HB 18-TEACHERS: NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION  3:42:34 PM CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 18, "An Act relating to national board certification for public school teachers." 3:43:50 PM NORM WOOTEN, Director of Advocacy, Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB), summarized a PowerPoint presentation, titled "HB 18 - Teachers: National Board Certification." He directed attention to slide 2, highlighting AASB's mission to assist school boards in providing quality education to students. Slide 3 featured one of AASB Board of Director's five goals, which read: Support school boards and districts to collaborate and implement creative solutions to deliver personalized learning and prepare Alaska's children and youth for their future. MR. WOOTEN explained that AASB's delegate assembly meets in November to pass resolutions, which are submitted by boards and debated on the floor. He noted that long-standing resolutions that become foundational elements of public education take on additional emphasis as "belief statements." He continued to slide 4, which reviewed AASB Belief Statement B.20, "Quality Staff Improves Student Learning." He specified that high- quality, highly motivated, culturally responsive, and innovative teachers, administrators, and other staff are essential for successful student learning. Slide 5 underscored AASB Belief Statement B.22, "Educational Improvement." He said AASB believes "that professional standards should include the highest standards of professionalism." Slide 6 detailed AASB Resolution 4.1, "Supports for Staff Development," which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: AASB supports funded opportunities and sufficient resources for quality and relevant staff preparation and demonstrably effective continuing development in both urban and rural settings for those educating Alaska's public school students. This includes, but is not limited to: Professional development for teachers to implement the Alaska State Standards Pre-service: State training programs through postsecondary and other institutions; Expanding Department of Education & Early Development packaged training programs for all school districts to use in providing consistent mandated training to employees and in meeting the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; Developing resources to allow the sharing and implementation of best educational practices; Quality in service programs at the local district level; Necessary training for paraprofessionals and special needs educators. Promote local mentors to foster the enculturation of teachers and administrators. Cultural orientation and ongoing training in local language, culture and history. 3:46:54 PM MR WOOTEN turned attention to slide 7, which highlighted AASB Resolution 5.23, "Supporting Innovation and Collaboration to Improve Student Achievement for all Alaskan Students." He explained that AASB Resolution 5.23 focuses on ensuring that quality teachers are teaching Alaska's students. Slide 8 outlined the significance of AASB's foundational documents, emphasizing the impact that teachers have on student outcome. Slide 9 circled back to National Board Certification (NBC), noting that NBC teaches and promotes classroom creativity; requires continual self-evaluation/self-improvement; builds leadership within classrooms, school buildings, and school districts; emphasizes that improving instruction "equals" increased student achievement. Slide 10 indicated that with a focus on student achievement, AASB's mission aligns with that of NBC. He concluded by reiterating AASB's strong support for the bill. 3:49:28 PM REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked what percentage of Alaskan teachers currently hold a national certification. MR. WOOTEN offered to follow up with the requested information. CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS, in response to Representative Vance, said it's around one percent. 3:50:11 PM LISA PARADY, PhD, Executive Director, Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA), clarified that as of 2019, Alaska ranked twenty-fifth with 2.57 percent of Alaska teachers recognized with National Board Certification. She conveyed that ACSA believes a goal of 4 percent is ambitious but appropriate to encourage teachers to pursue certification. 3:50:59 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY inquired about the cost of obtaining National Board Certification and asked how long it takes. MR. WOOTEN replied about $1700. REPRESENTATIVE STORY questioned how long the process takes. MR. WOOTEN recalled that there is a two-year time limit. 3:52:10 PM REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked whether the cost of certification is covered by school districts or the teachers. MR. WOOTEN said he does not know. 3:53:08 PM CHAIR KREISS-TOMKINS announced that HB 18 was held over.