02/26/2015 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SCR1 | |
| Presentation: Secondary School Boarding Stipend Program | |
| Presentation: District Operated Residential School Options | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SCR 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 26, 2015
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mike Dunleavy, Chair
Senator Charlie Huggins, Vice Chair
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Berta Gardner
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Cathy Giessel
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1
Relating to a legislative task force on civics education.
- HEARD AND HELD
PRESENTATION: SECONDARY SCHOOL BOARDING STIPEND PROGRAM
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: DISTRICT OPERATED RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL OPTIONS
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SCR 1
SHORT TITLE: CIVICS EDUCATION TASK FORCE
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEVENS
01/21/15 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/21/15 (S) EDC, FIN
02/26/15 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR GARY STEVENS
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Sponsor of SCR 1.
TIM LAMKIN, Staff
Senator Stevens
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information on SCR 1.
SAM STONE, Executive Director
Civics Education Initiative
Joe Foss Institute
Scottsdale, Arizona
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 1.
MICHAEL POLIAKOFF
Vice President of Policy
American Council of Trustees and Alumni
Washington, DC
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 1.
STUART THOMPSON, representing himself
Meadow Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SCR 1.
ELIZABETH NUDELMAN, Director
School Finance & Facilities
Department of Education & Early Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information on Alaska statutes
that authorize three residential education school options.
ANNMARIE O'BRIEN, Superintendent
Northwest Arctic Borough
Kotzebue, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Addressed the goals of the Northwest Arctic
Borough School District's Magnet School and its corresponding
boarding home.
DOUG WALRATH, Director
Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical Center (NACTEC)
Nome, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information on NACTEC's mission
and opportunities.
BILL HUTTON, Superintendent
Mt. Edgecumbe High School
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of Mt. Edgecumbe High
School.
DAN WALKER, Assistant Superintendent
Kuskokwim Learning Academy
Lower Kuskokwim School District
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about programs in the
Lower Kuskokwim School District.
DOUG BOYER, Principal
Kuskokwim Learning Academy
Lower Kuskokwim School District
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about programs in the
Kuskokwim Learning Academy.
JANELLE VANASSE, Director
Secondary Education
Kuskokwim Learning Academy
Lower Kuskokwim School District
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about the STEM Ready
Program.
ERIC GEBHART, Director
Nenana Student Living Center
Nenana School District
Nenana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about the Nenana
Student Living Center.
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent
Galena Interior Learning Academy
Galena City School District
Galena, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about the Galena
Interior Learning Academy (GILA).
STEPHANIE BURGOON, Head Teacher
Voyage to Excellence (VTE) Residential School
Chugach School District
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided information about the Voyage to
Excellence (VTE) Residential School.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:13 PM
CHAIR MIKE DUNLEAVY called the Senate Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Stevens, Gardner, and Chair Dunleavy.
SCR 1-CIVICS EDUCATION TASK FORCE
3:30:37 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the consideration of SCR 1.
3:31:04 PM
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor of SCR
1, began with a historical overview of the Constitutional
Convention in 1787 and a story about the people's responsibility
to "keep the Republic." He opined that too many young people
have little understanding of civics and the value of liberty and
equality, individual worth, open-mindedness, the ability to
collaborate with those with differing opinions, and to work
toward a common goal for the good of the country.
He stated that those qualities must be passed on to children by
parents and in schools by means of classes in government,
history, economics, and democracy, and include discussions on
current events and controversial issues. Many Americans agree
that these courses and methods are very important to prepare
children for a democratic life.
He maintained that civic education does not get the attention it
deserves in public schools. On the National Association of
Educational Progress tests recently, only one-third of students
scored proficient or above on civic knowledge. He stated that
preparing for active citizenship was a foundational principle of
public education in America from its beginning.
He concluded that civic education strengthens the democracy, it
provides an understanding of current events, and encourages
participation in voting, volunteering, and public speaking. He
said SCR 1 is a pathway to help children become full and
effective citizens.
3:35:32 PM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Stevens, Alaska State Legislature,
provided an overview for SCR 1. He said America is facing a
quiet epidemic of apathy and ignorance amongst students. For
decades the focus has been on science, math, reading, writing,
and increased testing. He questioned the goal of that focus.
