Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/06/2024 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB266 | |
| HJR17 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 266 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HJR 17 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 266-CORRESPONDENCE STUDY PROG; STUDENT ACCTS
3:34:12 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 266
"An Act relating to standards-based assessments; relating to
correspondence study programs; relating to student fund accounts
for correspondence study programs; and providing for an
effective date."
CHAIR TOBIN resumed public testimony on SB 266 that was held
open on May 6, 2024.
3:34:38 PM
GINA ZUIDERDUIN, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified
with concerns on SB 266. She said she homeschooled her children
and grandchildren using the Raven Program. Home school allows
for smaller class size and personalized instruction.
Reimbursement for classes has existed since 2002 and should
continue so home school can operate properly.
3:37:31 PM
KATRIELLE MACHIDA, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 266. She stated she opposes the
mandatory testing clause. Homeschool is not the same as public
school therefore testing should not be the same. Testing is the
responsibility of the parents and should not be mandatory.
Homeschool students are successful without mandatory testing.
She urged the committee to not pass any bill that requires
mandatory testing.
3:39:24 PM
STEVE MAILLY, representing self, Nelchina, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. He said Alaska has a long history of
independent correspondence education. He did not take money from
the state when he educated his children who are now successful
adults. NEA lobbyists push an educational agenda. He is against
mandatory testing.
3:41:57 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON joined the meeting.
3:42:15 PM
DEZIRAE QUAM, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She said students learn differently and SB
266 creates red tape instead of opportunities for students. SB
266 does not allow for diversified learning. Furthermore, it
does not address the issue brought up by the court. SB 266
should not prohibit opting out of mandatory testing for
homeschool students. Mandatory test results are not received in
a timely manner. She stated seeing her child's progress everyday
is what she needs to know they are learning.
3:43:25 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated Senator Bjorkman joined the meeting.
3:43:33 PM
CHAIR TOBIN closed public testimony on SB 266.
3:43:45 PM
CHAIR TOBIN held SB 266 in committee.