Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
01/19/2022 09:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Deed Update: Progress on Our Shared Priorities | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
January 19, 2022
9:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Roger Holland, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Shelley Hughes
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Tom Begich
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Mike Prax
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
DEED UPDATE: PROGRESS ON OUR SHARED PRIORITIES
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
MICHAEL JOHNSON, Ph.D., Commissioner
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented a DEED update titled Progress on
Our Shared Priorities.
ACTION NARRATIVE
9:00:49 AM
CHAIR ROGER HOLLAND called the Senate Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Stevens, Hughes, Begich, Micciche, and Chair
Holland. He acknowledged Representative Prax attended the
presentation.
Short at ease
CHAIR HOLLAND reconvened the meeting and re-announced the
members present.
^DEED Update: Progress on Our Shared Priorities
DEED Update: Progress on Our Shared Priorities
9:01:55 AM
CHAIR HOLLAND announced a DEED update titled Progress on Our
Shared Priorities.
9:02:14 AM
MICHAEL JOHNSON, Ph.D., Commissioner, Department of Education
and Early Development (DEED), Juneau, Alaska, expressed
appreciation for all educators, students, parents, partners, and
DEED employees in Alaska for their great accomplishments.
9:04:55 AM
DR. JOHNSON began the presentation on slide 2 and stated that
public education sharing the same mission, vision, and purpose
leads to improvement. It is essential to have the same
priorities. Turning to slide 3, he stated that the five
priorities from Alaska's Education Challenge, adopted by the
Alaska Board of Education four years ago, remain the best
pathway out of the pandemic. The Alaska Board of Education has
established five board subcommittees around these priorities to
identify what needs to be done to move the priorities forward.
The Department of Education will continue to encourage and
support associations whose joint position statements promote the
priorities of the Alaska Education Challenge. The committee's
work with DEED on a comprehensive reading bill is an
accomplishment stemming from this challenge.
9:06:52 AM
DR. JOHNSON indicated that the remainder of the presentation
highlights work that resulted from focusing on priorities.
Reading is the first priority. The state board supports a
comprehensive reading bill that includes high-quality PreK,
accountability, and additional resources for the schools
performing the lowest in reading. He quoted Emily Hanford, an
investigative reporter:
When kids struggle to learn how to read, it can lead
to a downward spiral in which behavior, vocabulary,
knowledge, and other cognitive skills are eventually
affected by slow reading development. A
disproportionate number of poor readers become high
school dropouts and end up in the criminal justice
system.
The Department of Education surveyed districts' K-3 reading
instructional practices in response to legislative intent
language. Results showed significant inconsistencies across the
state. A solid statewide reading policy can correct the
inconsistency. Examples of work being done to improve reading
outcomes are:
• An Alaska Reading Playbook based on the science of reading
instruction. Region 16 Comprehensive Center is partnering with
DEED and professional development will be offered through a
series of webinars.
• Updating of the Alaska Literacy Blueprint.
• A Dyslexia training eLearning module to assist with unifying
reading instruction practices.
• Two long term non-permanent positions to assist in unfinished
learning and reading improvement. Currently the positions are
funded through Covid. If a comprehensive reading bill is
passed the positions would become permanent.
• Supporting Effective Literacy Instruction professional
development program provided in partnership with Northwest
Evaluation Association (NWEA), the Consortium of Reaching
Excellence in Education (CORE) and the Department of Education
and Early Development (DEED). It is a 10-week course,
beginning in March for 100 participants.
• Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling
(LETRS) classes will be offered in partnership with Region 16
Comprehensive Center and DEED. It is a one-year course with an
assessment for 60 teachers and 30 administrators.
• Science or Reading Symposium will occur April 1 May 1. DEED
will pay for staff from targeted and comprehensive support and
improvement schools to attend. It is an opportunity for
stakeholders to hear from experts and discuss the science and
importance of reading. The committee is encouraged to attend.
9:11:51 AM
SENATOR HUGHES stated the pandemic has taken a two-year toll on
students and catching up may be difficult. She asked if DEED or
the board have recommendations before the education committee
bill is discussed next week.
