HB 297-POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS  9:07:30 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 297, "An Act establishing the governor's performance scholarship program and relating to the program; establishing the governor's performance scholarship fund and relating to the fund; relating to student records; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER opined that, with the dual track approach, a student considering a career technical vocation, is being given no incentive to achieve beyond a C+ grade point average (GPA). She argued that award will be $3,0000, classes are easier than the academic track, and earning an A, or a B GPA does not alter the amount of the scholarship. She asked whether this is an accurate summation. CHAIR SEATON stated no, and pointed out that there is a difference in classes required for a student earning a high school diploma versus the rigorous curriculum required to achieve a GPS award. REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER acknowledged that her concern was addressed with the adoption of Amendment 3, and withdrew her statement. She then turned to Amendment 9, and expressed concern for a student being held liable for repayment of an erroneously awarded scholarship. 9:10:10 AM CHAIR SEATON read Amendment 9, as adopted by the committee [2/26/10]: Page 10, line 1, following "error": Insert "less any scholarship award payments previously expended if the error in the award of the scholarship was not due to any fault of the student" REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER indicated general concern for the dual track approach of the program. 9:11:41 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH moved to take from the table Amendment 11, labeled 26-GH2771\A.18, Mischel, 2/18/10, tabled at the 2/19/10 meeting, which read [original punctuation provided]: Page 5, lines 22 - 27: Delete all material and insert: "(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that the student must have completed in high school; the core academic curriculum must include one of the following: (A) a combination of (i) four years of mathematics; (ii) four years of language arts; (iii) four years of science; and (iv) four years of social studies, one year of which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage; or (B) a combination of (i) three years of mathematics; (ii) four years of language arts; (iii) three years of science; (iv) four years of social studies; and (v) two years of a foreign language, Alaska Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage;" Page 6, lines 17 - 22: Delete all material and insert: "(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that the student must have completed in high school; the core academic curriculum must include one of the following: (A) a combination of (i) four years of mathematics; (ii) four years of language arts; (iii) four years of science; and (iv) four years of social studies, one year of which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage; or (B) a combination of (i) three years of mathematics; (ii) four years of language arts; (iii) three years of science; (iv) four years of social studies; and (v) two years of a foreign language, Alaska Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage;" CHAIR SEATON objected for discussion. 9:12:17 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH said that Amendment 11, aligns the core academic curriculum for both tracks, and provides two options, as indicated in paragraphs (A) and (B). He offered Amendment 1 to Amendment 11, to delete subparagraph (B) throughout Amendment 11. CHAIR SEATON objected for discussion. 9:14:29 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH directed attention to pages 5 and 6 of the bill, and paraphrased the curriculum requirements beginning on line 22, which read [original punctuation provided]: (1) the four-year core academic curriculum that the student must have completed in high school; the core academic curriculum must include (A) four years of mathematics; (B) four years of language arts; (C) four years of science; and (D) three years of social studies; REPRESENTATIVE BUCH explained that Amendment 11 maintains the requirements for math, language arts, and science, but stipulates an additional year of social studies with curriculum directives, as well as a two-year foreign language requirement in sub-subparagraph (v) [page 1, line 18, and page 1, line 15]. Amendment 1 to Amendment 11 maintains the additional social studies year, but deletes the two-year foreign language requirement. 9:16:09 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH, upon discussion of further changes to Amendment 11, restated his motion to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 11. Amendment 11, as amended, then read: Page 5, lines 22 - 27: Delete all material and insert: "(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that the student must have completed in high school; the core academic curriculum must include: (A) a combination of (i) four years of mathematics; (ii) four years of language arts; (iii) four years of science; and (iv) four years of social studies, one year of which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage. Page 6, lines 17 - 22: Delete all material and insert: "(1) the four-year core academic curriculum that the student must have completed in high school; the core academic curriculum must include: (A) a combination of (i) four years of mathematics; (ii) four years of language arts; (iii) four years of science; and (iv) four years of social studies, one year of which may include a foreign language, Alaska Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage. CHAIR SEATON removed his objection to Conceptual Amendment 1 to Amendment 11. There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment 1, to Amendment 11, was adopted. 9:18:05 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH, at the chairman's request, restated his motion. He moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 11 [as amended]. CHAIR SEATON maintained his objection to Conceptual Amendment 11 [as amended]. 