ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  JOINT COMMITTEE ON  ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIEW  March 20, 2002 8:25 a.m. HOUSE MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Lesil McGuire, Chair Representative Jeannette James Representative Joe Hayes HOUSE MEMBERS ABSENT  All members present SENATE MEMBERS PRESENT Senator Lyda Green SENATE MEMBERS ABSENT  Senator Robin Taylor, Vice Chair Senator Georgianna Lincoln   COMMITTEE CALENDAR Regulation Changes for Special (Correspondence) Schools Continued PREVIOUS ACTION No previous action to record WITNESS REGISTER DR. ED McLAIN, Deputy Commissioner of Education, Department of Education and Early Development 801 West Tenth Street, Suite 320 Juneau, Alaska 99801-1894 POSITION STATEMENT: Announced that there are [new revised] regulations. CAROL SIMPSON, Administrative Assistant Interior Distance Education of Alaska 43335 Kalifornsky Beach Rd., Suite 31 Soldotna, AK 99669 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the [new revised] proposed regulations. JIM FOSTER, Assistant Superintendent Galena City Schools PO Box 299 Galena, Alaska 99741-0299 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the new revised proposed regulations. JOAN DANGELI, Home School parent PO Box 34711 Juneau, Alaska 99803 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed the need for the parents to remain involved in the discussion of these regulations. BEN PHILLIPS, IDEA parent PO Box 2157 Petersburg, Alaska 99833 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns. CHRISTIE AXMAKER IDEA parent PO Box 215 Petersburg, Alaska 99833 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns. J ROLLINS, Connections parent PO Box 1491 Seward, Alaska 99664 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns. JEFF SMARDO, CyberLynx 45112 E Sunrise Court Kenai, Alaska 99611 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns. GLEN BIEGEL, IDEA parent 5951 Barry Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99507 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concerns. DIANE HILL, IDEA parent 5670 Cope Street Anchorage, Alaska 99518 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern with the parents being portrayed as the bad guy. LINDA WAMSGANZ, IDEA parent 10731 Concord Hill Circle Anchorage, Alaska 99515 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to any proposed regulations. HEIDI M. ARMSTRONG, PACE parent P.O. Box 2312 Wrangell, Alaska 99929 POSITION STATEMENT: Questioned whether the regulations are motivated from fear. LYNETTE SCHMIDT, IDEA parent PO Box 368 Nome, Alaska 99762 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified that there is no need for regulations. LOUISE PARISH Parent Advocates Volunteering as Educational Rights Servants PO Box 1182 Valdez, Alaska 99686 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern with special education children being forced into home schools or correspondence schools. DAN MIELKE HC30 Box 12910 Wasilla, Alaska 99654 POSITION STATEMENT: Addressed some of the concerns with home schools and correspondence schools raised at the March 1st meeting. MICHAEL DAMMEYER 3351 Lucille Street Wasilla, Alaska 99657 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed the need for choices [with regard to education]. SHIRELY HEIN, IDEA parent HC33 Box 2988-B Wasilla, Alaska 99654 POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed concern with regard to the restrictions in the regulations. ARTHUR E GRISWOLD, CyberLynx parent HC 60 Box 4493 Delta Junction, Alaska 99737 POSITION STATEMENT: Urged the passage of HB 464 and SB 364. RUSS BOWDRE PO Box 1048 Delta Junction, Alaska 99737 POSITION STATEMENT: Encouraged the sponsors of HB 464 and SB 364 to continue to pursue their legislation. RUTH ABBOTT HC 60 Box 4225 Delta Junction, Alaska 99737 POSITION STATEMENT: Urged the passage of HB 464 and SB 364. MARCELA JAVIER (No address provided) POSITION STATEMENT: Expressed that she was thrilled things are working out with the regulations. PAT CHAPMAN, IDEA parent Ketchikan Home School Association PO Box 7674 Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 POSITION STATEMENT: Emphasized that parents have a vested interest in the education of their children. JOHANNA HUBARD, PACE parent PO Box 7643 Ketchikan, Alaska 99901 POSITION STATEMENT: Noted agreement with Ms. Chapman's testimony. BARBARA HANNEY MARTINEZ, IDEA parent 3875 Geist Rd. PMB 164 Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 POSITION STATEMENT: Testified that she was pleased there is a consensus, but reserved her opinion as to whether she supported it. SHARYLEE ZACHARY PO Box 1531 Petersburg, Alaska 99833 POSITION STATEMENT: Noted her appreciation of the work being done with the regulations. SHERYL SUTTON, Connections parent Juneau, Alaska 99801 POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke about the commitment made by parents who home school. ACTION NARRATIVE TAPE 02-3, SIDE A Number 001 CHAIR LESIL McGUIRE called the Joint Committee on Administrative Regulation Review to order at 8:25 a.m. Representatives McGuire and James and Senator Green were present at the call to order. Representative Hayes arrived as the meeting was in progress. REGULATION CHANGES FOR SPECIAL (CORRESPONDENCE) SCHOOLS CHAIR McGUIRE announced that today the committee would continue its hearing from March 1, 2002, regarding the regulation changes for