Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
02/26/2015 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SCR1 | |
| Presentation: Secondary School Boarding Stipend Program | |
| Presentation: District Operated Residential School Options | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SCR 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SCR 1-CIVICS EDUCATION TASK FORCE
3:30:37 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the consideration of SCR 1.
3:31:04 PM
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SCR
1, began with a historical overview of the Constitutional
Convention in 1787 and a story about the people's responsibility
to "keep the Republic." He opined that too many young people
have little understanding of civics and the value of liberty and
equality, individual worth, open-mindedness, the ability to
collaborate with those with differing opinions, and to work
toward a common goal for the good of the country.
He stated that those qualities must be passed on to children by
parents and in schools by means of classes in government,
history, economics, and democracy, and include discussions on
current events and controversial issues. Many Americans agree
that these courses and methods are very important to prepare
children for a democratic life.
He maintained that civic education does not get the attention it
deserves in public schools. On the National Association of
Educational Progress tests recently, only one-third of students
scored proficient or above on civic knowledge. He stated that
preparing for active citizenship was a foundational principle of
public education in America from its beginning.
He concluded that civic education strengthens the democracy, it
provides an understanding of current events, and encourages
participation in voting, volunteering, and public speaking. He
said SCR 1 is a pathway to help children become full and
effective citizens.
3:35:32 PM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Stevens, Alaska State Legislature,
provided an overview for SCR 1. He said America is facing a
quiet epidemic of apathy and ignorance amongst students. For
decades the focus has been on science, math, reading, writing,
and increased testing. He questioned the goal of that focus.
He said that other states have adopted some version of a civic
curriculum. The only civics-related bill in Alaska, HB 19, was
adopted in 2000 and required the Pledge of Allegiance in
schools. He discussed a movement that uses a 100-point quiz from
the U.S. Immigration Department as part of the school
curriculum. He gave examples of some of the questions. He said
that 92 percent of immigrants pass the test. In Arizona only 3
percent of high school seniors could pass the test.
He explained that SCR 1 would establish a task force to look at
civics education currently in Alaska and in other states and
decide on better options for Alaska students.
3:38:56 PM
SENATOR GARDNER asked if the recommendation from the task force
will result in a civics graduation requirement.
SENATOR STEVENS answered no. He addressed funding challenges and
costs to districts. He pointed out that Massachusetts used
business and industry-sponsored workshops for teachers in order
to increase students' knowledge of civics within existing
classrooms.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if the task force expires in a year.
SENATOR STEVENS answered yes.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the arrival of Senator Huggins.
3:41:07 PM
At ease
3:41:53 PM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY called the committee back to order.
3:42:25 PM
SAM STONE, Executive Director, Civics Education Initiative, Joe
Foss Institute, discussed their work on promoting the civics
quiz mentioned by Mr. Lamkin. He said the goal is to see states
adopt the quiz as part of their civics curriculum. He pointed
out the declining levels of informed and engaged citizens and
the critical challenges of reversing that decline. He related
that two-thirds of the population can't name the three branches
of the government and one-third can't name one branch. Social
studies teachers across the country are frustrated by their
reduction of class time due to science, engineering, technology,
and math courses and time for testing. He said many other states
have enacted task forces to study this issue. Free resources are
available that would not tax a state's budget, such as iCivics.
He stressed that promoting civics would be beneficial long-term
to the strength of America.
3:45:29 PM
MICHAEL POLIAKOFF, Vice President of Policy, American Council of
Trustees and Alumni, testified in support of SCR 1. He said his
organization has been deeply committed since 1995 to the
imperative of making sure citizens understand America's free
institutions. He maintained that the founders were aware that
the lifespan of liberty was not likely to be very long without
well-informed participating citizens. He emphasized the
necessity of setting civic requirements and mandates because
they set clear expectations.
MR. POLIAKOFF shared statistics on America's historical
illiteracy. He said the community service part of civic
education is an important quality that characterizes the nation.
Schools and colleges are essential for civics education and are
the only ones that can fill the civics gap.
3:49:13 PM
STUART THOMPSON, representing himself, testified in support of
SCR 1. He stated that he is petitioning the committee to do a
presentation on civics.
SENATOR STEVENS noted an article by Mr. Thompson in The
Frontiersman.
3:51:22 PM
At ease.
3:51:55 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY called the committee back to order. He requested
that Mr. Thompson speak for three minutes and then send the
committee a copy of his whole presentation.
MR. THOMPSON said, "The volume of true citizen participation in
government of, for, and by the people is probably the most
reliable test for the effectiveness of public education that
could ever be." He explained that America's founders researched
different forms of government. He ended with a statement on the
importance of civics education.
3:54:41 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY thanked Senator Stevens for bringing the
resolution forward. He noted the importance of how civics is
taught.
SENATOR STEVENS summarized that the resolution will initiate a
task force that will research how to improve civics education.
3:56:06 PM
SENATOR GARDNER questioned why there were no minority members on
the task force. She asked the sponsor if he would accept an
amendment that would ensure a member from each caucus having a
seat on the task force.
SENATOR STEVENS replied that he would accept that amendment and
opined that the task force should be as large a group as is
affordable and encompass all Alaskans.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked that Mr. Thompson's amendments be
considered.
SENATOR STEVENS replied that if there is a task force he hoped
for Mr. Thompson's involvement, as well as participation from
the other two speakers.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY held SCR 1 in committee.