Legislature(2013 - 2014)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/17/2014 08:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR23 | |
| SB195 | |
| SB100 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 195 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SJR 23 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 100 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 100-EDUCATION GRANTS; CORRS STUDY; ALLOTMENTS
8:33:22 AM
CHAIR STEVENS announced the consideration of SB 100, version G.
SHEILA PETERSON, Staff, Senator Mike Dunleavy, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, reviewed the changes in version G
of SB 100 on behalf of the sponsor. She related that version G
ensures that the individual learning plan (ILP) would be created
with the assistance and approval of a certified teacher, parent,
and child. Added in version G are the following provisions: that
the progress of the student would be monitored by the teacher
and the vendors would be non-sectarian - public, private, or
religious organizations; textbook selection would have to follow
the same criteria that public schools use; once a student left
the correspondence program, any unexpended allotment monies
would return to the district; and a family member who is helping
with instruction could not be reimbursed by the allotment fund.
8:35:45 AM
CHAIR STEVENS asked for the definition of "family members."
MS. PETERSON said family members are "the student's spouse,
guardian, parent, step-parent, sibling, step-sibling,
grandparent, step-grandparent, child, uncle, or aunt."
CHAIR STEVENS asked if there are any constitutional issues
regarding SB 100. He asked about allowing vendors to be
religious institutions.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY said many home schools employ vendors approved
by the school district for the purpose of supporting a public
ILP. Vendors can be private individuals, such as those that have
business licenses or are tutors. The important point is that the
coursework is being purchased for the support of a public ILP.
He maintained that constitutionality is difficult to define
because one must almost have a court action to determine that.
He provided an example in the bill previously passed by the
committee. He understood that if the purchasing of a course or a
service supports a public IEP, it should not be a problem. He
opined that people can sue for any reason at any time to test a
law.
8:38:55 AM
SENATOR GARDNER agreed that one never knows until someone takes
it to court. She stated, however, that her office has a
constitutional opinion that SB 100 does not violate the
constitution.
SENATOR STEDMAN asked who has that opinion.
SENATOR GARDNER said her office.
CHAIR STEVENS asked the Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED) to respond.
8:40:06 AM
SUSAN MCCAULEY, Ph.D., Director, Teaching and Learning Support,
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), Juneau,
Alaska, answered questions related to SB 195. She said that
quite a few of the provisions in SB 100 mirror elements that are
currently in regulation regarding correspondence study school
programs. The additions in version G track closely with
regulations, particularly on page 4, line 24, with regard to
textbooks, services, and other curriculum materials. She said
the changes reflect on-going conversations between the
department and the sponsor.
SENATOR GARDNER read on page 4, line 10, section (b),
"Notwithstanding another provision of law, the department may
not impose additional requirements, other than the requirements
specified under (a) of this section and under AS 14.03.320, on a
student who is proficient or advanced on statewide assessments
required under AS 14.03.123(f)." She asked whether there are
additional requirements that might be imposed.
DR. MCCAULEY explained that currently in regulation there are
some restrictions regarding the use of allotment funds, such as
for gym membership and family travel. In previous conversations
there were questions whether or not the language just referenced
would restrict the department from monitoring whether a student
used an allotment to pay for services provided by a family
member. That language has now been added to the bill. Those are
two examples that would fall under "imposing additional
requirements" and would be at odds when a student is proficient.
SENATOR GARDNER understood that a student enrolled in a program
under this bill might be able to use allotment funds for travel
and for a gym membership.
DR. MCCAULEY said yes. She understood that those would be
permitted and are not restricted and would fall under a broad
category of "imposing additional requirements" when a student is
proficient.
8:44:00 AM
SENATOR GARDNER said yet services and materials would have to be
a part of the ILP and from an approved vendor.
DR. MCCAULEY said correct. There is language that says services
must be for an instructional purpose and connected to an ILP.
There are still safeguards that ensure allotment funds are to
support instruction and have an approval process.
CHAIR STEVENS asked where that language is found in the bill.
DR. MCCAULEY said it is on page 4, line 15, of the original
bill.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY opined that the bill has more safeguards than
current K - 12 schools have. It focuses on the ILP and outcomes.
8:46:24 AM
CHAIR STEVENS asked where it says, "must be used for
instructional purposes."
SENATOR DUNLEAVY replied that it is on page 4, lines 17 and 30.
SENATOR GARDNER said on page 4, lines 14 and on.
CHAIR STEVENS maintained that he sees the wording "instructional
expenses", not "instructional purposes."
MS. PETERSON pointed to page 4, line 16, and page 4, line 30; it
must support a public purpose - the education of the child.
CHAIR STEVENS opened public testimony.
8:49:30 AM
PETE LEWIS, Superintendent, Fairbanks North Star Borough School
District, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB 100. He
said the 80/20 match, innovative learning grants, and one-to-one
funding will be beneficial to school districts. He mentioned
support for correspondence study program funding. He requested a
phase-in approach to the 1 percent funding ratio.
CHAIR STEVENS closed public testimony.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY moved to report CSSSSB 100 from committee with
individual recommendations and attached fiscal note. There being
no objection, CSSSSB 100 (EDC) was reported from the Senate
Education Standing Committee.
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