02/26/2014 08:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB139 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 139 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SCR 12 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 26, 2014
8:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Gary Stevens, Chair
Senator Mike Dunleavy, Vice Chair
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Charlie Huggins
Senator Berta Gardner
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 139
"An Act increasing the base student allocation used in the
formula for state funding of public education; repealing the
secondary student competency examination and related
requirements; relating to high school course credit earned
through assessment; relating to a college and career readiness
assessment for secondary students; relating to charter school
application appeals and program budgets; relating to residential
school applications; increasing the stipend for boarding school
students; extending unemployment contributions for the Alaska
technical and vocational education program; relating to earning
high school credit for completion of vocational education
courses offered by institutions receiving technical and
vocational education program funding; relating to education tax
credits; making conforming amendments; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12
Proclaiming February to be Public Education Month.
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 139
SHORT TITLE: EDUCATION: FUNDING/TAX CREDITS/PROGRAMS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/24/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/14 (S) EDC, FIN
02/03/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/03/14 (S) Heard & Held
02/03/14 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
02/10/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/10/14 (S) Heard & Held
02/10/14 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
02/24/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/24/14 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
02/26/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
DIANE BLUMER, Commissioner
Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to the
Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP) component of SB
139.
WANETTA AYERS, Director
Division of Business Partnerships
Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to the
Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP) component of SB
139.
MICHAEL HANLEY, Commissioner
Department of Education
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to the
Technical Vocation Educational Program (TVEP) component of SB
139.
FRED VILLA, Associate Vice President
University of Alaska System - Statewide (UA)
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to the
Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP) component of SB
139.
JOHN PUGH, Chancellor
University of Alaska - Southeast (UAS)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to the
Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP) component of SB
139.
RICK CAULFIELD, Provost
University of Alaska - Southeast (UAS)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information related to the
Technical Vocation Educational Program (TVEP) component of SB
139.
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent
Galena City School District
Galena, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocation Educational Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
CHERYL EDENSHAW, Director
Alaska (Kotzebue) Technical Center
Kotzebue, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocation Educational Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
FRED ESPOSITO, Director
Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTC)
Seward, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocation Educational Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
DOUG WALRATH, Director
Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical Center (NACTEC)
Nome, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
KURT KUHNE, Executive Director
Yuut Elitnaurviat, Inc.
People's Learning Center
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
STEVEN ANGASAN, Instructor
Southwest Alaska Vocation and Education Center (SAVEC)
King Salmon and Naknek, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocation Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
KAREN CEDZO, Development and Coordination
Partners for Progress in Delta, Inc.
Delta Career Advancement Center (DCAC)
Delta, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
CARMEN FRANCHINO, Director of Operations
Amundsen Educational Center
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocation Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
JUDI WALGENBACH, Program Director
Amundsen Educational Center
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
CHARLENE ARNESON, President
Chugach School Board
Chugach, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
STEVE BRADSHAW, Superintendent
Sitka School District
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
CHARLES EDWARDSON, Workforce Development Director
Southern Southeast Alaska Technical Education Center
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:00:07 AM
CHAIR GARY STEVENS called the Senate Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Gardner, Stedman, Huggins, Dunleavy, and
Chair Stevens.
SB 139-EDUCATION: FUNDING/TAX CREDITS/PROGRAMS
8:00:32 AM
CHAIR STEVENS announced that the only order of business would be
SB 139, specifically Section 17. He said the bill would be set
aside after invited testimony. He added that SCR 12 would not be
heard today.
8:01:56 AM
DIANE BLUMER, Commissioner, Department of Labor and Workforce
Development (DOL), Juneau, Alaska, provided information related
to the Technical Vocation Educational Program (TVEP) component
of SB 139. She said that DOL has long recognized that college is
not the only avenue and many jobs do not require a four-year
degree. She stated that the bill will reauthorize the TVEP until
2024 and it will expand dual credit options.
She explained that there are two new components in the
Governor's bill; one is the extension and the other is an
addition to current language performance matrixes that are set
out for the TVEP recipient. A new addition allows for dual
credits and another reduces the funding amount by 20 percent if
the recipient is not meeting performance measures.
8:04:56 AM
CHAIR STEVENS asked how satisfied Commissioner Blumer is with
the current program as far as how the money is being spent and
the performance of the various agencies.