He said that other states have adopted some version of a civic
curriculum. The only civics-related bill in Alaska, HB 19, was
adopted in 2000 and required the Pledge of Allegiance in
schools. He discussed a movement that uses a 100-point quiz from
the U.S. Immigration Department as part of the school
curriculum. He gave examples of some of the questions. He said
that 92 percent of immigrants pass the test. In Arizona only 3
percent of high school seniors could pass the test.
He explained that SCR 1 would establish a task force to look at
civics education currently in Alaska and in other states and
decide on better options for Alaska students.
3:38:56 PM
SENATOR GARDNER asked if the recommendation from the task force
will result in a civics graduation requirement.
SENATOR STEVENS answered no. He addressed funding challenges and
costs to districts. He pointed out that Massachusetts used
business and industry-sponsored workshops for teachers in order
to increase students' knowledge of civics within existing
classrooms.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if the task force expires in a year.
SENATOR STEVENS answered yes.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the arrival of Senator Huggins.
3:41:07 PM
At ease
3:41:53 PM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY called the committee back to order.
3:42:25 PM
SAM STONE, Executive Director, Civics Education Initiative, Joe
Foss Institute, discussed their work on promoting the civics
quiz mentioned by Mr. Lamkin. He said the goal is to see states
adopt the quiz as part of their civics curriculum. He pointed
out the declining levels of informed and engaged citizens and
the critical challenges of reversing that decline. He related
that two-thirds of the population can't name the three branches
of the government and one-third can't name one branch. Social
studies teachers across the country are frustrated by their
reduction of class time due to science, engineering, technology,
and math courses and time for testing. He said many other states
have enacted task forces to study this issue. Free resources are
available that would not tax a state's budget, such as iCivics.
He stressed that promoting civics would be beneficial long-term
to the strength of America.
3:45:29 PM
MICHAEL POLIAKOFF, Vice President of Policy, American Council of
Trustees and Alumni, testified in support of SCR 1. He said his
organization has been deeply committed since 1995 to the
imperative of making sure citizens understand America's free
institutions. He maintained that the founders were aware that
the lifespan of liberty was not likely to be very long without
well-informed participating citizens. He emphasized the
necessity of setting civic requirements and mandates because
they set clear expectations.
MR. POLIAKOFF shared statistics on America's historical
illiteracy. He said the community service part of civic
education is an important quality that characterizes the nation.
Schools and colleges are essential for civics education and are
the only ones that can fill the civics gap.
3:49:13 PM
STUART THOMPSON, representing himself, testified in support of
SCR 1. He stated that he is petitioning the committee to do a
presentation on civics.
SENATOR STEVENS noted an article by Mr. Thompson in The
Frontiersman.
3:51:22 PM
At ease.
3:51:55 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY called the committee back to order. He requested
that Mr. Thompson speak for three minutes and then send the
committee a copy of his whole presentation.
MR. THOMPSON said, "The volume of true citizen participation in
government of, for, and by the people is probably the most
reliable test for the effectiveness of public education that
could ever be." He explained that America's founders researched
different forms of government. He ended with a statement on the
importance of civics education.
3:54:41 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY thanked Senator Stevens for bringing the
resolution forward. He noted the importance of how civics is
taught.
SENATOR STEVENS summarized that the resolution will initiate a
task force that will research how to improve civics education.
3:56:06 PM
SENATOR GARDNER questioned why there were no minority members on
the task force. She asked the sponsor if he would accept an
amendment that would ensure a member from each caucus having a
seat on the task force.
SENATOR STEVENS replied that he would accept that amendment and
opined that the task force should be as large a group as is
affordable and encompass all Alaskans.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked that Mr. Thompson's amendments be
considered.
SENATOR STEVENS replied that if there is a task force he hoped
for Mr. Thompson's involvement, as well as participation from
the other two speakers.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY held SCR 1 in committee.
3:57:24 PM
At ease
^PRESENTATION: SECONDARY SCHOOL BOARDING STIPEND PROGRAM
PRESENTATION: SECONDARY SCHOOL BOARDING STIPEND PROGRAM
3:58:48 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY called the committee back to order to hear a
presentation on residential schools in Alaska.
3:59:43 PM
ELIZABETH NUDELMAN, Director, School Finance and Facilities,
Department of Education & Early Development, presented
information on Alaska statutes that authorize three residential
education school options. The three options are the Secondary
Boarding Stipend Program, Mt. Edgecumbe State Boarding School,
and school districts that operate residential schools. The
administration of each option differs.
