Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
03/08/2021 09:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB32 | |
| SB36 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 36 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 32 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 32-COLLEGE CREDIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
9:03:13 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 32
"An Act establishing the Alaska middle college program for
public school students; and relating to the powers of the
University of Alaska."
He asked Tim Lamkin to introduce the bill.
9:03:44 AM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that SB 32 is informally
referred to as the middle colleges bill. It was active last
spring, but the pandemic halted its progress. He reported the
data shows that middle college/dual credit programs
significantly improve student success in both high school
graduation rates and in entering some manner of postsecondary
education. There are different models described with different
vernacular. In some models students physically go to a campus.
In some the college goes to the high school and then there are
virtual campuses and various hybrids and combinations. The bill
tries to capture the hybrid/combination model. The bill is not
intended to micromanage. It says there shall be an agreement
between the university and school districts that is consistent
with individual district needs, interests, and capabilities. The
bill wants to set up a framework and an understanding and
agreement between the university and districts about what will
fit.
MR. LAMKIN advised that the sponsor negotiated some changes last
year in the Finance Committee so it is not one size fits all,
but that it is more readily available. He noted that some
districts are already successfully offering this.
9:06:13 AM
MR. LAMKIN presented the sectional:
Sec. 1: AS 14.07.168 Regarding an annual report
submitted to the Legislature by the state Board of
Education and Early Development, amended to include in
that report a current summary of middle college
activity and outcomes in the state.
Sec. 2: AS 14.30 is amended to add a new Article 15,
relating to the Alaska Middle College Program.
AS 14.30.780 (a) Establishes a Middle College
program for eligible students in high school
to enroll in courses at the University of
Alaska, and to earn credit toward a college
degree as well as credit toward high school
graduation.
(b) UA shall enter into an agreement with
each school district to participate in the
AMC, giving access to any eligible student
to participate in the program.
(c) Eligibility: Establishes baseline
student eligibility requirements to include
being enrolled in a public school, be in
high school (grades 9-12), to not have
already received a high school diploma, and
demonstrate to the satisfaction of both the
school district and the UA as being
academically competent to complete college
level coursework.
(d) Awareness: Requires school districts to
establish and maintain awareness of AMC
course offerings and eligibility
requirements to students and parents,
including the academic and social
responsibilities of participating in the
AMC.
(e) Financing: UA and school districts shall
include in their respective MOU a manner of
sharing costs associated with providing the
AMC program locally, including tuition
waivers, scholarships, and other means of
reducing program costs and finding
efficiencies.
(f) Course Quality: specifies that courses
offered by the AMC must meet quality and
content standards, including quality
instruction, and regular course and
instructor review.
(g) Credit Cap: Under the AMC program,
students may not enroll in more than 15
credit hours per semester, nor earn more
than a total of 60 credits.
(h) ADM: Holds harmless a school district's
Average Daily Membership (ADM) calculation.
Students participating in the AMC program
are to still be counted toward the
respective school district's ADM.
(i) Transcripts: Allows the UA and school
districts to exchange student transcript
information for purposes of determining
program eligibility or for graduation
requirements.
(j) Definitions: Provides definitions for
use of the term "program" in this section as
being the AMC program, and for "school
district" as consistent with other uses of
that term in statute, as defined on AS
14.30.350.
Sec. 3:AS 14.40.040, relating to general powers and
duties of the UA, is a conforming amendment to:
(c) UA must implement the AMC and regularly
review the AMC course content and quality of
instruction to meet national standards for
dual credit, enter into MOUs with school
districts consistent with the AMC, and award
student credit for course completion of AMC
courses, which will be fully transferable
within the UA system.
9:09:43 AM
SENATOR BEGICH recalled that the committee had a long discussion
about the cost of the bill when it was heard last. He referred
to that in Section 2(e), financing. Part of the concern last
year was the cost to districts and the potential cost to
individual students so that would not become a barrier to
students. Oklahoma's is free and Michigan devotes millions of
dollars to this. He asked Mr. Lamkin to remind the committee of
last year's discussion about how to ensure equitable access
regardless of student income status and also not to adversely
affect school districts.
MR. LAMKIN replied that every district will be different. There
are memorandums of understanding (MOUs) out there. They are not
in the committee packet because they are dated at this point.
School districts are online that can go into those details.
9:11:23 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE noted that students who start in ninth grade
may be capable of accumulating more than 60 credits. He
described that as a limitation since students would not be
limited if they paid for the coursework on their own.
MR. LAMKIN answered that there was a lot of thought about that
and some interest in removing the cap, but it was based on
research he conducted in prior years. As a counterbalance, it is
possible, but not likely, that a student graduating from high
school could have a baccalaureate for free. Whether that is
desirable is a matter of policy.
9:12:39 AM
SENATOR STEVENS arrived.
SENATOR MICCICHE said he was thinking that the funding would be
capped at 60 credits. That is reasonable, but the credits could
go above that without a cost to the district. If a young person
is capable, it seems that they should be allowed to go further.
He acknowledged that it is a small subset of those who would
participate in the program, but they do exist.
