Legislature(2007 - 2008)CAPITOL 106
03/25/2008 03:00 PM House HEALTH, EDUCATION & SOCIAL SERVICES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB241 | |
| HB397 | |
| HB403 | |
| HB306 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 241 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 397 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 403 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 306 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 306-PRE-ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS/PLANS 3:50:53 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES announced that the final order of business would be SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 306, "An Act relating to providing a voluntary pre-elementary program within a school district; and providing for the establishment and implementation of a statewide early childhood education plan." 3:50:55 PM REPRESENTATIVE LES GARA, Alaska State Legislature, introduced HB 306, as the sponsor. He cited widespread research that supports expanding early education opportunities for kids, especially for ages younger than six. The committee took an at-ease from 3:52:10 PM to 3:56:55 PM. 3:56:57 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA continued his introduction of HB 306. Given the benefits of early learning, pre-elementary programs, for the ages of three to four, provide the most positive impact to help the very young child; in fact, 40 states have a statewide early learning program. In Alaska, there is a Head Start program for children under the poverty level; however, due to underfunding, over 50 percent of the children who qualify are not served. Representative Gara referred to the Perry Preschool Project that found that low-income children who participated in early education graduated high school, graduated college, and earned higher salaries at a higher rate than those who did not. Additionally, the 1999 Abecedarian Study at the University of North Carolina calculated that school districts save about $11.00 per child on children who have attended pre-K programs. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Bank established economic benefits associated with widespread early education. He then noted that a study by the National Institute for Early Education Research in 2004, found that children that attended state-funded pre-K demonstrated improvements in vocabulary 31 percent greater than those who did not participate, and 44 percent greater in math. Looking at crime statistics, the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) showed that kids who attend early education commit criminal acts and collect welfare in much smaller numbers, and complete their education in much higher numbers. He opined that the research that proves the effectiveness of early education is compelling, even when programs are not mandated. 4:02:18 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA continued to explain that the bill proposed that the pre-K program be a standards-based system delivered through local school districts. He then recalled that the Best Beginnings task force encouraged the inclusion of a statewide quality rating system for providers that would assist parents in selecting programs for their children. He acknowledged that there are many options for the committee to consider, such as assessing a sliding payment scale to cover a portion of the cost. Representative Gara expressed his hope that, due to the evidence of the value of early education, a universally available, pre-K educational system would soon be in place in the state. 4:03:51 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH recognized the value of socialization, development of motor skills, and school readiness that takes place in preschool, but asked how the school system would house the additional number of students without displacing existing students. She also asked whether transportation would be provided and asked for an estimate of that additional cost. 4:05:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA explained that the fiscal note would not provide $163 million, unless the program was provided free and every child participated. However, the school construction issue is a hurdle; in fact, the legislature could not require that this program was to be implemented by school districts immediately. He pointed out that the bill proposes for the state to establish the standards and for the school districts to develop a program to provide services on a voluntary basis and as space allows. 4:07:28 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH further asked whether there would be accommodations for special needs children. She opined that parents are responsible for providing for their children's needs to the best of their ability. 4:08:58 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA agreed and stated that a sliding scale fee would allow those parents who can to pay, and yet provide for children in need. For example, in Anchorage, there are two early education programs operating through the school district with income qualification systems. 4:09:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER observed that Head Start is a preschool program targeted at children who are at risk for a variety of reasons. She asked whether there are advantages of simply funding Head Start at a level so that every child who was qualified could attend. REPRESENTATIVE GARA stated that, one problem with Head Start is the lack of a mixture of kids from all income levels and backgrounds. Furthermore, Head Start often has funding shortages. Although a strong program, Head Start is not particularly flexible. 4:12:16 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA advocated for the Head Start program to be incorporated into the provisions of the bill. 4:13:27 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES clarified that the question asked how adequately funding Head Start would differ from this program. He opined that the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) has very little oversight over Head Start. 4:13:46 PM EDDY JEANS, Director, School Finance And Facilities Section, Department of Education and Early Development, opined that there would be substantial differences between Head Start and an early education program through the school districts. Head Start programs are federal and a strong component of its program involves medical and dental services that are beyond the scope of public school. 4:14:41 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER further asked whether the state could provide preschool services less expensively than Head Start. 