Legislature(2011 - 2012)CAPITOL 106
01/21/2011 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
January 21, 2011
8:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Alan Dick, Chair
Representative Lance Pruitt
Representative Paul Seaton
Representative Peggy Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Eric Feige
Representative Sharon Cissna
Representative Scott Kawasaki
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW: ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:04:25 AM
CHAIR ALAN DICK called the House Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 8:04 a.m. Representatives Dick, Wilson,
Seaton, and Pruitt were present at the call to order.
^OVERVIEW: ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
OVERVIEW: ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
8:04:53 AM
CHAIR DICK announced the appointment of Representative Pruitt as
Vice Chair of the House Education Standing Committee.
The committee took an at-ease from 8:05 a.m. to 8:08 a.m.
8:08:37 AM
CHAIR DICK introduced the committee staff and visitors of note
in the gallery.
8:09:12 AM
CHAIR DICK noted that approximately 129,000 K-12 students,
guided by roughly 7,000 teachers, attend schools each day in
Alaska. He stated his belief that the committee can work to
reshape the focus of education in the state, a future benefit to
everyone involved, by employing creative, cooperative, and
energetic means. Further, he explained that each committee
member would be responding to a series of questions.
8:12:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON proceeded to provide a brief biography and
history of his educational experience, including attendance at a
junior college, followed by enrollment in the University of
California (UC) Santa Barbara, eventually transferring to the
University of Alaska (UA) to complete a bachelors of science
(BS) degree, and a master's degree (MS) for teaching the
biological sciences. He elaborated on his continued experience
of teaching marine zoology in California, post graduate classes
at UC San Diego, and pursuing, without completion, a PhD at UC
Santa Barbara, prior to becoming a commercial fisherman in
Alaska. As an extension of being a fisherman, he obtained a
certificate in diesel mechanics from the Alaska Vocational
Technical Center (AVTEC). Representative Seaton opined that he
sees the Education Committee as one of the most important
committees in the legislature, given the possibility for
significant long term influences over the young residents of the
state. Responding to the question regarding personal
educational philosophy, he stated his belief in the need to
engage each student in a manner which addresses individual
learning styles appropriately, establishes high goals, and sets
forth a clear path for achievement. As the former chair of the
committee, he stated that he is pleased to be back on the panel
to provide continuity to the process of bills under
consideration. One of the best things that is happening in
education in Alaska today, he said, is the [governor's]
scholarship program, which requires schools to provide classes
and necessary support in order for students to qualify. A
quality education is a priority regardless of the direction a
student chooses, he opined; a path of continued education or
technical training. Representative Seaton observed that
problems arise when students are not engaged, and when focus is
lost due to attention being diverted from individual student
learning needs to the satisfaction of testing requirements. He
said he is looking forward to gaining firsthand knowledge
regarding schools in the Bush, and addressing the issues that
will be brought before the committee as the session unfolds.
8:19:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE WILSON provided her background of growing up on a
farm and attending a one room grade school, prior to attendance
at an urban high school, and entering a community college to
earn a nursing degree. She pointed out that she set a precedent
for the community college she attended, by earning a dual
degree: an associate's degree in nursing, as well as science.
In pursuit of higher education she also attended college in
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to earn her credentials to be a
national school nurse. Through enrollment at UAF, she gained
emergency medical training (EMT) certificates I, II, and III,
and eventually taught the first two levels. Addressing the
question of why she chose the Education Committee,
Representative Wilson cited her background as a school nurse and
the classroom teaching that she carried in that position.
Additionally, she said her husband is a school superintendent,
which heightens her interest in the school system.
Philosophically, she stated her belief that every child counts,
and emphasized the needs of quiet children, as well as those
labeled as trouble makers, to have a caring teacher.
Furthermore, teacher education is extremely important. The
universities are "behind the eight-ball," to provide teachers
with the latest information regarding student learning
differences, and to appropriately prepare educators for the
classroom. She said, "Shame on us for graduating kids that are
[considered to be] within the normal realm and still can't
[comprehend or complete a job application form]." She reviewed
the skills that she brings to the committee: 15 years on the
education committee, including her tenure as an Education
Committee member of the North Carolina legislature, 9 years in
the classroom, as well as her rural background. Regarding good
things that are happening in education in Alaska today, she
cited increased funding to schools, and the career assessments
that students receive to assist them in focusing their
educational efforts towards a chosen goal. Additionally, she
expects the increased funding, in the areas of exceptional
children and vocational education, to prove a benefit.
Acknowledging that not all students desire a college education,
she indicated that the [governor's] scholarship program will
provide options and support for students to strive for
individual goals. The dropout rate is a problem, she said.
Additionally, the practice of teaching to tests, rather than the
basics, creates a dumbing down situation. She emphasized the
need for teachers to be better prepared for the classroom, and
teaching experience, particularly those destined for rural
Alaska. Addressing the question of what she would like to
learn, she said, "as much as I can, about it all." Goals for
the Education Committee, she opined, should include implementing
what has been proven scientifically to help students achieve.
