Legislature(2001 - 2002)
01/24/2002 01:57 PM House FIN
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
January 24, 2002
1:57 P.M.
TAPE HFC 02 - 13, Side A
TAPE HFC 02 - 13, Side B
TAPE HFC 02 - 13, Side A
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Williams called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 1:57 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Bill Williams, Co-Chair
Representative Con Bunde, Vice-Chair
Representative Eric Croft
Representative John Davies
Representative Richard Foster
Representative Bill Hudson
Representative Ken Lancaster
Representative Carl Moses
Representative Jim Whitaker
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Eldon Mulder, Co-Chair
Representative John Harris
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Mary Kapsner; Senator Donald Olson; P.J. Ford
Slack, Director, Teaching and Learning Support, Department
of Education & Early Development; Barbara Thompson, Deputy
Director, Teaching and Learning Support, Department of
Education & Early Development; Louie Yannotti, Charter
Schools, Social Studies, Teaching and Learning Support,
Department of Education & Early Development; Annie McIlvain,
Alaska Municipal League; Tom Harvey, Executive Director,
NEA-Alaska.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Candy Waugaman, President, Alaska Historical Society,
Fairbanks; Mary Nordale, Fairbanks; Joan Antonson, Office of
History & Archaeology, Department of Natural Resources,
Anchorage; Bruce Parham, Anchorage; Judy Bittner, History &
Archaeology, Department of Natural Resources, Anchorage;
Steve Haycox, University of Alaska-Anchorage, Anchorage; Ed
Earnhart, Anchorage; Elsa Sargento, Filipino Community &
Bridge Builders, Anchorage; Kathleen Dalton, Fairbanks;
Carol Comeau, Anchorage School Superintendent, Anchorage;
Ernie Line, Mat-Su; Darlene Hurbert, Fairbanks.
SUMMARY
HB 171 An Act relating to a curriculum for Alaska
history; and providing for an effective date.
HB 171 was HEARD and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
HOUSE BILL NO. 171
An Act relating to a curriculum for Alaska history; and
providing for an effective date.
REPRESENTATIVE MARY KAPSNER explained that understanding
Alaska State history is important to providing the context
of where Alaskans came from and what we as Alaskan's value
about the diversity and richness of our State. It is
fundamental to being informed and effective participants in
State and local affairs. An understanding of how Alaska's
economy and form of government developed is crucial to
understanding how to deal with today's issues.
Commonwealth North's study in 2000 on the urban/rural divide
in Alaska found that if nothing is done to address the
critical issues that divide Alaskans, the result will be an
increasingly fragmented State, with discouraging economic
growth and increasing social and cultural clashes. The
group put forth a set of recommendations and action items,
including the teaching of Alaska history at the high school
level, and backed up the recommendation with an active
working committee.
Representative Kapsner noted that support has grown.
Resolutions were passed at the Alaska Federation of Natives
(AFN) Convention for the past three years calling for Alaska
history education. The Alaska Municipal League issued a
policy statement in support of civic education for students,
noting that teaching children how to understand and
influence their government is critical to the well being of
Alaska. The Alaska Association of School Boards and the
National Education Association (NEA) Alaska support the
legislation. The Department of Education & Early
Development has worked with the legislative group to help
craft and tune the language of HB 171.
Representative Kapsner advised that Carol Comeau,
Superintendent of the Anchorage School System, is currently
working on a curriculum for the legislation.
Representative Kapsner referenced the proposed committee
substitute, work draft #22-LS0070\R, Ford, 1/22/02. [Copy on
File]. She noted that the draft would up date the effective
dates from last year. The work draft also removes language
regarding special education students because federal law
controls that requirement. The draft also clarifies
requirements for students transferring into the Alaska
school system in their junior or senior year.
Vice-Chair Bunde asked how many high schools in Alaska do
not have Alaska history as a requirement.
Representative Kapsner replied that nine school districts do
not require Alaska history. That does not mean that they do
not offer it as an elective. However, it is not required.
Vice-Chair Bunde thought it outrageous that a law should be
passed for such a small number of school districts. Vice-
Chair Bunde referenced the committee substitute. He
commented that the people who need to learn Alaska history
are the ones that are new to the State. He asserted that
those are the people that should be required to take it.
Representative Kapsner agreed, however, many of those new
students will need to prepare to pass the State exit exam.
She stressed that the legislation was intended to be a great
first step.
Representative Hudson applauded Representative Kapsner for
the legislation. He addressed the additional money that
would be needed in the classroom teaching area to implement
the program. He pointed out the National Education
Association's (NEA) endorsement on the legislation. He
asked about the development costs of the curriculum. He
inquired if there would need to be additional money placed
into the school system to teach the curriculum.