9:12:57 AM
DR. JOHNSON replied he would contemplate the educational
concerns resulting from the pandemic and the possible need for
changes to the education bill. Education has many vital needs,
but a comprehensive reading bill that includes PreK is the
pathway out of Alaska's challenges. Reading does not oppose
other subjects but is used in teaching them. A comprehensive
reading bill will help overcome learning challenges that
resulted from the pandemic. DEED and the Alaska Council of
Administrators are using Covid money for summer and after-school
programs to provide additional opportunities for student
learning.
9:14:22 AM
SENATOR HUGHES wondered whether special interventions need to be
added temporarily to the reading bill for upper elementary
students who experienced lost opportunity in lower elementary
school due to Covid.
9:15:01 AM
DR. JOHNSON responded that Susan McKenzie, will be coming to
committee meetings to explain how trainings will address
education concerns resulting from Covid. She is a reading
specialist and the Director of the Division of Innovation and
Education in Excellence.
DR. JOHNSON moved to slide 5 and stated that increased Career
and Technical Education (CTE) and culturally relevant education
are the second priority for the state. DEED has been working
with the Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education
(AK ACTE) in developing an online clearinghouse for all CTE
programs and educators in Alaska. It is a new platform that
provides a means for teachers to communicate, collaborate and
share effective support of students and CTE programs. AK ACTE
will work with CTE stakeholders at DEED's Spring Perkins
Workshop February 9-11, 2022, and will beta test with select
stakeholders in Spring 2022. He encouraged the committee to hear
more about the project from DEED's CTE Manager Brad Billings and
colleagues from ACTE.
Cook Inlet Tribal Council is working on a digital badge project
that recognizes and provides proof of student accomplishments.
The badges can be used when applying for jobs. Digital badging
offers greater academic challenges and career skill development
opportunities than the standard curriculum. Involvement with
Cook Inlet Tribal Council provides for the integration of
indigenous content and methods to improve educational outcomes
for all students.
9:18:25 AM
DR. JOHNSON mentioned the Kusilvak Career Academy (KCA) is a
joint project between the Anchorage School District and the
Lower Yukon School District. KCA is the principal conduit for
Lower Yukon School District students access to CTE and other
resources for obtaining certifications and licensures. The
academy enables Lower Yukon School District students to access
quality driver's education programs which have enabled students
to obtain driver's licenses needed for employment. This program
may eventually help with school bus driver shortages in the
area. DEED awarded this program $81,670 using Covid funds.
9:20:28 AM
DR. JOHNSON said the Pathways Program in Tok is an alternative
program within Alaska Gateway School District (AGSD). It is a
community and school district partnership for high school
students that are significantly behind in credits, face risk
factors, and are in danger of dropping out. The Pathways Program
provides a complete academic curriculum combined with career and
technical training. Its goal is to meet students where they are
and help them find a path to graduation and a successful future.
The program is in the donated Keith William Irons Youth Center
building. DEED awarded the program a grant of $150,000 using
Covid funds for staffing startup costs.
The last CTE project mentioned was the Northwest Alaska Career
and Technical Center (NACTEC) Truck Driving Simulator. A
schoolbook storage room was converted into a multipurpose CTE
training simulator center to assist students in obtaining
commercial driver's licenses. DEED awarded $200 thousand using
Covid funds.
9:23:04 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if DEED has assembled a team to access
national products that take advantage of rapidly improving
broadband as opposed to using in-house development and training.
National products are usually more cost effective, and the
associated savings would help deliver the onsite face to face
improvements found in the committee bill. He used civics
training as an example of not wanting unfunded mandates for
school districts.
9:25:04 AM
DR. JOHNSON replied that civics education is already a funded
opportunity.
SENATOR MICCICHE interjected that he used civics as an example
because many states are now interested in civics and are looking
at a national online product with federal deliverability. Some
subjects do not need the same face to face interaction as other.
DR. JOHNSON responded that national products are being
considered and used. He mentioned the NACTEC truck driving
simulator, Career and Technical Education (CTE) platform,
interactive reading software and PreK pilot program as examples
of opportunities for online delivery. The department is also
using assessments to capitalize on broadband. Students will be
presented with interactive questions that require manipulation
of objects to demonstrate skills. He stated that as a member of
the Broadband Taskforce, he considered it essential that DEED
partner with industries and equip students to be laborers in the
build-out.
9:28:47 AM
SENATOR MICCICHE commented there should be further discussion on
broadband development.