4:14:57 PM MR. JEANS said that there is a place for both systems. He pointed out that kindergarten is optional in Alaska; the kindergartens are full and most are operating on a full-time basis. He stated that transportation home is not offered for kindergarteners and transportation costs were not included in the fiscal note attached to HB 306. He acknowledged that the inclusion of preschool programs would lead to capital requests to expand the capacity of schools. Mr. Jeans assured the committee that three and four year olds with special needs are already being served by local school districts. 4:16:56 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA informed that committee that there are federal funds provided in order for states to partner with federal government programs; the Head Start program may fit here. She then suggested that the charter school concept may be an affordable model for this legislation. 4:18:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA agreed that the charter school model might work. He indicated that Head Start staff use home visits to encourage the involvement of parents. The bill provides that school districts use existing structures and programs to deliver early education. 4:20:27 PM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked whether local school districts have the ability to charge, on a sliding scale, for the education of children. 4:20:58 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA answered that sliding scale fees are not addressed directly in the bill, but there was broad latitude for school districts to devise a program. He agreed that the language could be clarified to allow this ability. 4:21:31 PM MR. JEANS responded that school districts have the ability to offer preschool programs and charge parents a fee. However, the law does not provide for state support for three and four year olds, unless a child has disabilities. 4:22:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON further asked whether HB 306 directly provides state support. 4:22:13 PM MR. JEANS said yes. 4:22:16 PM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON referred to page 1, line 14, and asked whether "funded on a pro rata basis with a priority for low- income families" was the funding standard or whether the funding mechanism would be basic student aid. 4:22:46 PM MR. JEANS responded that he would request direction from the Department of Law (DOL) on that point. He affirmed that school districts can provide a higher allocation for low-income families, but was unsure whether there could be a sliding scale. 4:23:45 PM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked for a future response. 4:23:53 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA asked whether this legislation, with or without state support, can act as an option or a solution for communities to view and expand. 4:24:57 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA agreed that the bill would create a shell of a program that, if not funded by the state, relieves any school district from the obligation of providing pre-K education. Anticipating limited funding by the state, the bill does require school districts to provide pre-K education to as many children as the state provides funds for. Enactment of HB 306 would provide the structure. 4:25:45 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA expressed her wish that, instead of standing still, the legislature would create structures that allow communities to begin solving problems, further supported by the possibility of future legislation and future funding. 4:26:32 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER asked whether the cost for the DEED to devise the program was included in the fiscal note. 4:27:18 PM MR. JEANS explained that there is staff at the DEED that works on early education guidelines. The fiscal note attached to HB 306 represents costs through the foundation program and does not represent DEED staff costs. 4:27:51 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH observed that the legislature passed a substantial education budget this year. She asked Representative Gara to estimate the percentage of the education "pie" that should be allowed for preschool, given the shortages in education appropriations for weatherization, energy costs, and retirement and benefits. 4:29:05 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA stated that a partial program would begin to open some classrooms. He opined that a $30 million investment in education should be a high priority. He referred to the possibility that the legislature will approve payment of $500 to all residents, to offset energy costs, and stated that his preference would be to fund educational programs. Educational programs to support college students and young children make a lasting effect on people's lives. 4:30:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH re-stated her question about how to allocate educational costs. For example, should one-half go to K-12 education. 4:32:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA answered that early education is a top priority. Reducing class size for grades K through five is very expensive, so money may be better spent to involve parents and fund early education. He reminded the committee that money spent in early education is even more effective than an increase in the foundation formula. Representative Gara listed several educational and financial aid programs that he described as underfunded. 4:34:28 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH expressed her hesitation to support the bill considering the unanswered questions of transportation costs, expanded capital costs, and the constitutional issues. 4:35:34 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA observed that for the last six years legislators have said, "We can't fund it because it hasn't been designed yet." The bill instructs the DEED to devise standards; the first step to a universal early education system. He questioned the purpose of avoiding the first step, and ignoring the advice from the Best Beginnings task force. 4:36:35 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH suggested that a pilot program in rural Alaska would provide indicators of the success of the program and information sufficient to create a business plan, with measurable outcomes, to submit to legislators. She further suggested that Representative Gara approach the administration to establish support and credibility for the program. 4:38:50 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA conceded that he will not be able to interest the administration in implementing a program. The Best Beginnings task force was comprised of a broad cross section of influential people; however, there has not been a response to their recommendations. In fact, the Palin Administration has rejected a pilot project. He agreed that there was need for a governor to champion the issue. 