COMMISSIONER BLUMER stated that the department believes in
regional training centers. It recognizes that there are many
programs that do a fantastic job. It is time critical to train
youth for the job market and for future large projects. The
department recognizes that there are a few areas where the
performance measures can be enhanced. She noted that the
department is working with the Governor's office to
strengthening those areas in the regulation process. She
concluded that she is comfortable with the program.
CHAIR STEVENS voiced concerns about non-performing entities. He
requested more information about re-directing funds if an agency
is not performing and how that is determined.
8:06:35 AM
COMMISSIONER BLUMER explained that currently the department is
not allowed to redirect funds because the program is formula
funded. The department has the obligation to collect the data,
but currently has no recourse regarding funding. The bill
provides that DOL can reduce the grant by 20 percent for the
following year.
CHAIR STEVENS asked what the performance marks are.
COMMISSIONER BLUMER deferred to Wanetta Ayers to answer. She
said it is not always easy to collect the data.
CHAIR STEVENS asked Ms. Ayers to respond.
8:08:07 AM
WANETTA AYERS, Director, Division of Business Partnerships,
Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Juneau, Alaska,
provided information related to the Technical Vocational
Education Program (TVEP) component of SB 139. She began by
describing how the division works to collect data related to
other funds than TVEP where they currently have more authority.
For example, in the State Training and Employment Program (STEP)
a grantee is required to enter the individual record of a
trainee, including their name, address, and social security
number, which is not reported on an individual basis but
aggregated for that particular grantee and for the fund as a
whole. She said there is not the same flexibility under TVEP for
several reasons. First, a number of the grantees are affiliated
with school districts and have Family Educational Rights Privacy
Act requirements. In order to work around that legal
restriction, those grantees can report as groups for the purpose
of funding. However, it prevents DOL from finding some of the
long-term outcome information, such as whether the students are
employed a year after their exit from the training, their wages,
and if they are employed in an occupation related to their
training.
She pointed out that SB 139 will provide recourse. Currently,
there is no recourse if the grantee cannot provide the
information. The department can work with the student
participation information TVEP reports to the budgeting process
and to group reporting and quarterly reports. It is an
inconsistent picture that lacks outcome information.
CHAIR STEVENS asked how much it costs per student and how many
people get jobs. He questioned if that information can be sought
from every agency and group.
MS. AYERS replied not as it is currently structured.
8:12:06 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked for language that would accomplish that
request.
MS. AYERS said it would be a simple process by adding one
additional point under AS 23.15.835(e); adding item (8) to give
broader responsibility of the department to collect individual
records and information from the recipient to make it a
requirement of receiving the funding. It puts it back on the
institutions to resolve the legal privacy issues. She added that
DOL, through the Division of Business Partnerships and the
Research Analysis Section, deal with a large volume of
personally identifiable information in the training processes
received from other grant recipients. She maintained that DOL
can resolve the privacy issues through a variety of means, but
first it must have the authority to do so.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY commented that personal information does not
need to be used. He gave an example of a training institution
with 1,000 students and the appearance may be misleading as to
how many hours the students spend in a program and the actual
number may be very small. He would like to match funding with
specific outcomes. He requested to know what is needed to
collect necessary data.
MS. AYERS agreed to provide that information.
8:14:50 AM
CHAIR STEVENS reiterated his two questions: how much does it
costs per student and how many have jobs. He pointed out that
the answers do not require personal information. He stressed the
need to be accountable for money spent.
He also asked where the 20 percent goes after it is taken away
from underperforming organizations. He inquired if DOL has the
ability to reallocate it.
MS. AYERS noted that a policy would be developed to address
redistributing funds to the other recipients.
CHAIR STEVENS asked if the bill allows that.
MS. AYERS said it is an internal policy and not needed in
statute. The department issues advisories to the grantees that
are posted on the web site so that they will understand what the
process will be.
8:16:04 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked what is needed to ensure the money
matches the training data.
MS. AYERS said that is the direction the department wants to go.
She noted the department would like more information about each
course that is offered, the credentials that are attained, the
number of student hours of student instruction, and employment
and wage outcomes for the individual, but reported on an
institutional basis.
CHAIR STEVENS commented that workforce development is becoming
more crucial to the state and nationwide.
