HOUSE BILL NO. 104 "An Act renaming the Alaska performance scholarship and relating to the scholarship and tax credits applicable to contributions to the scholarship; establishing the Alaska performance scholarship investment fund and the Alaska performance scholarship award fund and relating to the funds; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." 2:17:57 PM LES MORSE, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, and MIKE HANLEY, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION and EARLY DEVELOPMENT introduced themselves. Commissioner Morse stated that two years prior there was a curriculum for rural Alaska that was less than what he hoped would be offered in the future. He felt like there would be more opportunities for children, if they focused on innovation and change. Co-Chair Stoltze stated that it was the legislature's intention to complete a measure that reached consensus and the goals of the administration. 2:19:04 PM Representative Gara wondered why there was not an alternative approach for those people that did not have access to the courses. He understood the need for the different types of financial aid, but if there would be standardized testing or post-graduation attendance requirements for students from unconventional education backgrounds. Commissioner Morse stated that if the courses were not offered across the state, then there was a problem. He stated that there was a two-year transition period, and he was confident that all the schools will be able to offer the requirements. He stated that the graduation requirements included two years of math and two years of science. He explained that the Performance Scholarship application for the current year only required five total credits, and the following year would be seven credits, and so on. He stated that he would advocate for a continued grace period, if all students did not have the opportunity to take those credits. 2:22:49 PM Representative Gara stressed that he wanted to meet all those requirements. He stated that he has heard different things from Co-Chair Thomas and from school districts. He surmised that Commissioner Morse was stating that schools were on the verge of offering the courses, and he felt like that was inaccurate. He saw adding to the curriculum also required a removal of other programs. Commissioner Morse replied that their information came from superintendents, but recognized challenges in the districts. He felt that the courses and programs could be developed. 2:24:33 PM Representative Wilson requested specific data from each district regarding their needs for programs, and also what programs were already available. Commissioner Morse agreed to provide that information. 2:26:12 PM Co-Chair Thomas wondered why the University requires remedial math, if they were able to take the course in college. He also queried the high school graduation rates across the state. Commissioner Morse agreed to provide that information. 2:29:04 PM Representative Gara stressed that colleges needed the curriculum that was focused on remedial learning. 2:30:35 PM Representative Wilson if the students were required to pay back the loan if they did not complete college. DIANE BARRANS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION DIVISION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION and EARLY DEVELOPMENT replied that it would be a scholarship and would not become a loan if there was not completion of university. She stated that it was important for the program to run for two years, and it was important for good information be provided for the students and families. 2:33:11 PM HB 104 was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.