4:40:26 PM REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA opined that a great deal of money has been spent on programs with fewer positive outcomes substantiated in research. If, in fact, there was an interest in making a difference for education, the funding would be looked at as a budget issue by the appropriate committees. She opined that successful methods of educating children are known; however, funding is a continuing issue with constant changes in the legislature and in the administration. Representative Cissna challenged legislators to care about education issues and to have the will to make a difference. 4:43:06 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH remarked: I believe that we keep delegating our responsibility to other people, to come back with solutions and we never have buy-in from the legislature. ... If you do not have legislators involved in a process ... to commit to something where you get people believing and pulling the rope the same direction, that we continue to spin. ... I think [solutions] are there, it just requires a cooperative effort. 4:44:59 PM KIM LANGTON, PhD; Superintendent, Denali Borough School District, informed the committee of his experience working in the Iditarod Area School District, the Kuspuk School District, and the Denali Borough School District. He opined that the issues dealing with the younger child generate the most excitement among parents and communities. He noted the positive impact of an early education program that was begun in 2001, in Aniak. In the Bush, children often do not have the language and comprehension skills needed for success later on in school. Dr. Langton stressed that early exposure to a print-rich and verbal- rich environment is critical for effective later learning. He observed that, if the state is sincere about achievement for the kids in rural Alaska, a program of pre-school is required. 4:47:40 PM CANDICE WINKLER, Chief Executive Officer, Child Care Connections, expressed her support of the intent of the bill, adding her belief that these services need to be expanded beyond the school districts and should include child care programs, private preschool programs, and Head Start programs that meet certain standards. Rating the existing programs, as previously suggested, would ensure that pre-K services could be delivered through a mixed approach. She opined that a mixed approach has been proven to be effective and efficient, and would meet parent's needs, reduce duplication, and improve community based programs. Ms. Winkler agreed that it is the responsibility of the legislature to review recommendations of citizen committees and become involved. Ms. Winkler stated that early education is good public policy and benefits economic development in that it would help the state remain competitive in a global economy. The research is clear that funding to support quality early education creates a high return on the investment. She assured the committee that there was plenty of research available to support early education and encouraged the legislature to pursue this issue. 4:54:51 PM ABBE HENSLEY, Executive Director, Best Beginnings, informed the committee that Best Beginnings is a statewide initiative that brings together people and resources to ensure that all Alaskan children begin school ready for success. She pointed out the importance of delivering early learning opportunities through diverse delivery systems versus the public school system. In fact, a recommendation from the Ready to Read, Ready to Learn task force was to develop a statewide system of voluntary and affordable early childhood education with options for parents and families wherever they are. Additionally, Best Beginnings is focusing on children from birth to age 6, and working with families to provide learning opportunities in a variety of ways. Ms. Hensley encouraged the committee to look carefully at providing opportunities for the children in Alaska to successfully begin school, and prepare for the rest of their lives. 4:59:48 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES announced that public testimony would be kept open for further discussion. 5:00:13 PM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked whether deleting Sections 1 and 2 would allow the bill to move forward. 5:01:20 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA acknowledged that this September, there will not be a statewide education program. Moreover, without any changes to the bill, the program would be further delayed. He agreed with the deletion of Sections 1 through 4 and the passage of Section 5, with the intent to allow the DEED to devise an efficient and effective early education program. 5:02:23 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER offered Conceptual Amendment 1, which deletes from page 1, line 5, through page 4, line 8, leaving only Section 5 of the bill. 5:02:46 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES objected. 5:02:52 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER opined that the amendment contains the "nub" of the bill and would move the bill expeditiously. 5:03:15 PM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER observed that there would be further public testimony, therefore, there would also be time to draft a committee substitute (CS). 5:03:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH stated her support for the amendment, for further testimony, and for the submission of a CS. 5:03:49 PM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked for comments from Mr. Jeans of the DEED. 5:04:05 PM MR. JEANS stated his support for the amendment. 5:04:38 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA suggested that Section 3 also contained language necessary for the bill. 5:04:51 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES re-stated that the proposal by Representative Seaton was to eliminate Sections 1 and 2. 5:05:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA affirmed that Sections 3 and 5, but not Section 4, should be retained. 5:05:15 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES suggested that Representative Gardner work with the sponsor to draft a CS, rather than proceeding with action on the offered amendment. 5:05:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER withdrew her amendment and commented that the last three lines of Section 5 could include the significant language from Section 3. 5:06:00 PM REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH spoke in opposition to language that incorporates "devise and implement". 5:06:30 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES affirmed that the CS would propose a well designated plan as opposed to implementation of an immediate program. 5:06:41 PM REPRESENTATIVE GARA stated his intent to provide a CS. 5:07:07 PM VICE CHAIR ROSES announced that SSHB 306 would be held.
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