Finally, she stated her belief that the high school exit exam is
no longer necessary.
The committee took an at-ease from 8:28 a.m. to 8:29 a.m.
8:29:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE WILSON, at the request of the chair, introduced
Bruce Johnson, in the gallery, as the new head of the Alaska
Council of School Administrators.
8:30:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRUITT said he is a lifelong Alaskan from the
east Anchorage district; the area which he now represents. He
reported that he graduated from UAA, with a BA in history, and
earned a masters degree in business administration (MBA) through
the [on-line] Kaplan University. The technology used in the
Kaplan program, he said, was an exciting learning experience;
putting him in league, and concert, with students on a global
scale. He chose the Education Committee as a paramount means to
serve the future of the state; the children. Additionally, as a
father of two young children, he said he expects to have them
enter a well directed state system. Speaking philosophically,
he said that no single avenue can provide a well rounded
education for each student. He stated his understanding that
Anchorage has a 70 percent dropout rate, and said that speaking
to the children individually, has revealed engagement to be an
issue. Additionally, he stressed the importance of parent
involvement. Referring to the skills that he brings to the
committee he cited his background as an Alaskan business
manager, where he has gained firsthand knowledge of the workers
being produced. He also brings to the committee experience of
sitting on the Anchorage school budget advisory commission;
charged with a $787 million dollar budget. He said he was
immersed in the budgeting process, and gained a working
understanding of serving 45,000 students. Addressing the
question of what good things he sees happening in education in
Alaska, he cited virtual learning as a huge plus; not only for
rural areas but also in large, urban school districts. The
dropout rate is a concern, he said, as well as the inability of
students arriving at college without reading skills, and the
need to produce a better prepared work force. The issues he
would like to learn about, as a committee member, include: the
complexity of the funding formula, testing options/effectiveness
for students, and means to embed workforce skills. Regarding
expectations for the committee, he envisions providing teachers
with the tools to be successful, possibly via funding, and
removing barriers that hinder educators from reaching students.
8:41:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRUITT, in response to a committee member,
amended his previous statement by correcting the dropout rate,
in the Anchorage school district, to be approximately 30
percent, with a completion rate of 70 percent.
8:42:34 AM
CHAIR DICK said that he enjoyed a secure lower school
environment, in Massachusetts, for 13 years. Although he did
not always enjoy school, he recounted how he fostered an
interest in becoming a teacher, as a means to improve the
educational experience for future children. After finishing two
years of college, one in Maine and one in Massachusetts, he
hitchhiked to Alaska, where he honed his outdoor skills and
learned many technical skills in order to remain a viable
resident. Eventually, through encouragement from peers he
attended the University of Fairbanks (UAF) extension school at
Aniak to become a certified teacher. Teaching allowed him to
remain in the Bush, where he has resided for 44 years.
Regarding why he chose the Education Committee, he opined that
it may be the best place for him to leave his mark.
Philosophically, he said: "We are the temporary stewards of
other people's greatest treasure, and we need to keep that in
mind." Additionally, he stated that educators are charged with
preparing today's students for a future that is difficult to
envision and challenges the imagination. One word encapsulates
his philosophy on education, and that is relevance. Presenting
education in a relevant, and applicable manner, is the best
means for engaging a student, he opined, and provided a personal
story to underscore this belief. Relevance and connectivity
also provides motivation to learn, he continued, and underscored
how versatility is a necessity in today's work place. The
skills and abilities that he brings to the committee include a
teaching career in the Bush, which included work in the
classroom as well as administrative work in the district office.
Serving the large, sparsely populated Iditarod School District,
he reported that his tenure there included serving as the
vocational education coordinator, developing curriculum, and
acting as the correspondence school principal. He offered words
of praise for the discipline that home schooling instills, but
warned that accountability be viewed as an important requirement
of home programs. The background that he brings to the
committee includes: working eight years for the Alaska Rural
Systemic Initiative (ARSI); assisting in the writing of
standards for culturally responsive schools; and traveling all
reaches of the state, and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada,
in conjunction with science and culture camps. While in charge
of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
science fair, he reported that the students from Circle, Alaska,
competed nationally and received a first place physics award.
Additionally, he has held a contract with the Cook Inlet Tribal
Council to write curriculum for Native students in the Alaska
Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) where he produced a
series of videos illustrating the applicability of Native
culture to a modern life style. Additionally, he created videos
dealing with environmental science curriculum in relation to
oceans. These local, culturally relevant, science projects have
proven to be effective learning tools. This brought him to
author a book titled DEALING WITH EXCELLERATING CHANGE, which
prompts young people to perform relevant science projects
related primarily to oceans, rivers, and climate change. He
participated in developing the state science standards, and
confessed to assisting in writing the No Child Left Behind
(NCLB) standards; a flawed but probably redeemable effort.