9:29:42 AM
SENATOR BEGICH asked for the Department of Education's vision
for broadband development now that funding is coming from the
federal infrastructure bill. He commented that building
broadband throughout the state costs between $2 4 billion.
9:31:05 AM
DR. JOHNSON replied the department spent $1 million on Canvas,
an online-learning management system. Canvas works with many
platforms and can deliver content to any student in Alaska that
has broadband access. Lee Butterfield was contracted for the
Canvas build-out and knows what content is being added. DEED is
working with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)
to determine if the infrastructure bill will provide money
directly to the department. The department advocates for
broadband benefiting students first and is identifying areas
that have limited student access. He mentioned the department
received permission to hire a director-level coordinator for
computer science coding.
9:35:04 AM
SENATOR BEGICH requested the Broadband Taskforce meeting times
and information on any activities where legislators could become
more actively involved.
DR. JOHNSON replied that the taskforce had concluded its work.
However, he will provide the meeting schedules of other relevant
groups.
9:36:01 AM
SENATOR BEGICH suggested that the committee put pressure on the
federal Infrastructure Office run by former New Orleans Mayor
Mitch Landrieu.
9:36:24 AM
SENATOR HUGHES stated that the Broadband Taskforce Report
recommends a Broadband Office be created to manage the startup
process. She opined that broadband should be affordable,
accessible and of quality. Society learned from the pandemic
that online-learning requires quality instruction. She hopes
Alaska's build-out will be a model of excellence for other
states.
9:38:48 AM
DR. JOHNSON responded that quality matters online and in the
classroom. The most important in-school factor for a child is
the educator, so they must be supported.
The vision for Canvas is that people will create content for the
platform. Following review by DEED, content will receive a badge
if it meets excellence standards. The review process and funding
are still being determined; it is a quality issue. He opined
that online learning delivery has difficulties, but none so
severe to merit throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
9:40:21 AM
DR. JOHNSON moved to slide 6 to discuss closing the achievement
gap. In July 2021, DEED announced a $1 million grant to the
Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) to scope tribal compacting of
education in Alaska.
AFN is researching laws, regulations, and policy direction as it
engages with Alaska Natives to determine concerns and
aspirations for quality education. It designs compacting
seminars for educators and administrators that trace the origins
of the federal trust relationship and self-determination policy.
The project will culminate in pathways for the Alaska Native
community to engage in a positive and meaningful way to further
self-determination and compacting in Alaska.
A final scoping document will be presented to DEED and shared
with the Board of Education and Early Development, and the
Alaska State Legislature. The vision of tribal compacting is
ongoing and AFN is doing great work.
9:42:16 AM
SENATOR STEVENS mentioned that the AFN compacting bill may need
major adjusting so that it succeeds. He opined it may be better
to start with a small unit before going statewide. Starting with
a small functioning unit may bring in additional federal funds.
DR. JOHNSON stated that AFN President Kitka submitted a white
paper at its convention this year that proposed a demonstration
project. It is a brilliant idea and shows the wisdom of having
AFN bring forward their ideas on education.
9:44:02 AM
DR. JOHNSON stated Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) has a grant
to further Alaska Native involvement in Alaska public education
through chartering, STEM programs, computer science, and other
educational models. CITC has a history of increasing tribal
ownership of education for Alaska Native students. CITC is a
great partner for DEED and their work bridges the gap between
the status quo and tribal compacting for education.
DR. JOHNSON said DEED continues to close the achievement gap
through the Successful School Improvement Processes in
conjunction with the Every Student Succeeds Act. It focuses on
supporting districts designated as targeted support and
comprehensive support. Many revisions are taking place with the
program in partnership with associations.
Change is also occurring in World Language Regulation. The
request to change foreign language to world language corrects
the inaccuracy of calling indigenous languages foreign. The
state board created regulations that are open for comment. Part
of the change includes having language badges on diplomas.
DR. JOHNSON suggested the committee hear from the Alaska Native
Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP). The program is
expanding and closing the achievement gap.
9:47:03 AM
SENATOR BEGICH asked that the department's partnership with the
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) be discussed.
DR. JOHNSON said the achievement gap will also be closed by a
new statewide assessment. The new evaluation will parallel what
is happening in districts and classrooms while meeting federal
and state accountability requirements. The department is working
with the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) and
teachers to shape the assessment. As an accountability system
its data will be used to determine the progress of the students.