MS. NUDELMAN addressed the Secondary Boarding Stipend Program,
which was established in 1966. Currently, the boarding stipend
serves approximately 20 to 30 students across approximately six
to eight districts. The approximated cost is $185,000 annually.
She said a typical example of this program may be a student from
a small community with only one or two high school students. The
program allows the student, through their school district, to
find a boarding stipend placement in a neighboring community.
4:02:32 PM
MS. NUDELMAN turned to school districts that operate residential
schools and discussed changes to the program that occurred in
2013. The program began to include a variable term component,
which are programs approved to fund the same number of students
throughout the school year, but the actual students housed
change to provide sessions of residential instruction to
different groups of students.
4:03:28 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if the school receive a one-FTE
placeholder.
MS. NUDELMAN answered correct.
SENATOR STEVENS asked how much the stipend is under the
Secondary Boarding Stipend Program.
MS. NUDELMAN replied that the stipend is a monthly rate of about
$500. A small portion of travel is also provided for.
SENATOR STEVENS spoke in favor of the program.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if each zone has a rate.
4:05:31 PM
MS. NUDELMAN replied that each zone does have a rate. She
offered to provide those rates.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY noted the history of the program and his
experience with it.
MS. NUDELMAN noted the stipend rates by region for residential
schools.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY summarized the presentation so far.
MS. NUDELMAN pointed out that the most recent program change was
enacted through HB 278 which sets into law an annual period of
application for residential schools. She provided a list of the
five additional approved residential schools. She showed a list
of school districts that operate residential school programs.
4:08:03 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if a student can attend any school under
the secondary school stipend.
MS. NUDELMAN replied that a student has a choice of the school
to attend and the district assists the student to find the best
fit.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if a student from near Fairbanks could
attend a school in Kodiak and the Kodiak district would receive
foundation funding and the stipend.
MS. NUDELMAN said that was correct except that the stipend would
go to the persons boarding the student.
4:09:16 PM
SENATOR HUGGINS asked if the foundation formula allowance
remained with the original school.
MS. NUDELMAN said that is true for school districts operating
residential schools. Under the variable term program,
residential schools cannot claim the foundation funding.
4:10:40 PM
SENATOR GARDNER asked how the school that offers the variable
term receives foundation funding if it remains with the home
school.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY clarified that there is an amount that is
allotted for the variable term school.
SENATOR GARDNER said that regional stipend rates are for
variable term student spots and includes housing and tuition.
MS. NUDELMAN explained that the regional stipend consists of
total funds provided to the variable term district. The
expectation is that it is for the residential portion and can be
used for needs beyond that. Some of the programs are for career
and technology and could have grant funding, also. The programs
could also enter into a tuition agreement with another school
district.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if that is what Chugach's Voyage to
Excellence program does.
MS. NUDELMAN answered correct.
SENATOR STEVENS asked about cost comparison of the various
residential programs.
MS. NUDELMAN answered that she did not have the cost amounts in
hand, but said that the cost of one over another does not stand
out.
4:14:18 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked about Mt. Edgecumbe.
MS. NUDELMAN specified that Mt. Edgecumbe is defined by statute
as a unique residential opportunity.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY reviewed the various boarding opportunities.
4:17:03 PM
SENATOR STEVENS noted the value of the stipend program. He asked
if schools with less than ten students could lose funding.
MS. NUDELMAN answered that when a school has less than ten
students they are not funded with a base as a separate school.
Students are funded in the smallest school in the district,
which is a lower amount of funding.
SENATOR STEVENS provided a scenario where a school has only one
high school student.
MS. NUDELMAN said she is not familiar with the aforementioned
scenario.
SENATOR STEVENS stated that the issue will be faced by more
communities.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY provided a scenario and funding variables.
4:19:50 PM
SENATOR HUGGINS noted a small school is specified as less than
10 students. He requested information about funding in that
situation.
MS. NUDELMAN reiterated her previous answer.
SENATOR HUGGINS clarified his question.
MS. NUDELMAN replied that she did not understand the question.
SENATOR HUGGINS provided an example of a charter school. He
asked Ms. Nudelman to get back to him on the answer.
^PRESENTATION: DISTRICT OPERATED RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL OPTIONS
PRESENTATION: DISTRICT OPERATED RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL OPTIONS
4:22:11 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced a presentation on district operated
residential school options.