8:17:43 AM
MICHAEL HANLEY, Commissioner, Department of Education, Juneau,
Alaska, provided information related to the Technical Vocation
Educational Program (TVEP) component of SB 139. He said that
TVEP is a partnership between the Department of Education and
Early Development (DEED) and the Department of Labor and
Workforce Development (DOL). He said that the accountability
component requires an articulation agreement that if the
entities receive the funds, they are offering dual credit
opportunities for students. It enhances a student's high school
career as well as career or university training. He concurred
with DOL's comments.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY commented that some of the programs are more
independent of a school district than others. The lines are
blurred between K-12 and post-secondary training. He asked how
the departments can delineate those areas and trace where the
money is going.
COMMISSIONER HANLEY said he likes the fact that the lines are
blurred. Graduation is only a mark in time toward progress, but
not an end zone. The monitoring of the students falls to the
DOL. He offered to work with DOL on the delineation of data for
future decisions.
8:20:38 AM
FRED VILLA, Associate Vice President, University of Alaska
System - Statewide (UA), Fairbanks, Alaska, provided information
related to the Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP)
component of SB 139. He explained that UA allocates the TVEP
program from a consolidated distribution from the state. The 45
percent goes to UA and an additional 5 percent goes to the
University of Alaska - Southeast (UAS). It is managed as a
single allocation to initiate and enhance high priority
workforce development programs. The funding has to meet certain
criteria that align with the state, but include high demand and
regional workforce needs, increased access, flexibility of
training, improve persistence of educational processes, and has
collaboration across the state. It is looking at high demand job
areas that provide economic development opportunities for
regions, but also career pathways that allow students to
transition from secondary schools, military, and other walks of
life, into training programs that can get them jobs. The
investments are across the university system and use a
competitive grant process within UA to meet regional needs, as
well as state needs. He noted that he has provided written
testimony.
8:23:30 AM
SENATOR STEDMAN asked about UA's methodology for allocating
funds to the Southeast Region. He requested suggestions as to
how to allocate TVEP funds around the state to areas where there
is performance, and how to deal with new incumbents with
superior performance compared to current participants.
MR. VILLA responded that performance should reflect the center's
ability to provide programs to meet the need of employers. The
economic model that each TVEP recipient or center uses should
represent the level of funding and accountability measures for
each center so it can be assessed for the service it provides
both regionally and to the state. The UA system has reporting
requirements in the grant process that include the number of
students served by TVEP funds, whether there are external or
internal licensures or certifications and if they are awarded.
It also asks for information regarding outcomes, distribution,
and priorities based on the workforce investment board's
priority industries, and career pathways for transitions for
students from secondary to post-secondary.
SENATOR STEDMAN asked about how new entrants are handled at UA
and for purposes of the bill.
8:26:38 AM
MR. VILLA related that part of the investment UA has had, has
been done when there is a regional training center that has
partnered with UA and has sought TVEP funding to get their
program going. He gave an example where UA partnered with area
residents and the high school to support the development of the
Delta Career Advancement Center, who made a presentation to
legislature and now receives TVEP funding. The challenge is to
define what the purpose is and whether the center has a regional
and statewide mission, and assess accountability prior to state
investment. Performance criteria are critical to making that
decision.
He shared enrollment costs of $560 per student, across 58
grants, in the UA system. He said UA is working with DOL to
track graduates of the programs. One of the fallacies about
graduates is if they complete a program and go to work, but
don't go into the program of study, they do not count as being
employed by the industry. He gave an example.
8:30:21 AM
CHAIR STEVENS noted the importance of "getting a job equals
success." He asked about the 58 different grants and how many
regional training centers there are.
MR. VILLA explained that the UA system has accredited three
universities, one accredited community college, and thirteen
community campuses, plus a number of small community-based
centers. There are 58 grants within 23 schools that have been
funded. One site may have a variety of programs and be a
recipient of several grants.
8:32:46 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if there is much duplication of programs
in the various training centers.
MR. VILLA said there is some unnecessary duplication and some
necessary duplication. For example, there are welding programs
across the state due to economic opportunities and jobs.
Regional training centers, in partnership with university
programs, leveraged resources and faculty in order to move the
programs around the state where they were needed.
8:35:18 AM
SENATOR GARDNER said at UAS, 50 out of 60 participants are in
business administration. She did not think of that major as a
vocational area.
MR. VILLA deferred to Provost Caulfield to answer.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Villa for his years of service to the
university.
8:36:25 AM
JOHN PUGH, Chancellor, University of Alaska - Southeast, Juneau,
Alaska, provided information related to the Technical Vocation
Education Program (TVEP) component of SB 139. He introduced
himself.
