HB 145 TEACHING COMPETENCY EXAM FOR CERTIFICATION COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED to adopt the SCS work draft, version H. SENATOR ADAMS objected. There was discussion regarding the fiscal note. SENATOR ADAMS withdrew his objection and SCS CSHB 145(FIN) was ADOPTED. Testimony was heard from JOHN CYR, REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE and DR. NANCY BUELL. SENATOR DONLEY MOVED Amendment #1. Without objection, Amendment #1 was ADOPTED. COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED the bill from committee with individual recommendations. SENATOR ADAMS objected. By a vote of 5 to 2, SCSCSHB 145(FIN) was REPORTED OUT with a forthcoming fiscal note from the Department of Education (100.0). CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 145(HES) "An Act relating to certification of teachers." COCHAIR PEARCE noted the SCS work draft, version H, that was before the committee. She read the language that was incorporated into the draft on page 2, line 3 "and for other charges assessed against teachers as part of certification"; line 5: "relating to the certification of teachers"; line 6: "when added to the other fees collected from teachers"; and line 7: "to the fees for certification of teachers". COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED for adoption of the work draft as SCS CSHB 145(FIN). SENATOR ADAMS objected. He inquired if there was a new fiscal note applicable to the SCS and what services teachers would receive for the increased cost. There was no new fiscal note. COCHAIR PEARCE commented that the purpose was to have teachers pay the full cost of certification and licensing through their fees, as do other occupational and professional licensees. SENATOR ADAMS inquired about the difference in cost now and as a result of the bill. COCHAIR PEARCE estimated it would be an increase of approximately $42 for a five-year renewal, and it was still one of the lowest professional license fees in the state. SENATOR ADAMS withdrew his objection. There being no further objection, SCS CSHB 145(FIN) was ADOPTED. JOHN CYR, President, NEA-Alaska, addressed the committee. He testified that he had supported the bill throughout the legislative process, but now had to speak in opposition. Although he favored a formal screening process for applicants for certification, the SCS raised fees by fifty percent. He noted that a new applicant had to pay a license fee of approximately $450 to $500 just to look for work. MR. CYR suggested allowing the NEA, a professional association, to handle certification and policing with legislative oversight. In response to a question from SENATOR ADAMS, he stated no additional services would be added with an increase in fees and that minimal oversight could allow fees to escalate. COCHAIR PEARCE questioned why teachers should be in a class unto themselves with regard to paying the costs of certification. MR. CYR responded that certification costs were being covered. He added that other professions were free to charge what the market would bear, but that teachers were in a different circumstance because their income was regulated through a bargaining procedure and unlike other professionals such as doctors and lawyers, teachers were a part of the state in that they worked for the state's political subdivisions. He suggested that the Professional Teaching Practices Commission have a bigger role in looking at certification requirements if teachers would be paying more. MR. CYR stated he would like to see NEA be responsible for certification. REPRESENTATIVE CON BUNDE addressed the committee. He noted the purpose of the bill was to address the need for screening tests, commenting that the emphasis had shifted to fees. He encouraged the committee to refocus on the main purpose. He suggested a two-tiered fee system be considered for new certification and recertification. COCHAIR PEARCE noted the department already did that and nothing in the bill would prevent the continuation. End of HB 145 on SFC-97, # 127, Side 1, (500). (At this point, the tape skips to SB 11.) Begin SFC-97, #128, Side 1 (000) SENATOR PHILLIPS inquired if NEA supported general proficiency testing as part of high school graduation requirements. MR. CYR commented that it was a complex issue. He supported competency for graduates but believed a one-time test was not the best way to go. He elaborated on the issue. SENATOR DONLEY noted the new language in Section 2 and asked if a delayed effective date for that section could phase the process in. DR. NANCY BUELL, Director, Teaching and Learning Support, Department of Education, responded that a delayed implementation date would allow a more orderly process and would be easier for the population it addresses. There was additional discussion about an effective date. SENATOR DONLEY MOVED Amendment #1, adding an effective date of July 1, 1998 for Section 2 of the bill. Without objection, Amendment #1 was ADOPTED. COCHAIR PEARCE MOVED the bill from committee with individual recommendations. SENATOR ADAMS objected. A roll call vote was taken on the MOTION. IN FAVOR: PHILLIPS, TORGERSON, PARNELL, PEARCE, SHARP OPPOSED: DONLEY, ADAMS And so, by a vote of 5 to 2, SCSCSHB 145(FIN) was REPORTED OUT with a forthcoming fiscal note from the Department of Education (100.0).