The assessment process includes professional development,
parental support, and teacher feedback. The purpose of the
assessment is to benefit student learning.
9:50:11 AM
DR. JOHNSON advanced to slide 7 and commented that Barbara Adams
will continue a three-year contract to strengthen teacher
recruitment and retention. Covid money was used to cover the
cost because the pathway out of the pandemic includes quality
educators. Six areas were identified in the TRR Action Plan to
improve recruitment and retention:
• Enhancing recruitment efforts
• Strengthening working conditions
• Restructuring retirement options
• Developing leadership
• Creating paraprofessional pathways
• Streamlining certification
DR. JOHNSON stated that nationally every state is facing
recruitment and retention issues. As a result, there are many
webinars, seminars, and collaborations in which to participate.
Education Commission of the States (ECS) tracks TRR information
and will be a useful resource for the department.
9:51:57 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked for an explanation of the board's proposed
change to teacher certification by simplifying qualifications.
DR. JOHNSON responded that the state needs great teachers, not
just more teachers. The standard is not being lowered, but new
pathways to obtaining great teachers, such as micro-
credentialing, should be considered. Any bureaucracies in place
that are perfunctory should be changed. Some skilled employees
have worked in schools for years. With additional training, they
could receive credentials that lead to certification. Tennessee
announced a pilot program where students work and obtain
certification through residency. The students are paid while
they learn from master teachers. This is an example of an
alternative pathway that doesn't lower standards.
9:54:29 AM
SENATOR BEGICH noted that Dr. Johnson has worked with existing
partners and expanded partnerships during his tenure. He asked
if Dr. Johnson works with his partners in discussing new
pathways to build better teachers and streamline education.
DR. JOHNSON replied yes, absolutely.
SENATOR BEGICH commented that it has not always been the
departments practice to collaborate with education associations
and teachers to vet ideas. He noted that legislative committees
have not heard conflicting information during Dr. Johnson's
tenure. Teachers, administrators, and the department want
quality. He is confident that the innovations they build are for
the broad constituency and do not lower quality.
9:56:17 AM
SENATOR STEVENS stated he appreciates that assistant teachers
and parent volunteers are being recognized for their abilities.
He commented that it is not always possible to leave home to
obtain a college degree and he believes alternative pathways can
help villages.
SENATOR MICCICHE commented that some of the most amazing
students are taught with love at home by a parent who has
acquired important skill sets. He is glad that alternative
pathways are being considered because districts cannot afford
one-on-one education. He opined that home-based specialists
might be the key to filling the gap.
9:57:56 AM
DR. JOHNSON stated he agrees with all the comments made. He has
concluded that Alaska cannot say it needs to grow its own
teachers and then defend the old ways of recruitment and
retention. Many people in the state can benefit students if
pathways are expanded. The Department of Education and Early
Development is fortunate to have dispositive partners with which
to work.
9:58:49 AM
DR. JOHNSON moved on to slide 8 and stated that Bree's Law
Education curriculum was authored through the Alaska Safe
Children's Act. It is a dating violence and sexual assault
prevention program for grades 7-12. It is delivered via DEED's
eClassroom at no cost to districts. The second phase of creating
new activities and scenarios to keep the content current and
engaging has been started.
DEED has begun working with the Mental Health Trust and the
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) on mental health
support services. In working together, it has been determined
that there is a collective need for more information on current
school mental and behavioral health activities and services
around the state. To assist in the partnership the Mental Health
Trust is funding a position at DEED.
In January 2019, DEED began distributing the publication
Transforming Schools: A Framework for Trauma Engaged Practice in
Alaska. To date, ten thousand copies have been distributed
throughout Alaska. A corresponding website with a toolkit of
videos and resources is being created. DEED has an eLearning
Program with more than 70 trainings and 31,000 school district
employees using the platform.
10:02:06 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked if any federal money is available to
implement school safety infrastructure to protect against active
shooters. She noted the uptick in the number of high school
students experiencing mental health issues due to decreased
socialization from Covid. She asked if anyone in the department
is assigned to mental health safety.
DR. JOHNSON replied districts received almost $500 million. Some
of the money qualifies for facility upgrades related to safety
and wellbeing. Use of the Covid funds is at the discretion of
the districts. He stated he has had conversations with the
Department of Public Safety and Military and Veterans Affairs
regarding school safety issues in Alaska. He is not aware of
districts being required to send crisis response plans to DEED.