RICK CAULFIELD, Provost, University of Alaska - Southeast (UAS),
Juneau, Alaska, provided information related to the Technical
Vocation Education Program (TVEP) component of SB 139. He
addressed Senator Gardner's question. He noted that tourism
development is a key part of the economy in Southeast Alaska and
UAS offers a full array of programs. Workforce development is
offered at the non-credit level and at the one-year level.
Career pathways are offered at the associate degree level and
baccalaureate level. Career pathways include technician-level
positions and TVEP funding.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if some business administration classes
are not TVEP funded.
MR. CAULFIELD said yes.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if TVEP-funded classes are unique.
MR. CAULFIELD said the courses offered in business
administration are part of a career pathway that extends down
into high school. There are avenues where students can begin to
earn university credits at the high school level and then come
into certificate, associate degree, and baccalaureate programs.
The TVEP funding goes to outreach for students to be able to get
into the career pathways, and university funding is provided for
the degree programs.
8:38:56 AM
CHANCELLOR PUGH added that the TVEP grant was needed for an
outreach coordinator that worked with industry in order to
expand the number of students in the associate program because
of the need for accounting technicians across the state.
SENATOR STEVENS asked for general comments about TVEP.
CHANCELLOR PUGH provided the history of the need for the bill.
A number of years ago, UAS did not receive its fair share of
TVEP funding, so Senator Elton amended the bill to include UAS,
which would receive 5 percent of the funding. Chancellor Pugh
pointed out that in the last few years UAS has received between
10 percent and 13 percent of the funding. He maintained that the
grant process is the best process to compete for funding.
He said he views all three of the UA campuses as regional
training centers. He noted that the campuses focus on local and
regional needs. He said that TVEP funding has worked in many
ways to pilot programs. A center receives a grant for three
years and then it must "prove up" and provide its own funding.
He opined that TVEP has been a very good program for the
university and has enabled it to start new programs.
8:42:42 AM
CHAIR STEVENS noted that the awarding of 45 percent of TVEP
funding to UA and 5 percent to UAS is not an important
distinction because of the grant application process.
CHANCELLOR PUGH agreed that the 5 percent is not necessary due
to the competitive process.
8:43:39 AM
MR. CAULFIELD commented that TVEP funding allows UA to be
responsive to needs that arise, such as in Ketchikan where TVEP
funding has been used in the past year to develop an new, non-
credit maritime and multi-skilled worker program in
collaboration with the shipyard and the Native community. It
shows the importance of TVEP funding to be responsive to
industry needs.
SENATOR STEDMAN agreed that the 5 percent allocation is
unnecessary. He voiced concern about funding outside of the 50
percent that goes to the university and suggested it be treated
the same way with performance measures in order to weed out
underperformers.
CHAIR STEVENS said it was a good point.
8:45:48 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS asked about differences in training demand and
jobs in Southeast Alaska.
CHANCELLOR PUGH said maritime programs, such as shipping and
fishing, are unique to the area. There are 8,000 employees in
the fishing industry in Southeast Alaska. There is a new
fisheries tech program which will be distance delivered soon.
Also, mining jobs are very important in the region. UAS has a
mining training center. The health care program in Sitka was the
first campus to do a health information management program and
coding specialist program. Those programs address statewide
needs.
8:48:28 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS noted there is a Job Corps site in Palmer. He
asked if there is a similar program in SE Alaska.
CHANCELLOR PUGH said there is not. The Ketchikan Indian
Corporation has a job center and there are two centers in Sitka.
8:49:26 AM
SENATOR STEDMAN commented that the Alaska Ship and Dry Dock,
owned by Vigor Alaska, is integrating with the university for
job training programs. He opined that the maritime component is
in its incubation age.
CHANCELLOR PUGH said Vigor announced that within the next five
years 200 employees will be needed and the university would be
the primary training center. He said that is what TVEP is about.
SENATOR HUGGINS noted a huge unemployment problem in the U.S. He
asked how the university dovetails with DOL to address that
issue.
CHANCELLOR PUGH spoke of the mining program as a method of
employing people. DOL looked at the unemployed in the region,
selected individuals to go to underground mining training, and
funded the program. The university also worked with Gold Belt
and the Alaska Native Corporation to contact unemployed Alaska
Natives to engage in the mining training program. In the
Ketchikan area former timber employees were contacted to train
and work in the shipyard.
