HB 365-PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP: QUALIFYING EXAM  HB 365-PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP: QUALIFYING EXAM  8:41:00 AM CHAIR GATTIS announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 365, "An Act relating to the Alaska performance scholarship." 8:41:21 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON, speaking as prime sponsor, presented HB 365, paraphrasing from the sponsor statement, which read [original punctuation provided]: The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) was created in 2010 through Senate Bill 221 and represents a recurring investment in Alaska's future through post- secondary education scholarships. The Legislature also supported a long-term plan to fund APS in perpetuity, demonstrating commitment to make higher education more affordable to residents. Students are currently eligible to receive a scholarship if they meet the criteria in one of three tiers of awards laid out in 4 AAC 43.020. Criteria for awards include completion of a rigorous curriculum, standardized examination, and grade point average requirements. Standardized examinations used in all three award levels are the ACT, SAT or WorkKeys. The WorkKeys examination is designed for entry into career and technical fields. However, if qualifying for the APS through the WorkKeys examination, students may only apply their scholarship to a career or technical program that results in the award of a certificate. It cannot be applied to a two-year Associate's degree, which is often the degree needed to advance in a career or technical field. [HB] 365 will expand the application of an Alaska Performance Scholarship earned through WorkKeys examination to include degree programs. Students who have demonstrated the necessary requirements to obtain an Alaska Performance Scholarship should not be limited to using it only towards a certificate program when an Associate's degree or other degree may best launch them into a vocation most appropriate for their skills and experience. Current statute impedes students' pursuit of career paths, especially those offered through a two-year degree. REPRESENTATIVE SEATON recapped that this bill would allow students who use the technical career pathway and take the WorkKeys to be able to pursue their technical career goal through certificate or an Associate of Art's Degree and be eligible to use the APS. Currently some students qualify for the APS, but if they attend the university seeking an associate's degree they cannot use it. He related his understanding that the purpose of APS is to encourage students to further their education and qualify in technical fields. He referred to the handout in members' packets entitled "Certificate and Associate's Degree Programs Offered by University of Alaska" that lists numerous degrees offered, including Industrial Technology or Air Traffic Control. He concluded that the intent is to recognize the Associate of Art's Degree as a pathway for career and technical fields. CHAIR GATTIS agreed parents and students want career and technical options. 8:45:46 AM REPRESENTATIVE LEDOUX asked whether taking an exam to enter a technical school could be considered a college entrance exam. REPRESENTATIVE SEATON explained the use of placement tests, including the Acuplacer used by the University of Alaska System. He said it is important to understand that the SAT, ACT, and WorkKeys assessment as an examination was necessary since the state doesn't have control over the grade point averages (GPA) across the state. Students still must demonstrate the skill level on the exams. He said the SAT and ACT are not used by many schools. The UA uses the Acuplacer to place students in the appropriate classes. 8:48:39 AM DIANE BARRANS, Executive Director, Postsecondary Education Commission, Department of Education and Early Development (EED), explained that WorkKeys assessment is not a college entrance exam, but is designed to access an individual's readiness to enter the workforce. CHAIR GATTIS asked for a briefing on the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) in terms of four year college degrees and vocational education and she understood HB 365 would fill a gap. MS. BARRANS answered that the APS currently has two tracks, one for attaining a degree related to the college entrance exam scores. She explained the scores and award levels that can be achieved. The state Board of Education (BOE) in setting the standards for career track focused on a minimum benchmark for all award levels, which is currently a WorkKeys assessment score of 13 of 20 WorkKeys components. Thus, the GPA governs the award level, but in order to give wide access to students the APS went with a single scoring benchmark and limited the program to certificate programs. The rationale was that components to Associate Degree programs that are general education and need to be assessed for academic preparedness into a degree program. She related that the Associate Degree programs really combine the general education and technical educational requirements without assessing the student's ability to succeed directed the students to certificate programs. 8:51:36 AM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD asked whether the award levels are set appropriately. MS. BARRANS responded the award levels were designed for tuition for full-time students at the University of Alaska. She said the program could range from 10 weeks to one year in length. The student can obtain up to the amount of the award but the award may not exceed the cost of the program. REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD asked for further clarification on the fiscal note set at $1-2 million. MS. BARRANS answered that is difficult to pinpoint a cost analysis for this program. She derived the figure by using the actual students in the class of 2013 who qualified for a WorkKeys APS, but enrolled in an Associate's Degree program and couldn't use the scholarship. CHAIR GATTIS remarked that she became informed about the WorkKeys assessment policies during the House Finance subcommittee work. She acknowledged that Representative Seaton has had more experience with the APS. 8:54:31 AM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD asked for further clarification on the number of students and how many more could be served. MS. BARRANS reiterated that it is a difficult number to estimate since she was unsure of how many students qualified for an APS but elected not to go to school. The agency looked at the number of students who were unable to use the APS but enrolled in a degree program at the UA. In response to a question, Ms. Barrrans recalled that 202 students enrolled. In addition, keep in mind those students qualified with WorkKeys assessment scores based on the current minimal level. If the bill were to pass, the state Board of Education would need to reconsider the award requirements. One question is whether there is a means compare WorkKeys scores to ACT and SATs, which could be challenging since one assesses college readiness whereas the other is not designed to do so. 8:56:29 AM CHAIR GATTIS asked whether there might be more students who consider the career portion if HB 365 passes. MS. BARRANS disagreed. She suggested the students might aspire to it, which is good; however, the cut scores may be increased and the effect could be that fewer qualify. CHAIR GATTIS understood. 