10:05:18 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked if any federal funds were available for
school infrastructure because of the increase in mental health
problems of young people.
DR. JOHNSON replied yes; school districts could use the Covid
response money they received.
10:05:41 AM
SENATOR HUGHES asked how much district Covid response money
remains.
DR. JOHNSON responded he would find out and provide the amount
to the committee.
10:05:51 AM
SENATOR HUGHES added that she would like to know if there is any
money in the infrastructure package that could be used to
address the general awareness of active shooter concerns due to
increased mental health issues in high school students.
10:06:08 AM
DR. JOHNSON stated he would check with partner agencies to see
if money would be forthcoming to address school safety concerns
due to Covid.
DR. JOHNSON offered that future topics for the committees
consideration include:
• 2021-2022 School Enrollment Counts
• COVID-19 Federal Relief Funding
• System of School Improvement Updates
• State Board of Education March meeting
• Deeper dives into today's topics
• Civics Education*
DR. JOHNSON mentioned that the asterisk next to civics education
is there because he would like the committee to consider it. The
Fordham Institute, a widely respected foundation that ranks
state standards, published a review of all states civics and
history standards. Alaska received an F in both. DEED staff is
working to identify funding and processes to tackle the work and
hopes the Legislature will partner with them by providing clear,
concise, and firm direction. He quoted the following from
Educating for American Democracy:
[Original punctuation preserved.]
Students hunger for a deeper understanding of their
country's origins, development, triumphs, errors, and
travails. In fact, a group of public-school students
in Rhode Island recently brought suit against the
state, arguing that an adequate civic education is an
American citizenship right. In its response, the U.S.
district court acknowledged "a cry for help from a
generation of young people who are destined to inherit
a country which wethe generation currently in charge
are not stewarding well. ? We would do well to pay
attention to their plea."
An informed, authentic, and engaged citizenry would
benefit from a better grasp of America's distinctive
ideals, how our institutions work, and how We the
People strive to perfect our founding ideals and
tradition of self-government. All deserve an education
that supports "reflective patriotism": appreciation of
the ideals of our political order, candid reckoning
with the country's failures to live up to those
ideals, motivation to take responsibility for self-
government, and deliberative skill to debate the
challenges that face us in the present and future.
History and civics are closely related and
intertwining subjects.
DR. JOHNSON concluded by stating that it is appropriate for the
Legislature to have high expectations for Alaska's schools
through strong legislation.
10:10:28 AM
SENATOR STEVENS stated he appreciates civic education being on
the list of future topics for discussion. He recalled a poll of
American students that indicated half Socialism over Democracy.
He opined that there is work to be done. He mentioned that [SB
72] requires students pass a civics exam to graduate and that it
could be taken until passed. He noted the serious decline in
college enrollment and asked if there was a known reason.
10:12:13 AM
DR. JOHNSON replied that the reasons students are not attending
college are complex. He opined that it starts with strong
reading policy. A student who does not read proficiently has
difficulty enjoying school and will not look forward to
continuing education. Without improved reading outcomes, many
students will not graduate high school. Improving reading
outcomes in Alaska is not the complete answer but it is the
place to start.
The career and technical work Alaska is doing gives students a
vision of what they can become and helps motivate some students
to pursue secondary education. The Alaska Commission on
Postsecondary Education Director Sana Efird has been working to
assist students in understanding and completing the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. As an
indicator of college enrollment, Alaska has the lowest number of
completed FAFSA applications in the country. It is important
that the K-12 education system and the university system partner
to provide opportunities.
10:14:02 AM
SENATOR HOLLAND thanked Dr. Johnson for the presentation and
acknowledged that the Board of Education and Early Development
meeting is scheduled for March. He asked for any additional
comments.
SENATOR BEGICH acknowledged that this is the last week that Erin
Hardin will be working as a Special Assistant for the Department
of Education and Early Development.
DR. JOHNSON added that Kollette Schroeder will be replacing Erin
Hardin.
10:16:16 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Holland adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting at 10:16 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 1.19.22 (S) EDC DEED Update.pdf |
SEDC 1/19/2022 9:00:00 AM |