Responding to what is positive in Alaskan education today, he
cited the efforts to employ and retain good teachers. He also
supports the technical approach to training over the internet,
employing the use of e-books, and developing other technical
approaches.
The committee took an at-ease from 8:58 a.m. to 9:14 a.m.
9:14:31 AM
CHAIR DICK returned to the question of problems in the field of
education and opined that, although drop out and achievement
levels are an issue, he views these as symptoms of the system.
Further, college readiness must be addressed. He anticipates
that many solutions may become self evident through the process
of scrutinizing the big picture. Regional, or magnate schools,
technological advances, and other possibilities can be used to
provide students an excellent education. Principal turnover is
a contributing factor to student failure, and he expressed
concern for other hardships that occur in the Bush. Further, he
expressed interest in gaining knowledge regarding charter
schools, education on a systemic level, and the collective
educational philosophies of the state educators. He challenged
the committee to grasp the big picture of education, understand
what needs to happen, and set aside any personal sense of ego
around the issues. Remaining sensitive to the needs of
teachers, will allow educators to serve the students better, he
opined, and said the curiosity and motivation that is inherent
in every student may be dispelled by a poor school experience.
He stressed the need to cultivate the innate drive, and
instinct, of every child to learn. Today's teachers can be
observed giving over 80 percent of their time to classroom
management and motivation; a serious loss of teaching time.
Implementing change will not provide instant success; however,
he stated his believe that creative solutions will eventually
penetrate the system.
The committee took an at-ease at 9:24 a.m.
9:24:18 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON reminded the committee that the 26th
Alaska State Legislature established two task forces: one for
the governor's scholarship program, and one on higher education
and career readiness. The recommendations from these two task
forces will be forthcoming to the current legislature. Being
seated on both task forces, he reported that a common concern
arose around the band width available to implement technological
advances in education. He suggested that the committee begin to
consider alternatives that can be supported, independent of band
width requirements, and he made suggestions that would involve
downloaded discs being delivered via mail service. Obtaining
the necessary band width to accommodate testing needs, the
compilation of student scores at the state level, and distance
learning resides somewhere in the future. Additionally, he
shared that data from the Anchorage area indicates how
completion rates were increased by 5 percent when students
received graduation coaching. Graduation coaching has also
occurred in the Kenai School District, with good results. The
difference between the Anchorage and Kenai districts, he noted,
is that Anchorage hired coaches, and Kenai hired teachers with
the understanding that coaching/advising would be part of the
job and serve every student; requiring no additional positions
in the school district and the related budget burdens.
Incorporating advisory programs into the hiring process is an
important approach to take, he opined. The task force heard
testimony that UAF has experienced a 25 percent graduation rate,
in a five year period, since implementing a mandatory advisor
program. He compared that to the optional advisory program, at
UAA, and the corresponding statistic of only 16 1/2 percent.
Schools across the nation have acknowledged this co-relation and
taken up the task of hiring teachers with the understanding that
they will also be serving as mentors and advocates. He
questioned the wisdom, and efficiency, of awarding state
scholarships, to students who only have a 16-25 percent chance
of completing a degree.
9:30:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE WILSON interjected that state funding for schools
remained flat for 20 years, allowing for little growth. She
observed that the legislature has worked, in the last 10 years,
to improve funding levels and ease this hobbling factor.
However, she opined, money is not the only answer to the
situation, and stated that other solutions must be addressed
along with budgetary increases. Additional funding is certainly
required to meet the inflationary costs associated with
operating schools; such as utilities and insurance. She
suggested that improving student performance does not
necessarily require additional funding.
9:33:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON, in response to Representative Pruitt,
said that one task force calendar has been completed, and the
second one will have a final meeting and provide a report by
April 1, 2011. Given the two year legislative session, this
timeline should allow appropriate time for review and
introduction of any necessary bills.
9:34:53 AM
CHAIR DICK expressed a desire to have interviews with
superintendants, at the beginning of each committee meeting. He
opined that the committee would gain a better perspective of
what is occurring across the state by hearing directly from the
school representatives. He referred to six questions that the
Department of Education will respond to at the next regular
meeting of the committee, which read [original punctuation
provided]:
What is DEED, and how is it structured?
What is the overarching educational philosophy of
DEED?
Give a brief history of education in Alaska. BIA
(Bureau of Indian Affairs), SOS (State Operated
Schools), AUBSD (Alaska Unorganized Borough School
District), REAA's (Regional Educational Attendance
Areas) and contemporary.
What are the differences and similarities between and
among the rural, bush and urban schools?
Give an overview of the DEED budget and how it works.
What does DEED perceive to be the problems in
Education, and what would DEED like this session of
the legislature to address?
9:37:37 AM
CHAIR DICK reviewed the remainder of the week's meeting
schedule.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 9:38 a.m.
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