MR. LAMKIN responded that is a very interesting observation.
Nothing precludes students from taking additional courses above
and beyond, but this puts parameters on the middle college
program.
9:14:02 AM
SENATOR HUGHES said she wants to hear from superintendents, but
her understanding is that it is a savings to at least some of
the school districts for students to take coursework through the
middle college program. Paying tuition can be a net savings for
school districts. In the sponsor statement, districts are
required to participate and the university must set up MOUs. In
the case of small districts that have no students interested,
she asked how the districts could participate and if it would be
a matter of simply filling out paperwork with the university and
notifying parents.
MR. LAMKIN responded that the framework of the bill is not
intended to micromanage. The bill says there shall be an
agreement, which could be that there is no program.
SENATOR HUGHES referenced page 3, lines 25-26 that talks about
national standards. She asked if those were specific to middle
college and what organization puts them out.
MR. LAMKIN answered that was language that was negotiated with
the university with respect to accreditation. The university
wants to make sure courses it is associated with are aligned
with national standards. The university will speak to that.
SENATOR HUGHES said that she looks forward to hearing from them.
CHAIR HOLLAND noted the bill says students pursue a college
degree or certificate. He asked if that could be a professional
or career/vocational certificate.
MR. LAMKIN replied yes. It is to provide flexibility. It is not
just degree-seeking. It could be carpentry, welding, etc.
CHAIR HOLLAND called on invited testimony.
9:17:38 AM
PAUL LAYER, Ph.D., Vice President, Academics, Students and
Research, University of Alaska (UA), Fairbanks, Alaska, said
that dual enrollment provides great opportunity for students to
earn college credit and meet high school requirements. These
types of programs have been around a while. The university has
many partnerships with districts now. There are many different
approaches in existing programs now that have been successful
that students are benefitting from. The first middle college was
with Mat-Su. That has over 130 students. The Anchorage School
District program has over 280 students and is increasing every
year. This year the University of Alaska (UA) created a new
program this year with the Fairbanks district, which was capped
at 40 but has a waitlist of over 100. The university is looking
at expanding that. In addition to those on-campus programs, UA
has created the virtual college called Alaska Advantage with the
University of Alaska Fairbanks. This provides college-level
classes to students across the state. Students do not have be at
a location with a university campus. That has allowed the
program to expand to over 30 districts as well as home school
programs.
9:20:21 AM
DR. LAYER said that because UA is an open-enrollment system,
students can take university courses if they meet the
prerequisites, but these programs through the districts make it
affordable for students and students get dual credit. As Mr.
Lamkin mentioned, there are a lot of models. There are lots of
students and districts with different situations. The university
has developed models tailored to each district, whether in
person, virtual, or a hybrid. The university does not want to
limit itself to any particular model. Flexibility has made the
programs grow. There are cohort-based programs to prepare
students to become teachers and also in areas of health. The
programs can focus on specific areas like engineering.
DR. LAYER said the university calls these programs dual credit,
and they have been a boon to the university. Statistics show
that many high school graduates who have taken advantage of
Alaska middle college come to UA. That is a plus for UA. It
keeps students here and engaged with the university.
9:22:57 AM
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, speaking as sponsor of SB 32, said he
appreciates Dr. Layer's efforts, and noted that he made an
important point. This bill is a win-win for the state of Alaska.
It offers tremendous advantages to high school students, and it
is very important for UA, which has had serious budget cuts.
Statistically, students who start taking classes at UA in high
school continue with the university to get their degrees. The
legislature is for K-12 and the University of Alaska. This
advantageous for the state's children and UA.
SENATOR HUGHES said this is a good thing. She was concerned to
hear about the Fairbanks waitlist. She is glad to hear the
university is working to expand that. Dr. Layer said students
could go on campus or attend virtually. She asked if students
are on a waitlist, can they go to virtual middle college or does
a district need to agree to pay for that. She asked if there is
a remedy for the waitlist.
DR. LAYER deferred to superintendents about agreements and how
to deal with students who want to participate middle college
when there is no room. The virtual college is a partnership with
individual school districts, and they provide logistical
support, such as mentoring, proctoring, and supervision.
9:26:19 AM
DR. LAYER clarified that regarding standards, the purpose of the
program and courses is that students are taking the exact same
class as university students. These are not special classes for
students in high school, and they appear on academic transcripts
as university classes. They meet the standards the university
must have for institutional accreditation. Instructional staff
are held to high standards to deliver courses, including high
school staff eligible to teach that course. Students must bear
responsibility when taking a course that meets university
standards. Sometimes there is the idea that it is a different
course for high school students. It is not. It is university
level.