Representative Kapsner understood that the money generated
by the fiscal note would be used to develop the material and
curriculum. She requested that the Department address that
question.
Representative Whitaker noted that he had co-sponsored the
bill. He acknowledged that there would be some "tough"
questions asked from legislative members. Representative
Whitaker spoke to the Native & non-Native cultural clash and
his concern regarding that. He referenced the findings and
intent section, Section 3, Page 3, Line 19. He reflected on
the diversity within the Native culture. He pointed out
that the bill only indicates a Native studies component
regardless of the rich and diverse cultural history of the
State.
Representative Kapsner emphasized that it was not her intent
that HB 171 be a "Native" bill. She acknowledged that it
does reference Native people. Many people in the public
school system have little or no reference at all to the
Native people. Native people have an oral tradition, not a
literary tradition. Hence, most books are not written by
Native people. Consequently, she stated that it is
imperative to have at least one section of the curriculum
devoted solely to the Native people of Alaska.
Representative Whitaker suggested that verbiage be added
that is inclusive of all cultures. He added that it is not
advantageous to see ourselves as culturally separate. As an
institution, the State has to work toward a goal of
establishing an inclusive Alaskan culture.
Representative Lancaster commended the sponsor. He voiced
concern with the "pile" of significant education bills,
which are stacking up for consideration this session.
Representative Kapsner voiced her concern with being "lost
in the dust". She stressed that many of the issues on the
table are divisive. She commented that HB 171 would act as
a unifier.
Representative Davies interjected his support of the
legislation. He noted that normally he would not support
legislation that mandates a State requirement, however, this
consideration is a central and core issue for the State. He
pointed out that there is a lack of understanding in the
history of Alaska, which plays a role in many of the
problems currently existing in the Legislature.
He added that in terms of the budget, only $53,000 dollars
was being directed for training of teachers. He emphasized
that the request is a modest amount and that HB 171 is an
important piece of legislation.
Representative Foster MOVED to adopt the committee
substitute for HB 171 as the version of the bill before the
Committee. There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted.
Representative Kapsner responded to comments made by
Representative Whitaker. She stated that the Native Alaskan
influence is unique within the State. Many of the European
influences in Alaska are similar to those in other states.
Alaskan Natives have an experience that is unlike any other
Native group in the world because of the Native Claim
Settlement Act (NCSA). There is a presumption that if you
are native, you belong to one of the thirteen Native
Corporations. She pointed out that all Natives born after
1971 do not belong to a Native Corporation.
Vice-Chair Bunde recommended that the Department of
Education & Early Development should develop the curriculum.
He asked if language would be included because there is no
confidence that the Department could address that portion of
the program.
Representative Kapsner stated that had been a recommendation
of Commonwealth North and various leaders throughout the
State both Native and non-Native.
P.J. FORD SLACK, DIRECTOR, TEACHING AND LEARNING SUPPORT,
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT, noted that the
Department does not often get involved in developing
curriculum. Alaska is unique in the way that it does
things. The proposed bill does have the support of the
entire Department and various groups statewide involved with
the concern. Most districts have made this a requirement
and if not a requirement, an elective.
She added that the legislation was developed in
collaboration with various interest groups, to guarantee
that it aligns with other work and is standards-based. The
Department wants to facilitate the program. Ms. Slack
advised that the Department has worked close with
Superintendent Comeau from the Anchorage School District,
has implemented the plan already.
Ms. Slack acknowledged that there are questions with the
special education piece of the legislation. She assured
members that the majority of special Ed students will know
their portion of Alaska history as well, but it would be up
to their Individual Pupil Unit (IPU) team to determine a
curriculum that is appropriate for that student. Ms. Slack
stated that it has been recommended that piece of the
verbiage be removed. She did not recall that students from
out-of-state be exempt from the requirement. She assumed
thth
that it could have been removed for those new 11 & 12
graders coming into the State, faced with the unique credit
requirements that they will need to graduate.
Ms. Slack noted that as the person who oversees teacher
certification throughout the State, every entering educator
is required to take an Alaska focused credit.
She commented that the Department would take all pieces of
the legislation "to heart". She referenced the recent
Alaska Native Educational Seminar in November 2001, in which
many people voiced support for the proposed legislation.
She offered to answer questions regarding the fiscal note.
Co-Chair Williams noted his concern with the fiscal note.
He noted that with only nine districts that do not have
Alaska history requirement, why does an additional
curriculum need to be designed.
Ms. Slack responded that she did not know if the Department
could reduce the cost of the fiscal note. She pointed out
that the note takes into consideration developing a CD and
active web site, while making sure that there is ownership
for the curriculum throughout the State. It is not a high
stakes credit, but there be consistency. She emphasized
that it is important to keep that integrity. She noted the
various pieces creating one cohesive piece of information,
technologically based.