4:23:11 PM
ANNMARIE O'BRIEN, Superintendent, Northwest Arctic Borough,
thanked the members of the committee for hearing the
presentations. She addressed the goals of Northwest Arctic
Borough School District's Magnet School and its corresponding
boarding home. She quoted Jerry Covey, former Commissioner of
Education: "Lack of access to opportunity is the largest single
factor impacting the success of students in small remote rural
high schools." She said the goal of STAR of the Northwest Magnet
School is to increase access to opportunities.
MS. O'BRIEN shared the results of a survey of 88 high school
students across the district that showed students' lack of goals
after graduation, but hope to live in the region. STAR's goal is
for students to experience firsthand the high-paying, high-
demand career opportunities available in the state and to engage
in a career track beginning in grade 11 and extending into
industry certifications and associate degrees.
4:26:10 PM
MS. O'BRIEN said STAR includes a coordinated effort by NABSD,
the Alaska Technical Center, the University of Alaska, and
industry partners to offer an articulated and comprehensive high
school and post-secondary program designed to strengthen
Alaska's workforce, and career-focused programs in culinary
arts, education, health care, and process technology.
She listed current industry partners. She noted the residential
component of the program was recently opened. The dormitory is
designed to hold 40 students total. She concluded that STAR
represents opportunities for rural Alaskans.
4:28:07 PM
SENATOR GARDNER asked if the residential dorm was full.
MS. O'BRIEN said housing only opened two weeks ago and in March
the application process will open.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if there is an enthusiastic interest level
or if it will take a while to accept.
MS. O'BRIEN opined that a new concept will take time.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that the video will be presented at
another time.
4:31:19 PM
DOUG WALRATH, Director, Northwestern Alaska Career and Technical
Center (NACTEC), presented information on NACTEC's mission and
opportunities. He said NACTEC has been in existence for thirteen
years and was built on a partnership between Nome Public School
District and the Bering Strait School District to provide career
and technical education opportunities. NACTEC's mission is to
prepare students for the world of work by assisting in the
development of life skills, work readiness skills, academic
skills, and career awareness. Students will develop work ethics
and employment skills to become capable of independent living
while sustaining a healthy cultural identity.
He shared the priority industries where training is provided:
health care, construction, transportation, seafood harvesting
and processing, hospitality, and tourism. He showed graphs of
where NACTEC funding comes from and its budget by category.
4:34:57 PM
MR. WALRATH shared data regarding student enrollment. There has
been a 64 percent enrollment increase over the years. Students
come from over fifty villages and ten districts. He discussed
the impacts of NACTEC programs and the 28 percent increase in
the graduation rate. He concluded with the correlation between
NACTEC participation and graduation.
4:40:52 PM
BILL HUTTON, Superintendent, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, provided
an overview of Mt. Edgecumbe High School. He related his history
as a teacher in Hoonah and the opportunities Mt. Edgecumbe
provides. He gave examples of innovative programs in the high
school curriculum and the variety of reasons students attend Mt.
Edgecumbe.
4:46:43 PM
MR. HUTTON summarized that Mt. Edgecumbe is about high
expectations for learning and living, it provides unique
challenges and opportunities, and builds life-long
relationships.
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if there is a wait list.
MR. HUTTON answered yes. He specified that at the start of the
school year, approximately 184 students were on a waiting list.
4:48:05 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked why students from larger communities attend
Mt. Edgecumbe.
MR. HUTTON answered that the students fall into several
categories; parents of students who have a strong tradition of
attending Mt. Edgecumbe, and students who have financial
challenges or lack of family support.
4:50:03 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY asked if there is criteria for selection.
MR. HUTTON answered that there are broad and specific criteria.
SENATOR STEVENS noted that 34 students are from Sitka.
MR. HUTTON said those students live at home.
DAN WALKER, Assistant Superintendent, Kuskokwim Learning
Academy, Lower Kuskokwim School District, provided information
about programs offered in the Lower Kuskokwim School District.
4:53:16 PM
DOUG BOYER, Principal, Kuskokwim Learning Academy, Lower
Kuskokwim School District, provided an overview of the Kuskokwim
Learning Academy (KLA). He said KLA is a 9 - 12 high school
located in Bethel that is focused on at-risk students. The
Academy has zero tolerance rules on drugs, alcohol, and
harassment. He described the schedule, typical students, and the
enrollment process. He read the mission statement and showed the
budget breakdown and funding sources.
4:57:01 PM
MR. BOYER noted attendance trends and cost per student. He spoke
of the full-time social worker who helps with student retention.