CHAIR STEVENS wished to discuss the issue further at another
time.
8:54:16 AM
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent, Galena City School District,
Galena, Alaska, provided information about Technical Vocation
Educational Program (TVEP) fund recipients. He described how
Galena has used TVEP funding. When the funding was first
available, it was used for implementing the aviation and
cosmetology programs. Since then its use has been expanded to
dual credit areas for high school students: construction trades,
aviation, automotive, computer technology, health sciences, and
culinary arts. The focus has been for non-traditional high
school students to move into the workforce or on to more
training.
CHAIR STEVENS said he has been reading about 6-year high schools
with 2 years of vocational training following a 4-year regular
curriculum. He asked if that is what is occurring in Galena,
MR. REITAN said it was true to a degree. He gave examples of
cosmetology and aviation as courses that are taken throughout
the duration of high school into a fifth year.
8:57:57 AM
CHAIR STEVENS noted one of the problems the department is having
is with getting information regarding cost and placement. He
asked Mr. Reitan to comment on the university as a model for
exiting old programs and accepting new programs.
MR. REITAN thought it was appropriate. The focus in Galena is on
occupations that have job demand, and the programs have to
adjust to fields that have a high employment rate.
CHAIR STEVENS voiced appreciation for Mr. Reitan's comments and
work.
8:59:40 AM
CHERYL EDENSHAW, Director, Alaska (Kotzebue) Technical Center,
Kotzebue, Alaska, provided information about Technical Vocation
Educational Program (TVEP) fund recipients. She discussed the
flexibility of the center to adjust to meet workforce needs that
arise. She said it is one of the center's strengths. She said
they would like to develop even further to focus on quality and
excel within career pathways that are in demand in the region
and in the state.
CHAIR STEVENS said he was impressed with the Kotzebue Technical
Center.
9:01:15 AM
FRED ESPOSITO, Director, Alaska Vocational Technical Center
(AVTC), Seward, Alaska, provided information about Technical
Vocation Educational Program (TVEP) fund recipients. He said
that AVTC, a statewide program, was an original recipient of
TVEP funding and the funds have become integrated into AVTEC
operations. Originally, the funds were used to enhance programs
that had been lacking in funding for equipment and
accreditation. He noted that AVTEC uses school-wide results to
show the results of TVEP.
MR. ESPOSITO related that AVTEC has 18 certificate-level long-
term training programs, as well as a large number of short-term
programs. He listed programs in health, applied technologies,
such as welding and diesel and heavy equipment mechanics,
culinary arts, energy and building trades, construction,
refrigeration, information technology, and maritime programs.
All programs are offered with the support of industry - an
industry-based advisory committee. He said AVTEC has had
excellent results. In FY 2012, 86 percent of students entering
long-term training programs completed them and 90 percent were
placed in training-related employment.
CHAIR STEVENS said he was familiar with Seward Center programs
and facility. He commented that the maritime transportation
facility is remarkable.
MR. ESPOSITO agreed that the AVTEC maritime program is unique,
the simulator is world class, and the staff are excellent. He
credited the staff and industry support for the success of the
program.
9:06:26 AM
CHAIR STEVENS asked Mr. Esposito to comment on the reduction of
20 percent funding for non-performing facilities.
MR. ESPOSITO did not think it was a concern to AVTEC's programs
whose performance results are very good.
9:07:03 AM
CHAIR STEVENS agreed that 90 percent placement is remarkable.
SENATOR GARDNER noted in AVTEC's demographics that 2 percent of
the students come from out of state.
MR. ESPOSITO explained that some students find AVTEC on the
internet and have an interest in relocating to Alaska.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if those stay in Alaska after they finish
the program.
MR. ESPOSITO said the majority of students that go through AVTEC
stay in Alaska. AVTEC does follow them and knows that most of
them are employed in training-related jobs.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Esposito.
9:08:31 AM
DOUG WALRATH, Director, Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical
Center (NACTEC), Nome, Alaska, provided information about
Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients.
He related that most of the Center's students are high school
age, therefore he has a concern that the metrics that are being
used to measure what they are intended to do. For example, the
number of trainees is easy to report, but the number of those
going to work within one year of training would exclude 79
percent of participants who were not high school seniors.