9:28:56 AM
DEENA BISHOP, Ph.D., Superintendent, Anchorage School District,
Anchorage, Alaska, said Alaska Middle College School, AMCS,
began in 2017-18 and is now in its fourth year with over 280
students. AMCS is an opportunity for students and families to
use BSA (Base Student Allocation) funding model to support the
costs of college and high school education simultaneously. Back
in 2012 when she worked for the Mat-Su School District, the main
goal for the program was to make students college ready. There
was an outcry from the university about students not being
college ready. Mat-Su wanted to begin a middle college program
and looked at many different sates where there are many
different models. Mat-Su chose a place-based model, which is on
campus. In the Anchorage School District (ASD), students must
show a level of competency on a placement test to show they are
ready to take college course. If kids are not ready yet, the ASD
works with them so they can pass the entrance exams. Some get in
in some areas but need tutoring to pass other entrance exams.
9:31:28 AM
DR. BISHOP said that juniors and seniors can get college credit
while they complete their high school requirements. The students
have the potential to earn an associate of arts degree or can
work toward general education requirements. The AMCS data shows
kids earn about 48 college credits before they leave. There have
been students who earned over 60 credits. ASD allows them to
take additional classes at school district cost. One student
from East High School graduated with a bachelor's degree in
science and mathematics. There are some kids like that and ASD
works with them one on one. All credits are transferrable to the
UA system and credits have transferred to outside colleges. The
UA program is strong for those general education requirements.
Seventy-two to 78 percent of students have stayed with the UA
system. That is a demonstration of the quality of the
university.
9:34:09 AM
DR. BISHOP said there are other dual credit programs, but AMCS
has the power of place. It includes both UA and ASD staff.
Students attend UAA classes with other UAA students. Some
feedback from students is that they feel that the best features
of AMCS are increased sense of independence and responsibility
as well as flexibility with schedules. ASD teachers serve as
additional support. The most challenging classes are in math.
The parents shared that the best feature is the college
environment. Students have the opportunity to get ahead. Around
50 percent of students in AMCS are the first-time college
students [in their families]. The support assists with the
capital knowledge of how university works. ANSEP (Alaska Native
Science and Engineering Program) is part of the middle college
program.
9:36:31 AM
DR. BISHOP said five national merit scholars have come out of
AMCS. The ASD, which is about 60 percent minority students,
encourages diversity, but the middle college doesn't have the
same balance as the district. It is about 50/50 white and
minority students. She is proud of that. The ASD is happy to
have the program and the partnership.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if she has noticed any negative impacts
with the high school activities, such as social interaction
activities.
DR. BISHOP responded that students still have that high school
landing. They graduate with their local high school and play
sports there. There is also an AMCS graduation. Students have
passes to attend high school events. The ASD tries to keep that
balance in students' lives. It is usually utilized a lot in the
junior year but by the senior year, many have moved on except
for sports. The ASD guides the students so there are not
negative consequences, such as failing college courses and not
being able to graduate from high school.
9:39:59 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked about the costs for students as compared to
traditional high school. She asked if there is a gathering place
on campus for those students to meet.
DR. BISHOP responded that with a legislative grant starting in
2013, the initial gathering place was the Eagle River campus
with a commons area. There is special place for teachers at King
Career Tech, which is adjacent to UAA. Teachers now can support
teaching at King Tech. Students can gather and study together.
They are in college courses. The cost is affordable. The AMCS is
a school with its own funding number. The ASD utilizes the
support through the BSA. The ASD is able to support those kids
and pay all their fees and pay for books, which is a major
expense at the university level. AMCS pays for itself. It is
done well with partnerships. Speaking of partnerships, the Lower
Yukon opened up its career academy in Anchorage so students can
take courses at King Tech. AMCS also had its first Lower Yukon
student in the program. School districts can take advantage of
campus programs through partnerships.
9:43:30 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked if she believes it would not be a drain on
school district finances if the legislature were to lift the 60
credit cap.
DR. BISHOP confirmed it would not be a drain. She said not all
students take 60 credits, but the district wants to support
those who can take more than 60 credits.
CHAIR HOLLAND called on Dr. Randy Trani, Superintendent of the
Mat-Su School District.
9:46:19 AM
At ease
CHAIR HOLLAND noted that Dr. Trani could not join because of
technical difficulties.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked Dr. Trani to submit his testimony in
writing.
CHAIR HOLLAND commented that he sees everyone's enthusiasm for
the program.
SENATOR HUGHES said when the program first began, the Mat-Su
College was hesitant to host it but it has been a positive
experience. It has been wonderful for the students and families
appreciate it, including a lot of families who have not
previously attended college. It is a good program.
SENATOR STEVENS said he has gotten some reactions that this is a
dumbing down of university classes. That is simply not the case.
These are under university accreditation, and the university
would not dare dumb down a class. They are often taught on a
university campus or on a high school campus with a teacher with
degree in that field. It is a legitimate college credit. It is a
great program that works well throughout the country. The
university has done a great job and Mat-Su and Anchorage have
particularly done a great job as well. It is time to do it.
SENATOR MICCICHE said that some students are just ready and
prepared to go beyond the high school level. He said he wants to
see the program expand. He thanked Senator Stevens for bringing
the bill forward.
SENATOR HUGHES asked if Alaska would be the first state to have
middle college available in all districts.
SENATOR STEVENS said he does not believe so. The idea has been
around a long time. He introduced the idea four years ago.
9:51:57 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND held SB 32 in committee.