5:00:23 PM
MR. BOYER discussed where KLA students came from: Fairbanks,
Anchorage, Bering Straits, and a majority from the Delta Region.
He shared that KLA increased ASPI scores by five points. Most of
the students at KLA who take the ASPI test have dropped out of
school and have not attended for several years. This is
reflected in six-year or more graduation rates and has an impact
on the ASPI score. He noted that KLA's academic growth score
increased. He said KLA is a one-star school and missed going to
a two-star school by 1.2 points.
5:02:43 PM
MR. BOYER described the Class of 2015. It has five students who
will graduate after attending high school for four years, six
students are five-year graduates, 12 students are six-year
graduates, five students are seven-year graduates, and one
student was in high school for eight years. It is the largest
graduating class ever at KLA.
He listed the courses available to KLA students this year and
next, as well as in the STEM Academy. He described the work-
based learning electives.
5:04:58 PM
JANELLE VANASSE, Director, Secondary Education, Kuskokwim
Learning Academy, Lower Kuskokwim School District, described the
STEM Ready program, a model for college and career readiness for
rural Alaska schools. It was developed through support of the
Rasmuson and Gates Foundations. She said Bethel Regional High
School (BRHS) is the hub of the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Region and
the program brings students from surrounding villages into BRHS
for upper level courses. The vision is that students who are
connected with their home and culture and academically strong
are the most college ready. The program consists of a semester
during the junior and senior years, as well as a summer program
of which Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP)
is the primary program.
MS. VANASSE concluded that the program has a 70 percent
retention rate, 65 percent are college bound, and 95 percent are
ready for college math.
5:09:14 PM
ERIC GEBHART, Director, Nenana Student Living Center, Nenana
School District, related that the Nenana Student Living Center
is not a boarding school, but a dorm for students who then
attend Nenana City Public School (NCPS) with local students. He
referred to the course offerings at NCPS, which include music,
STEM, CTE and the arts. The student body is made of up students
from a variety of places. He shared application considerations
and mentioned who is accepted into the school.
5:13:17 PM
MR. GEBHART continued with NSLC budget information for the
resident hall. He shared data about student enrollment. The
building capacity is 120, but only 88 are funded. NSLC has
requested funding for 105 in FY 16.
5:15:31 PM
MR. GEBHART listed the villages represented at NSLC and
concluded with information about retention, test, and graduation
rates.
5:16:38 PM
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent, Galena Interior Learning Academy
(GILA), Galena City School District, described the history
behind GILA's beginnings and how the former Galena Air Force
Base became the Academy. He describe the facility and lack of
classroom space. He said 78 communities are represented by GILA
students. The main focus of GILA is a vocational program with a
strong academic component. He referred to the CTE courses
available. He said 16 classes provide dual credit with the
University of Alaska - Fairbanks, and 149 students earned dual
credits last year.
5:19:56 PM
MR. REITAN shared breakdowns of instructional costs and revenue.
He provided information about GILA's graduation rate and ASPI
score. He said half of graduates go on to vocational programs at
the university. He noted a stronger partnership with AVTEC.
MR. REITAN summarized that currently 200 students attend GILA
and the goal is to have 220 students. Another goal is to
increase instructional space.
5:22:42 PM
STEPHANIE BURGOON, Head Teacher, Voyage to Excellence (VTE)
Residential School, Chugach School District, shared program
selections, including career education and urban living skills
at VTE. She shared VTE's admission criteria. She listed the
school districts, corporations, and businesses VTE works with.
She spoke of the exchange with AVTEC.
She related that VTE enrollment is about 230 students per year
in grades 7 - 12. Currently, there are 24 students with capacity
for 28. Funding is from a variety of sources and includes many
grants, boarding stipends, donations, and tuition. Tuition is
$100 per day per student and is paid by school districts.
She shared several success stories of students who return every
year to increase their skills. She noted a 30-day summer program
is also offered.
5:25:49 PM
MS. BURGOON concluded that VTE is fortunate to have the
opportunity to work with students from all over the state and
provide opportunities for them in an urban setting. She said it
is VTE's goal to spark an interest that results in students
choosing careers and making great life choices.
5:27:17 PM
CHAIR DUNLEAVY thanked all the presenters for information
related to what education in Alaska is going to look like over
the next couple years.
5:27:57 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Dunleavy adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
hearing at 5:27 p.m.