He shared some trends found at NACTEC since the onset of TVEP
five years ago. There was an increase of 64 percent in
enrollment, up from 241 trainees. Nome and 15 sites in the
Bering Strait School District came together to develop a
regional training center. Bering Strait School District provides
89 percent of the students that come through NACTEC. There was
an amazing increase in the graduation rate from 32 percent in FY
08, when TVEP entered, to 61 percent in FY 13. He said he cross-
referenced the onset of TVEP funds with the unemployment rate,
which decreased by 3 percent. He concluded that the funding is
making an impact. He noted he has also provided written
comments.
CHAIR STEVENS asked for help determining what the right measures
should be. He thanked Mr. Walrath.
9:14:26 AM
KURT KUHNE, Executive Director, Yuut Elitnaurviat, Inc.,
People's Learning Center, Bethel, Alaska, provided information
about Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund
recipients. He said the Center's governance is made up of
industries who meet annually to prioritize training needs for
jobs within the region. He said they meet with DOL to try to
determine the measures that adequately represent the good work
that is done. He noted differences between Bethel and Nome and
the difficulty in have the same measures for both centers. He
said he has provided written answers to the requested questions.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Kuhne.
9:16:38 AM
STEVEN ANGASAN, Instructor, Southwest Alaska Vocational and
Education Center (SAVEC), King Salmon and Naknek, Alaska,
provided information about Technical Vocational Education
Program (TVEP) fund recipients. He said TVEP funding has been a
godsend to SAVEC. He noted that all training centers are
different and it would be difficult to develop measures to fit
all. He agreed with the previous speaker. He said that Bethel
works with kids; he works with adults. He said SAVEC was the
recipient of a federal grant for fisheries, maritime, and others
industry training. He spoke of a three-year AVTEC grant for
internet. He testified in support of SB 139.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Angasan for working with agencies to
meet the needs of his community.
9:20:32 AM
KAREN CEDZO, Development and Coordination, Partners For Progress
in Delta, Inc., Delta Career Advancement Center (DCAC), Delta,
Alaska, provided information about Technical Vocational
Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients. She spoke in support
of continued TVEP funding provided for in SB 139 because the
board believes that the programs offered by the funds are life
changing. She described the process for developing a consortium
to address the shortage of career and technical education needed
to meet job demands. She provided the history of the partnership
that developed the construction trades academy. The construction
trades instructor has been recognized by the Alaska Workforce
Investment Board as Career Technical Educator of the year.
She explained how DCAC delivers its programs. She noted they do
not issue degrees, but work with the university and the high
school who do. She gave examples of needs met due to the annual
industry roundtable; CDL training, welding, computing, and
certified nurse aid. A goal is to focus on quality and address
needs as they appear. She provided an example of how the
university, career center, and school district work together.
She described the successes of the programs. She concluded that
the career center is a good model for delivering cost efficient,
non-duplicating career and technical educational training in the
area.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Cedzo.
9:26:50 AM
SENATOR GARDNER said she found the testimony very interesting,
particularly the mention of Boeing as a subcontractor. She asked
if it was part of the Department of Defense work related to Fort
Greeley.
MS. CEDZO said yes. Boeing comes to the annual industry round
table and states what it needs from new hires. Boeing invested
$60,000 in Delta because they believe in hiring locals. The goal
is to work with industry partners to keep people competitive for
jobs emerging in the area.
9:29:35 AM
SENATOR GARDNER said Ms. Cedzo mentioned that Boeing has a brain
trust of engineers. She asked how many engineers are from
Alaska.
MS. CEDZO replied that Boeing does an incredible job of hiring
University of Alaska Fairbanks engineers. She offered to provide
the number.
SENATOR GARDNER thanked Ms. Cedzo.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Cedzo.
9:30:24 AM
CARMEN FRANCHINO, Director of Operations, Amundsen Educational
Center, Soldotna, Alaska, provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients. She shared
information about the merging of the Amundsen Education Center
with New Frontier Vocational Technical Center in 2008. She
described the makeup of the student body. She related the
content, funding sources, and successes of the program. She said
TVEP is working because it strengthens the economy and the
workforce by attracting young Alaskans to remain in the state.
CHAIR STEVENS asked how many students Amundsen Educational
Center can provide housing for on campus.
MS. FRANCHINO said 12.
9:33:48 AM
JUDI WALGENBACH, Program Director, Amundsen Educational Center,
Soldotna, Alaska, provided information about Technical
Vocational Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients. She spoke
positively about the TVEP grant which the center received in
2008.