Co-Chair Williams asserted that there currently are 44
districts that have already taken ownership. He reiterated
to the Department that the Committee was looking for ways to
reduce the fiscal note.
BARBARA THOMPSON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, TEACHING AND LEARNING
SUPPORT, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & EARLY DEVELOPMENT,
clarified that in meeting the provisions of the bill,
including a Alaska Native studies component, the State could
not guarantee that all 44 districts qualify for that
requirement. Each district currently teaches differently.
Through the proposed legislation, it would unify what was
taught.
Representative Hudson questioned if this was a course that
could be assumed by existing staff at various schools.
Ms. Slack responded that adding the class would be no
different from adding something else more complicated to the
list. An Alaska study component is required of each teacher
in Alaska to have before they receive a Type A license.
Many resources are available and it would not be something
where an additional burden would be placed on the school
staff. The only impact concern to staff would be to have
the flexibility to take it into the middle or high school
level.
Representative Hudson clarified that there would be no new
staff and that existing staff would not be replaced.
Ms. Slack responded that was correct.
Vice-Chair Bunde referenced Page 4, Line 2, "special
education". He asked if that should be deleted.
Ms. Slack did not know if that language should remain.
Vice-Chair Bunde commented that if there are 44 districts
that already have an Alaskan history component, why would a
new course need to be created. He questioned the curriculum
and the diversity within the State of the Native culture.
He asked if it was the Department's intent to develop a
curriculum that would focus more on each area individually.
Ms. Slack envisioned that the Alaska history component would
have a section for each cultural component throughout the
State, such as Native groups, Russian, Polish-American, etc.
She referenced the Alaska Native Network website developed
out of Fairbanks. She acknowledged that the Department
could cover a broader vision.
TAPE HFC 02 - 13, Side B
Ms. Slack was not sure what each component would look like
but reiterated that it should include all pieces within the
Alaska history. The specifics would be left to each
individual committee.
Vice-Chair Bunde asked how long the course would be taught.
Ms. Slack replied that it would be a one-semester course,
approximately 12 weeks long.
Ms. Thompson interjected that it could be either a stand-
alone course or specific pieces incorporated and taught
through other courses.
Vice-Chair Bunde interjected that would be an interesting
challenge for the standard-based curriculum.
Representative Croft asked about the nine districts that
currently have an Alaska studies course. He noted that some
districts teach the course at the elementary school level.
He noted that the course would need to be substantially
changed to be used for high school level.
Representative Croft asked what the curriculum challenges
would be in Anchorage with the transfer of juniors and
seniors.
Ms. Thompson did not know what had been decided.
ERNIE LINE, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), MAT-SU, thought
that it would be difficult to accomplish the legislation by
July 1, 2001. He asked if a textbook would be included in
the curriculum.
Representative Kapsner commented that the Department would
determine the materials to be used. She noted that the
first class that would be affected by the legislation would
be the graduating class of 2007.
Mr. Line agreed that the Alaska studies program should be
executed in only high school.
JOAN ANTONSON, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), OFFICE OF
HISTORY & ARCHAELOGY, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES,
ANCHORAGE, offered to answer questions of the Committee.
She noted that a textbook had been created and currently is
being used. That textbook was complete in 1986.
JUDY BITTNER, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), HISTORY &
ARCHAEOLOGY, DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, ANCHORAGE,
noted that the Department does support the legislation.
Representative J. Davies asked if the Historical Commission
had discussed the bill.
Ms. Bittner stated that it has been discussed and that a
resolution had been submitted in support.
STEVE HAYCOX, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), UNIVERSITY OF
ALASKA-ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE, testified support for the
legislation. He supported having a textbook for the
curriculum. He referenced Commonwealth North's report in
support of a curriculum as proposed. He elaborated that
Alaskans need greater ways of connecting and that the
proposed legislation would help with that concern. History
provides people a way to be human and how we share our place
on the planet, which helps us make better judgments. He
stressed that the legislation would be valuable for the
young people of the State.
ED EARNHART, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), ANCHORAGE,
voiced support for the legislation. He emphasized that the
State has not yet come together politically. He pointed out
that HB 171 calls for history and government to come
together. He voiced caution with the State taking advantage
of the local school districts.
ELSA SARAGENTO, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), FILIPINO
COMMUNITY & BRIDGE BUILDERS, ANCHORAGE, voiced support for
the legislation. She urged that the Alaska studies program
be mandated for all Alaskan children. An Alaska studies
requirement is one way to teach many things to a child. Not
only will our youth learn about Alaska and their heritage,
they will understand that they are part of Alaska's history.
