Legislature(1997 - 1998)
04/24/1997 08:41 AM Senate FIN
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HB 145 TEACHING COMPETENCY EXAM FOR CERTIFICATION
COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED to adopt the SCS work draft,
version H. SENATOR ADAMS objected. There was
discussion regarding the fiscal note. SENATOR ADAMS
withdrew his objection and SCS CSHB 145(FIN) was
ADOPTED. Testimony was heard from JOHN CYR,
REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE and DR. NANCY BUELL. SENATOR
DONLEY MOVED Amendment #1. Without objection,
Amendment #1 was ADOPTED. COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED the
bill from committee with individual recommendations.
SENATOR ADAMS objected. By a vote of 5 to 2, SCSCSHB
145(FIN) was REPORTED OUT with a forthcoming fiscal
note from the Department of Education (100.0).
CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 145(HES)
"An Act relating to certification of teachers."
COCHAIR PEARCE noted the SCS work draft, version H, that was
before the committee. She read the language that was
incorporated into the draft on page 2, line 3 "and for other
charges assessed against teachers as part of certification";
line 5: "relating to the certification of teachers"; line 6:
"when added to the other fees collected from teachers"; and
line 7: "to the fees for certification of teachers".
COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED for adoption of the work draft as SCS
CSHB 145(FIN). SENATOR ADAMS objected. He inquired if
there was a new fiscal note applicable to the SCS and what
services teachers would receive for the increased cost.
There was no new fiscal note. COCHAIR PEARCE commented that
the purpose was to have teachers pay the full cost of
certification and licensing through their fees, as do other
occupational and professional licensees. SENATOR ADAMS
inquired about the difference in cost now and as a result of
the bill. COCHAIR PEARCE estimated it would be an increase
of approximately $42 for a five-year renewal, and it was
still one of the lowest professional license fees in the
state.
SENATOR ADAMS withdrew his objection. There being no
further objection, SCS CSHB 145(FIN) was ADOPTED.
JOHN CYR, President, NEA-Alaska, addressed the committee.
He testified that he had supported the bill throughout the
legislative process, but now had to speak in opposition.
Although he favored a formal screening process for
applicants for certification, the SCS raised fees by fifty
percent. He noted that a new applicant had to pay a license
fee of approximately $450 to $500 just to look for work.
MR. CYR suggested allowing the NEA, a professional
association, to handle certification and policing with
legislative oversight. In response to a question from
SENATOR ADAMS, he stated no additional services would be
added with an increase in fees and that minimal oversight
could allow fees to escalate.
COCHAIR PEARCE questioned why teachers should be in a class
unto themselves with regard to paying the costs of
certification. MR. CYR responded that certification costs
were being covered. He added that other professions were
free to charge what the market would bear, but that teachers
were in a different circumstance because their income was
regulated through a bargaining procedure and unlike other
professionals such as doctors and lawyers, teachers were a
part of the state in that they worked for the state's
political subdivisions. He suggested that the Professional
Teaching Practices Commission have a bigger role in looking
at certification requirements if teachers would be paying
more. MR. CYR stated he would like to see NEA be
responsible for certification.
REPRESENTATIVE CON BUNDE addressed the committee. He noted
the purpose of the bill was to address the need for
screening tests, commenting that the emphasis had shifted to
fees. He encouraged the committee to refocus on the main
purpose. He suggested a two-tiered fee system be considered
for new certification and recertification. COCHAIR PEARCE
noted the department already did that and nothing in the
bill would prevent the continuation.
End of HB 145 on SFC-97, # 127, Side 1, (500). (At this
point, the tape skips to SB 11.)
Begin SFC-97, #128, Side 1 (000)
SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired if NEA supported general
proficiency testing as part of high school graduation
requirements. MR. CYR commented that it was a complex
issue. He supported competency for graduates but believed a
one-time test was not the best way to go. He elaborated on
the issue.
SENATOR DONLEY noted the new language in Section 2 and asked
if a delayed effective date for that section could phase the
process in.
DR. NANCY BUELL, Director, Teaching and Learning Support,
Department of Education, responded that a delayed
implementation date would allow a more orderly process and
would be easier for the population it addresses. There was
additional discussion about an effective date.
SENATOR DONLEY MOVED Amendment #1, adding an effective date
of July 1, 1998 for Section 2 of the bill. Without
objection, Amendment #1 was ADOPTED.
COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED the bill from committee with individual
recommendations. SENATOR ADAMS objected.
A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION.
IN FAVOR: PHILLIPS, TORGERSON, PARNELL, PEARCE, SHARP
OPPOSED: DONLEY, ADAMS
And so, by a vote of 5 to 2, SCSCSHB 145(FIN) was REPORTED
OUT with a forthcoming fiscal note from the Department of
Education (100.0).
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|