8:57:15 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said he had been inclined to think that if APS was extended to cover vocational or two year certificates that more students would take advantage of it. He noted that it is unclear what assessments will be required of students in Alaska since it is still being discussed in the legislature. He asked whether this bill is consistent with the intent of the APS. MS. BARRANS answered that these are the granular details that were not originally discussed between a certificate and an associate degree program. The commitment made was options for a collegiate track and a career technical education track. She offered her belief that it was in that spirit; however, she wasn't privy to the discussions the BOE engaged in on setting the cut score. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether she supports HB 365. MS. BARRANS expressed concern about the bill as currently drafted. She explained that it appears to be a wide broadening to include any degree track. She suggested it might be more finely tooled to focus on those that the WorkKeys score ensures preparedness, perhaps a subset of the list of associate degree programs. She pointed out there may be a wide variance of academic requirements within the degree programs. 8:59:58 AM CHAIR GATTIS surmised that the APS would be for either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree, but more importantly more of a college track versus the certificate. MS. BARRANS agreed, but said within the context of the training structure, it has gotten a little blurry. She explained that the structures aren't as clear-cut since interest has been expressed to create pathways for some students to begin with a certificate, move on to an associate's degree (AA), and build on the AA degree by moving into a baccalaureate program. 9:01:10 AM REPRESENTATIVE KITO III asked for further clarification on existing statute regarding the minimum scores. He asked whether these scores are defined by the state Board of Education. MS. BARRANS answered yes; the scores are set by regulation. 9:01:48 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON recognized that 30 percent of the students prepare for college. The goal would be to increase post- secondary education and an entire curriculum exists to support this. Students on the career path must still take rigorous courses to qualify for the APS. He related that many degree programs are aligned to furthering career technical education. CHAIR GATTIS admitted she struggles with the prior and current intent of the APS. She offered her belief that the state has failed to maintain pace throughout districts to provide vocational opportunities. She wasn't sure if the APS is the appropriate place to address this. She understood the APS had a particular mission and possibly this bill "piggybacks" on that mission. She wondered whether the committee wants to "blur those lines" and have vocational education on board. REPRESENTATIVE SEATON suggested hearing from school counselors. 9:05:49 AM LADAWN DRUCE, School Counselor, Ninilchik School, asked to clarify the bill. She related her misunderstanding that the WorkKeys assessment could be used toward a collegiate path of a bachelor's program, which apparently was not the intent. If the WorkKeys assessment could be used towards collegiate bachelor's degrees, it seems they could be used toward the associate's degree, more along the career technical education track. She hoped the committee would not dismiss their testimony. She pointed out the associate's applied science degree is quite popular on the Kenai Peninsula, noting the Kenai Peninsula College campus offering a two-year degree in Process Technology and instrument technology [Industrial Process Instrumentation], which several students are looking at, the WorkKeys option would be much appreciated. She indicated the curriculum is fairly rigorous for the track, noting the GPA must be a certain level. She pointed out that the SAT and ACT throws up barriers for them in accessibility in taking the test, opportunities to study and take the test. CHAIR GATTIS indicated the testifier teleconference connection experienced difficulty and was disconnected. 9:08:39 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the proposed change in HB 365 is consistent with the original intent of the APS. LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, Department of Education and Early Development (EED), answered that significant discussion was held on certificate and degree seeking programs during the APS. He suggested the record may need to be consulted for a definitive answer. However, there was interest in advancing degree-seeking programs and students moving into careers. He recalled one aspect of the intent was to encourage more rigorous preparation at the secondary level before students took either route to ensure student success, regardless of the track and reduction of the need for remediation. He offered his belief that the governor originally developed the APS to encourage degrees, but significant discussion was held on the value of certificates, as well, to go into career programs. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER supported raising the rigor of curriculum, which is a positive way to reinforce for students taking on bigger challenges in high school, regardless of their eventual academic or vocational track. 