9:18:22 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH reported that school districts have placed importance on offering four years of social studies, and that within the structure, which the department is creating, opportunities exist for elective classes to be offered in conjunction with the GPS. 9:18:56 AM CHAIR SEATON said the action broadens social study requirements, and includes electives that are currently available to students. Although he does not oppose the possibility of requiring a fourth year of socials studies, he opined that it narrows options for students taking electives in other areas, and maintained his objection. 9:20:49 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ agreed that it does appear to narrow student options in the fourth year, and stated opposition to the amendment. REPRESENTATIVE BUCH argued that it expands the opportunities for a liberal arts student to take a class that is not a standard business acumen; providing additional curriculum options. 9:23:13 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked what courses are included in the study of Fine Arts. 9:24:08 AM CHAIR SEATON referred to the core requirements listed on page 5, lines 24-27, and compared the proposed changes of Amendment 11. He asked EED whether the listed courses [page 1, lines 11 and 12] are considered social studies. LARRY LEDOUX, Commissioner, Department of Education and Early Development (EED), replied no, and returned to Representative Wilson's question, stating that the field of Fine Arts includes the visual and performing arts, including: art, ceramics, sculpture, band, music, choir, and theater. Social studies comprise the social sciences, which are: sociology, psychology, history, and economics. Fine Arts and social studies are separate disciplines of study with two different sets of curriculum attached. 9:25:34 AM CHAIR SEATON questioned how a requirement to take an additional year of social studies might affect students desiring to take electives in other areas of interest, such as Fine Arts or cultural heritage. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX explained that whenever the legislature or State Board of Education imposes a require course, it displaces a student's option for an elective. The GPS is a voluntary program that encourages students to pursue a program of excellence. There are many courses in the social sciences that would meet that pursuit. However, a career tech, and college tech program, particularly in regards to the social sciences are both critical. A state mandated requirement would reduce electives for a high school student, at a time when it is important for them to be able to make choices. The data indicates that all ethnic and gender groups are positively influenced by taking math and science for four years versus three, but not significantly reportable regarding social sciences. CHAIR SEATON noted that the amendment allows the substitution of one year of Fine Arts for social studies, as an additional requirement. 9:28:14 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON pointed out that the amendment includes foreign language as a class option, and asked whether foreign language is included in the Fine Arts curriculum. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX said usually not, as English, literature, speech, writing, and debate constitute language arts. REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON queried what category foreign language falls under. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX indicated that foreign language is a critical aspect of college preparation, and often a requirement for college entrance. REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked whether an Alaska Native language could be considered a foreign language. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX pointed out that it is an indigenous language, which could not be considered foreign. He stated his belief that it may be accepted at some universities. 9:30:23 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH reviewed the amendment, and opined that it cleans up the bill. He asked Commissioner LeDoux whether the proposed action would swerve to eliminate or enhances a student's opportunities. 9:31:29 AM COMMISSIONER LEDOUX underscored how research indicates that four years each, of math and science, are significant indicators for graduation from college. The change to allow a foreign language as an alternative, and the possible effects, poses a question, which may not be statistically supported. 9:32:26 AM CHAIR SEATON clarified that the amendment before the committee is strictly to include an additional year of social studies; from 3 to 4. It adds one more requirement to the core curriculum for both the academic and career technical scholarships. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX indicated that it would be important to specify what courses would meet the fourth year requirement in social studies in order to ensure that a district could confirm. The classes listed in the amendment are from a variety of disciplines. 9:33:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked if curriculum varies between school districts. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX replied yes. In a freshman level art appreciation or theater class, the department would need to determine the standards and qualify the classes offered. 9:34:19 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH expressed interest for allowing local discrimination by school districts to work within the requirements of the amendment, and asked whether the language would allow current curriculum to be utilized. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX concurred, but said it would be difficult to determine the rigor of the course, which is the basis for the scholarship program. 9:35:43 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked about impacts of the amendment within the department. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX explained that the department would need to establish standards and guidelines to ensure rigor in the diversity of classes comprising the Fine Arts discipline. Standards for Fine Arts are more difficult to define, but it can certainly be accomplished. 9:36:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ queried what the current social studies requirement is for graduation. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX stated that it is three years, of which one year is U.S. History, and one semester must be Alaska studies or the standards for Alaska studies must be integrated into another course. 