow-up question he said that the current requirement is
four years of language arts.
9:54:21 AM
CHAIR SEATON stated that HB 297 would be held over.
| 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 |