9:10:53 AM CHAIR GATTIS asked whether the bill continues to allow for the intended level of rigor for either path. MR. MORSE expressed concern that the language does not completely match the intent. He stated the current language in HB 365 would open it up to baccalaureate degrees; however, he didn't hear this as the intent nor does it provide sufficient information on whether students are prepared. Regarding whether it helps to advance, he offered his belief that the focus is associate degree programs at the university that are primarily career oriented, but not toward baccalaureate degrees. He offered his belief that it deserves deeper examination. Some of the associate programs have a rigorous math, language arts, and literature background. The WorkKeys doesn't give enough information to know whether the student can make it through the program, whereas the ACT and SAT provide better information to assess success. Lastly, one goal is to reduce the remediation rate. He suggested that perhaps the associate degrees should be examined to determine if a subset or the whole set is appropriate. He said the true requirements need to be understood so the state doesn't move students into programs they are not prepared to undertake. He acknowledged that the course requirement provides some of that but the SAT or ACT provides the crosscheck. 9:13:33 AM CHAIR GATTIS noted that uniformity in high school curriculum may be the biggest challenge. 9:13:58 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON said the GPA and a rigorous curriculum in high school is the best predictor of student success. He said both tracks require rigor and rely on the GPA. The intent is to ensure that students are not being penalized for taking a rigorous curriculum but being denied the APS for career technical fields. He acknowledged the bill needs to be honed, for example, to change "degree" to "associate's degree;" however, he was unsure that WorkKeys means developmental courses won't be necessary. For example, 40 percent of the SAT students must take remedial courses. He understood that it could be difficult for some students, but the opportunity to pursue postsecondary education is the goal of the legislation and to obtain a more highly-qualified workforce. He offered a willingness to take amendments. 9:17:12 AM CHAIR GATTIS noted that one challenge is considering GPA and assessment scores and which can be trusted. MS. DRUCE said the students are available. She agreed that the GPA and the curriculum is a better indicator of success, which has been proven over time. 9:19:04 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked how the student letters were generated. MS. DRUCE responded that students taking the government class reviewed the bill and were encouraged to voice an opinion. 9:20:53 AM ROBERT DELGADO, Student, Ninilchik School, speaking in support of HB 365, offered his belief that the goal of the APS is to help students stay in Alaska to obtain an education. He said using WorkKeys for the career technical education for an associate's degree instead of the ACT or SAT score will help those students who are not good test takers to obtain the scholarship in keeping with the main purpose of the scholarship program. 9:21:57 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the students are aware of individual students taking the more rigorous courses. MR. DEGADO answered yes; that all the students are pursuing the APS. 9:22:31 AM CHAIR GATTIS closed public testimony on HB 365. 9:22:41 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked whether the department supports HB 365. 9:22:59 AM MR. MORSE reiterated concern that the intent of HB 365 and the department's analysis of the bill are different. He suggested the need to clarify the language. He further suggested that an in-depth discussion would be in order to ensure that students receive appropriate rigor in mathematics, language arts, and literature. His biggest concern is having students more forward without being adequately prepared to be successful in completing the program. He related that the WorkKeys provides an assessment on job skills and doesn't indicate preparedness for college mathematics, language arts, and English. He cautioned against hasty decisions. 9:24:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for further clarification on the fiscal notes. MR. MORSE pointed out that two fiscal notes were provided. One fiscal note was prepared by EED and the EED provided the student data and test scores to the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education. The department's fiscal note for $35,000 would provide analysis and correlation study to provide the BOE with appropriate, relative information regarding cut scores. 9:26:38 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON agreed that aligning the intent of the bill with what will work within the department is important. He pointed out that the department has the SAT and WorkKeys assessment scores. He acknowledged it was appropriate for the department and BOE to set the cut scores. 9:28:11 AM REPRESENTATIVE KITO III wanted to better understand whether the rigorous curriculum required to qualify for the APS is also appropriate for those students pursuing certificates or associate degree programs. It might provide an opportunity to separate out those programs from the APS program. He suggested identifying specific standards for the curriculum for certificate or associate degree programs. CHAIR GATTIS acknowledged the sponsor's willingness to work with the department. 9:29:56 AM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for further clarification on the WorkKeys assessment. MR. MORSE offered to provide a brochure on the WorkKeys assessment. CHAIR GATTIS asked whether the committee could take the WorkKeys assessment in order to gain a better understanding. MR. MORSE recalled the committee may have taken practice tests or the WorkKeys assessment about five years ago. He agreed the committee could take a practice test at the committee's pleasure. He explained that WorkKeys assessment provides students with a good understanding of career opportunities, and what a student may need to undertake in order to be successful in a given area. He pointed out the WorkKeys assessment is aligned to thousands of workforce career opportunities. CHAIR GATTIS expressed interest in taking the WorkKeys assessment. 9:33:20 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON recalled taking the WorkKeys assessment previously in committee and provided a description of a typical math question that addresses an actual workplace application such as calculating chlorine needed for a sewage treatment plant. CHAIR GATTIS looked forward to viewing the WorkKeys assessment. 9:35:03 AM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON related his understanding that the difference between the career and technical track is the curriculum involved for four-year programs include classes such as calculus, whereas the career and technical track may involve other mathematics that is more related to real world applications. CHAIR GATTIS agreed that many courses taken in school may not serve everyone and this bill might serve as a gap between academic and practical application. [HB 365 was held over.]