9:37:12 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked if the category includes courses named in the amendment [page 1, lines 11 and 12]. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX replied no, but a class could be designed, particularly in Alaska Native Studies that includes language and culture to meet the social studies requirement. Ordinarily a language course would not meet the social studies requirement. 9:37:39 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked whether Commissioner LeDoux would deem it beneficial to add a fourth year required course to the GPS program. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX opined that the requirements of HB 297 are adequate to provide a rigorous curriculum. 9:38:24 AM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON questioned whether the set of requirements [in the amendment] might disenfranchise a student pursuing a performing arts avocation, or degree. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX explained that every added class requirement for graduation or scholarship eligibility removes the ability for a student to participate in an elective class out of personal interest. He opined that the amendment should not prove stressful for a student pursuing a college or technical school career. 9:39:43 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON opined that the amendment does not change the options available for students. 9:40:33 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH maintained that a fourth year of social studies should be a mandate, to include one year of other disciplines as listed. 9:40:57 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON cited that the fourth year disciplines are not social studies, and could be viewed as electives, which negates the need for an amendment. 9:41:25 AM CHAIR SEATON agreed, and said that is the reason for sustaining his objection. The amendment could restrict the options of some students. 9:42:41 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked the commissioner for his opinion. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX described what a student's schedule might entail for each year of high school, should they choose to focus on qualifying for the GPS. A freshman's year will have six periods comprised of math, science, history, English, physical education (PE), and one elective. A sophomore will have the same requirements of math, science, history, and English. The Sophomore year is when a foreign language is usually taken up, which would be the fifth hour, and one elective remains, however many districts require a half year of PE and health, leaving one semester for an elective course. The junior year will also be dictated by required math, science, history, and English courses, and the second year of foreign language takes up one elective, leaving one free choice elective. As a senior it will be the final requirement year for math, science, and English. Many students may need to take an additional math class, to double-up, depending on their interests. He pointed out that it leaves little space for other interests to enter in particularly if a final year of history/social studies is also required. He stated his belief that students will fill their elective hours in a meaningful way, given the opportunity, and expressed concern for creating a situation that does not allow a student to exercise their own interests. 9:45:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH stated that the amendment is an effort to expand opportunities for students in all areas of the state, and enhance what exists. 9:47:33 AM CHAIR SEATON maintained his objection to Conceptual Amendment 11, as amended. [The objection by Representative Wilson at the 2/19/10 hearing was treated as withdrawn.] A roll call vote was taken. Representative Buch voted in favor of Conceptual Amendment 11, as amended. Representatives Edgmon, Gardner, Munoz, Wilson, Seaton, voted against it. Therefore, Conceptual Amendment 11, as amended, failed by a vote of 1-5. 9:48:20 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER noted that the bill envisions the use of qualified postsecondary institutions, and asked what facilities are included. She reported that she queried DLWD and only AVTECH was named. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX said DLWD will be the approving department for eligibility of programs. Using AVTEC as an example, he indicated that the highest priced tuition is $5,000 to earn a nursing certificate; many programs are less than $3,000. However, a student entering diesel mechanics must purchase tools to enter the program, the cost of which exceeds the tuition. The needs component of the GPS allows awards to defray reasonable costs such as room and board, or equipment. It is not the intent of the department to set a gold standard in the development of new training programs throughout the state, i.e. institutions establishing tuitions reflecting scholarship award amounts. He stated the department's opinion that $3,000 is an adequate starting figure. 9:51:30 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER referred to tuition costs listed in the AVTECH catalogue, and noted that program lengths vary upwards from as few as 38 training days. She reflected on the flat $3,000 award for the career technical training versus the tiered award system for the academic element, and opined that this may inadvertently diminish incentive for a student who is pursuing a career track to achieve beyond a C+ GPA. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX stated his belief that the dual tracks established, and the standards required for qualification, will better prepare every student for whatever postsecondary program they choose. 9:53:09 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked whether the department considered allowing advanced foreign language classes to satisfy part of the four year language arts requirement. COMMISSIONER LEDOUX replied no, explaining that the recognition of the language arts requirement is a long established standard. To a follow-up question he said that the current requirement is four years of language arts. 9:54:21 AM CHAIR SEATON stated that HB 297 would be held over.