CAROL COMEAU, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), SUPERINTENDANT
OF ANCHORAGE SCHOOLS, ANCHORAGE, stated that the Anchorage
School Board unanimously passed the recommendation that all
students take a one semester class in Alaska studies. She
pointed out that she personally had been working on this
issue since 1978.
Ms. Comeau added that many of today's young people do not
know how the State has gotten to where it is today. She
stressed that the Alaskan young people need to be educated
regarding concerns such as the fiscal gap, Alaskan National
Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), subsistence and other concerns
throughout the State. Ms. Comeau maintained that this is a
major responsibility of the school districts. The time has
come to require it in every school. There should be a State
content standard and then each district should develop their
own piece. The diversity of the State must be honored. She
urged that the bill pass from Committee.
Vice-Chair Bunde questioned how local school districts would
look at the proposal. He asked if they would consider it a
non-funded mandate.
Ms. Comeau replied that some districts might feel that it is
an un-funded mandate. She stressed that the value of the
issue is so important that it should be mandated. The on-
going cost will result from doing solid teacher training.
Vice-Chair Bunde observed that it would be a 12-week course.
He questioned how much depth could be reached during that
time frame. He thought that the elementary civic programs
could do some of the preparatory work. He commented that it
will be challenging to achieve the intended success.
Ms. Comeau acknowledged the difficulty of having a quality
course in the time allotted. She responded that the topics
would need to be narrowed down to critical areas. Ms. Comeau
emphasized that standards need to be the core of the
program. She did not anticipate a struggle with the
Department of Education and Early Development on the
curriculum.
Vice-Chair Bunde wondered if the Anchorage area would have a
section on the Native contribution to the State as part of
the course curriculum.
Ms. Comeau replied that they absolutely would.
In response to queries by Representative Lancaster, Ms.
Comeau did not think the teacher shortage would impact the
program. She stated that it was the districts obligation to
develop an excellent training package for the course and
keep it going locally on an on-going basis. There are many
community builders who are willing to work in keeping it
going.
DARLENE HURBERT, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), FAIRBANKS,
voiced support of the legislation. She emphasized the
importance of sharing Alaska history and expressed hope that
it would reduce prejudice.
CANDY WAUGAMAN, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), PRESIDENT,
ALASKA HISTORICAL SOCIETY, FAIRBANKS, voiced support for HB
171. She emphasized that the legislation would provide an
understanding of Alaska's past. She maintained that the
fiscal cost is reasonable. The legislation would not add to
credits needed to graduate or take away from other programs.
MARY NORDALE, (TESTIFIED VIA TELECONFERENCE), FAIRBANKS,
testified in support of HB 171. The State Board of
Education stated that a student should be able to integrate
historical knowledge with historical skill to fully
participate as a citizen. Among the tests used to define
that standard, a student should be able to define a personal
position on issues while understanding the historical
outcome of positions and rules. It is crucial for Alaska
that we develop a way to understand one another and have a
common ground. HB 171 would be a start.
ANNIE MCILVAIN, ALASKA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE, JUNEAU, spoke in
support of the bill. She noted that the League has
contracted for the development of a curriculum that could be
used. The curriculum would consist of modules for teachers
to use in K-12 throughout Alaska. It would be a web-based
module that any teacher could use for Alaska history.
TOM HARVEY, EXECITIVE DIRECTOR, NEA-ALASKA, JUNEAU,
testified that the National Education Association (NEA) is
in support of HB 171 because it is:
· State standards based;
· Provides for a local delivery and development
mechanism;
· Does provide a means for NEA to provide children
the essential resources of knowledge to be good
citizens, which addresses Alaska's diversity.
Mr. Harvey noted that NEA has learned many collaboration
lessons. He stated that NEA believes that the fiscal note
could be reduced. There are resources around the State that
could address those resource and delivery issues.
Vice-Chair Bunde expressed his appreciation for NEA's
willingness to help with lowering the costs. He questioned
how the standards-based idea could be developed.
Mr. Harvey felt that State-based standards could be
addressed as long is there was an understanding of what
those standards are and then there was cooperation within
the staff.
Vice-Chair Bunde observed that there will need to be an
assessment.
Mr. Harvey explained that NEA-Alaska is not in support of
high stake testing, however, agreed that the assessments
could be made.
TAPE HFC 02 - 14, Side A
Vice-Chair Bunde MOVED to delete language on Page 4, Line 2:
(3) "special education" has the meaning given in AS
14.30.350". There being NO OBJECTION, the language was
deleted.
Co-Chair Williams expressed his desire to hear more
testimony from the school districts affected by the change.
He encouraged the Department to address the proposed costs
associated with the fiscal note.
HB 171 was HELD in Committee for further consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:33 P.M.
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