9:34:27 AM
CHARLENE ARNESON, President, Chugach School Board, Chugach,
Alaska, provided information about Technical Vocational
Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients. She said that many
students have benefitted from the transition to life skills
program begun 18 years ago. She noted a 98 percent graduation
rate. She described a young man from Whittier named Jake Yin who
was successful and an example of what the academy can do. She
said she would like to see a network of these training centers.
CHAIR STEVENS requested Ms. Arneson send written materials. He
asked if the academy receives TVEP funding.
MS. ARENESON said no; it receives grant funding. She said it
would be receiving some TVEP funding soon. She invited everyone
to see new building.
9:40:36 AM
STEVE BRADSHAW, Superintendent, Sitka School District, Sitka,
Alaska, provided information about Technical Vocational
Education Program (TVEP) fund recipients. He said Sitka has had
a Southeast Career Training Center since 2008, but has received
no TVEP funding, which has created stress on district funds. He
described various grants to fund the program. He said he has
been trying to get TVEP funds since 2008 and is looking for a
way to keep the facility open. He shared some of the programs
they can offer.
CHAIR STEVENS noted that his request is for new programs to be
added to TVEP.
MR. BRADSHAW agreed that Sitka could be competitive for funds.
He stressed that they have tried to get TVEP funds. He said he
would like to re-apply for the funds.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Bradshaw. He said he would request
some changes to the program so others could enter it.
9:47:10 AM
CHARLES EDWARDSON, Workforce Development Director, Southern
Southeast Alaska Technical Education Center, Ketchikan, Alaska,
provided information about Technical Vocational Education
Program (TVEP) fund recipients. He said that about 112 students
went through the program last year. He noted that Ketchikan has
received $3.3 million from the state for the facility and is
seeking TVEP funding. He said the dormitories, which will house
40 students, will be completed in April. He talked about
location difficulties and the need for a dormitory as the
regional hub. He said he is on the board in Sitka and is working
with Klawock. He noted a partnership with UAS.
He stressed that TVEP funding would allow for a reduction in
tuition rates and make it more accessible to all Alaska. He said
federal funding is in place for building operations. He voiced
concern with the formula.
He maintained that vocation training efforts in Alaska are
working. Unemployment contributions from workers in construction
are increasing and there is an 18 percent increase in demand in
the construction industry. He suggested keeping those ideas in
mind when considering the formula.
He said they work with industry. The demand for mining jobs and
shipyard jobs is there. Students from both high schools attend
the facility. He noted he has provided written information. He
testified in support of SB 139 and wished to be included in HB
150.
9:53:32 AM
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Edwardson.
MR. EDMUNSON referred to a picture of successful graduates.
SENATOR STEDMAN shared a story.
CHAIR STEVENS summarized that it was an interesting discussion
on SB 139. He concluded that there were concerns about the
formula and he asked for opportunities for districts to apply
for grants. He spoke highly of the flexibility of the
university's model and the ability to be successful and
competitive.
CHAIR STEVENS held SB 139 in committee.
9:55:43 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Stevens adjourned the Senate Education Committee at 9:55
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 01_MEMO_TVEP_Funding_Questions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 02_TVEP_Appropriations_FY01-FY15.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 03_UnemploymentInsurance_TVEP_FlowChart.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 04_UnivAK_TVEP_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 04a_UnivAK_System_TVEP AdvocacyPackage_StatewideComponent.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 04b_UnivAK_System_TVEP Advocacy Package_Complete.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 05_UnivAK_Southeast_TVEP_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 05a_UAS_TVEP Advocacy Sheet.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 06_Galena_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 06a_Galena_StudentCount_byProgram.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 06b_Galena_FY13_CreditsCertifications.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 07_Kotzebue_AlaskaTechnicalCenter_TVEP_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 08_AVTEC_TVEP_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 09_NACTEC_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 09a_NACTEC_Calender_Count_092713.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 09b_NACTEC_AdvocacyPamphlet.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 10_SAVEC_TVEP_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 11_Yuut_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 12_PartnersDelta_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 13_NewFrontier_Amundsen_ResponseToQuestions.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 14_DOLWD_TVEP_Report.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |
| 15_DOLWD_TVEP_Webpage.pdf |
SEDC 2/26/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 - Section 17 - TVEP Funding |