CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 86(HES) "An Act relating to employment of teachers who have subject- matter expertise; and providing for an effective date." Co-Chair Kelly explained that changes had been made in the committee substitute from the Senate Health Education and Social Services Committee version of the legislation. Senator Green moved to adopt the work draft, #22-LS0539\S, Cramer, 4/19/01, as the version before the Committee. There being no objection, it was ADOPTED as a working draft. Co-Chair Kelly explained that Alaska is facing a shortage of competent teachers that can provide quality education for youth. SB 86 would expand the application pool by including those with subject matter experience and expertise to obtain a teaching certificate. Under the legislation, local school districts would have the authority to hire persons holding at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must major or minor in the area they wish to teach and have at least five years work experience in their subject matter. Co-Chair Kelly continued, SB 86 would implement a limited teaching certificate for those subject matter teachers. Subject matter teachers are authorized to teach in a classroom pending they enroll in a post-baccalaureate teaching program. Once the program is completed, subject matter educators are qualified for a regular teaching certificate. The bill would implement safeguards that require subject matter teachers to submit fingerprints and pay fees for a criminal history background check so that the Department can deem applicants suitable for employment. KRISTOPHER KNAUSS, Staff, Senator Pete Kelly, interjected that version "S" would require that the curriculum be completed within a two-year span. Co-Chair Kelly explained the difference between the "S" version and the HESS version. The "S" version would require the courses first and then that person would be able to teach. He hoped that this could bring new blood into the system. He added that the proposed version would bring flexibility into the structure. BRUCE JOHNSON, Deputy Commissioner of Education, Department of Education & Early Development, commented that the Department does support the committee substitute. He agreed that the legislation does "think outside the envelope" as a means to get teachers into the classroom. A limitation exists in that the teachers would only be able to teach subjects in their field, a provision which will be limiting. WENDY REDMAN, Vice President, Statewide Programs, University of Alaska, Vice-President, commented that the legislation will work well for the University with the addition of a couple small amendments. Amendment #1: #22-LS0539\S.2, Cramer, 4/19/01 [Copy on File]. Senator Olson moved to adopt Co-Chair Kelly OBJECTED for discussion purposes. Senator Olson explained that Amendment #1 would address the significant shortfall of teachers in the districts which he represents. CHARLES MASON, CEO, North Star School District, spoke to the amendment. Rural Alaska has always had a shortage of good teachers. Each year, it is difficult to fill all open slots. The State needs to do all that it can to increase the pool of applicants who can address the current shortage. Amendment #1 would provide for retired teachers to return. Senator Green stated that she did not object to that concept, however, she did not want to see it limited it to certain districts. She emphasized that this is a statewide problem, not just rural. Senator Green noted that she would not support an "advantage", suggesting that district wars would result. She noted a friendly amendment to a concept recommended by Senator Leman. Co-Chair Kelly explained that Amendment #1 resulted from discussion with Senator Olson. He feared that the larger districts, if offered the opportunity to rehire retired people, would do it, which would not bring new people into the system. He believed that the amendment would address needs in rural Alaska where the problem is more acute. Senator Green respectfully disagreed and noted that she could not support the concept of the amendment. She reiterated that there have been many requests in the urban districts. Co-Chair Kelly stressed that the shortage in the rural areas is much more acute. Senator Wilken commented that he supported SB 86 as it was written. With the amendment, the Committee begins to add variables. He thought that the amendment should be the subject of its own bill. Co-Chair Kelly pointed out that Senator Leman does have a bill currently resting in Senator Green's Committee. Senator Olson addressed comments by Senator Green, reiterating the intensity of the need in rural Alaska. The retired teachers are the only ones "semi-available". Senator Austerman aligned his comments with Senator Wilken. He asked if the Committee would see the "other" bill this year. Senator Green noted that bill was scheduled for this afternoon's meeting; she assumed it would be moved out of Committee. Senator Leman explained that Senator Olson had approached him regarding this concern. He agreed with Senator Green that the problem is not just a rural issue. Co-Chair Kelly concurred that the issue is "hot". He agreed that the question is which vehicle should be used to address the concern. Senator Olson respectfully withdrew Amendment #1. There being no objection, it was WITHDRAWN. Senator Green offered a motion to report CS SB 86 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note. There being no objection, it was so ordered. CS SB 86 (FIN) MOVED out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with fiscal note #1 by Department of Education & Early Development.