correspondence schools. She related her understanding that there have been changes to the proposed regulations. Number 0092 DR. ED McLAIN, Deputy Commissioner of Education, Department of Education and Early Development (EED), announced that he didn't intend to review the details of the changes to the proposed regulations. Dr. McLain reviewed the history that led to the proposed regulations. Dr. McLain noted that the regulations were put out for public comment in November in order to accomplish the widest exposure possible, which he felt was achieved. Dr. McLain noted that there are a series of amended regulations that will be put out [for public comment], and there is a proposal to extend [the public comment period for those changes]. Dr. McLain said that he was confident that the proposed extended public comment period would be approved. In the April meeting in the next couple of weeks, there will be a side-by-side comparison which specifies where the changes will occur. He thanked everyone that has been involved with this. Number 0340 CAROL SIMPSON, Administrative Assistant, Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA), informed the committee that she is also a home schooling parent. In regard to the original regulations, Ms. Simpson said that IDEA had concerns with the following: the requirement of an annual application regardless of the success of the program; the denial of a parent's right to privately purchase materials with a religious component; the requirement of a transcript designation of coursework when anything other than traditional public school texts were used; the mandated level and type of contact teachers support, including monthly review of work and teacher approval of all expenditures; the mandate to withdraw any student who didn't take the standardized test; and the mandate to shut down any program with test-participation rates not within 10 percent of the state average. Ms. Simpson said that EED has listened to the concerns, and has responded. She said that she has seen some of the wording [of the new revised regulations] and found that all of [IDEA's] concerns have been addressed. Therefore, IDEA is supportive of those regulations and she noted her expectation that parents will accept them. Ms. Simpson expressed appreciation to the committee, to Senators Green and Leman for their input on SB 346, as well as to Representatives James and Dyson for their work on HB 464. Number 05450 JIM FOSTER, Assistant Superintendent, Galena City School District, thanked the committee for its efforts. Mr. Foster also expressed thanks to Commissioner Holloway, Dr. McLain, and Mr. Hall for bringing the issue of quality in schools to the forefront. Mr. Foster also expressed appreciation for being allowed to provide input in regard to the regulations. Mr. Foster announced his support of the new revised regulations. REPRESENTATIVE HAYES inquired as to whether the [new revised regulations] negate the need for [SB 346 and HB 464]. MR. FOSTER pointed out that in April the State Board of Education has the opportunity to deal with the regulations. At this point, Mr. Foster said that he is confident that he would be able to work with the board. However, there is always the chance that the regulations could run astray. Still, a process has begun with the board, the commissioner, and the deputy commissioner and it should be honored. From Galena's perspective, the bills aren't necessary. Number 0841 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES thanked Mr. Foster for his work with the Galena School District. Representative James related her belief that over the years the public education system hasn't worked for some children, and therefore there is the need to be more reactive to the various needs of students. She didn't believe President George W. Bush's charge that no child be left behind would be achieved by merely throwing more money at the public education system. Therefore, work must continue in order to ensure that every child receives an education. Representative James said she believes that the establishment of the exit exams and the benchmark exams will be the "proof in the pudding." She expressed the need to ensure that every child gets that evaluation. How that is achieved, she supposed, is through several methodologies. For instance, if a child can't take the test on the day it is [scheduled], it seems that the child could still take the test [later] regardless of whether it counted. Allowing the child to take the test [later] would provide the knowledge as to whether the child was able to pass it. Representative James indicated concern with regard to the [public education system's] past of changing curriculum. She remarked, "I think there is a progression that we have to do with education to be sure that every kid has that opportunity." In that vein, Representative James thanked Mr. Foster for providing an alternative methodology. Furthermore, she felt that Mr. Foster would continue to improve the system. MR. FOSTER noted his agreement with Representative James. He related his [appreciation] that this problem is being dealt with through the regulatory process versus the legislative process. Mr. Foster pointed out that Alaska will be faced with ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) [of 2001], which is almost 1,100 pages long. He indicated the need for those in [public] education to focus on the areas that can be approved in order to help each child do the best possible. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES agreed with Mr. Foster that there have been some large steps [forward]; however, we're not there yet. She announced that she is willing to hold back on HB 464 in order to review the regulations in April. She expressed the importance of getting everyone to think in the same direction, toward the same goal. She noted her appreciation of the committee taking up this issue, as well as the assistance from EED. CHAIR McGUIRE announced that there has been a "casual" agreement between Dr. McLain, Ms. Simpson, and Mr. Foster. Although there is no public document available now, the State Board of Education will meet on April 4th during which the proposals will be discussed. Chair McGuire assured everyone that this committee will continue to monitor the agreement that has been worked out. Number 1445 ADRIAN SLATER, Home School parent, informed the committee that he has home schooled his three children for ten years. He also informed the committee that he has [operated] as a private home school, and as a member of the Alyeska Central School, the Juneau School District Correspondence Program, and IDEA. Mr. Slater noted that one of his children attends a public school. Knowing that some of the concerns have been addressed, Mr. Slater said that he wanted to go on record as supporting the IDEA program, which has clear standards and good academic and financial accountability, and also provides excellent support. Therefore, Mr. Slater requested that [the IDEA program] not be overloaded with regulations to the point of hampering the program. MR. SLATER turned to the reference to certified teachers under the current proposed regulations. Although he understood [the rationale behind] using certified teachers in order to guarantee a certain standard, he didn't believe it to be the appropriate approach. The regulations specify that certified teachers should monitor work, assign grades, review curricula, review learning programs, and approve all expenditures. He felt that using specialists, as does the IDEA program, to review the curriculum and [expenditures] is appropriate. Those types of things don't need to be done by a certified teacher; someone could be trained to do those things. However, the school district could be responsible for determining how it's done. Number 1790 JOAN DANGELI, Home School parent, informed the committee that she uses the CyberLynx program. Ms. Dangeli said that she hoped that parents would be allowed to be involved in the process. [In regard to the current proposed regulations,] Ms. Dangeli said that the regulations seem to have a lot of subjectivity. Furthermore, in a couple of instances the regulations may even violate the constitutional rights to education because some communities don't even have a school. Therefore, she predicted that [the students in those communities] would herd into distance education. She characterized the regulation, 14 AAC 33.450, stating that those not taking the state mandated [assessment] test [would be ineligible for enrollment into any other statewide correspondence program] to be tantamount to not allowing those students an education. Mr. Dangeli related comments from Senator Wilken that "our" test scores for the High School exit exam were terrible. She further reported that Senator Wilken said that "we folks" meant well, but that not even one child could slip through the system. However, upon review of all the exit exam [scores], the scores were bad statewide. She expressed her belief that it's unconstitutional to deny enrollment. MS. DANGELI informed the committee that she [knows of] several cases in which the correspondence schools have been subjected to rigid laws under the notion that bad schools can be created. However, that isn't the case. Rather, students are flooding out of the public system because "we" don't have a voice in that system, a system which is monopolized by a select few in control of education. She informed the committee that when she had a problem [in the public education system] she worked up the ladder of that system for three-and-a-half years. She stressed that her child is eight years old and two years behind because one child was left behind. After those three-and-a-half years, Ms. Dangeli took her child, who was still at a preschool level, out of the public school. Ms. Dangeli expressed her appreciation for the correspondence school program, which provides the freedom to choose a curriculum that works for a particular child while achieving the benchmark. This freedom is the very thing under attack by the department. She pointed out that the Alyeska [Central School] and the Chugach [High School] are forced into a specific correspondence package. Ms. Dangeli related her belief that [these proposed regulations] are a way in which to force [those in the] correspondence schools into a system that doesn't work. By doing so, children are being cheated, she charged. CHAIR McGUIRE thanked Ms. Dangeli for her work with her child. She reiterated her assurance that this committee will continue to monitor the negotiations between EED and everyone else. MS. DANGELI announced that she had copies of the [results] of the benchmark exams and the related Juneau Empire article. She noted that she only printed the [results] for those schools with the highest dropout rates, except for Galena and Nenana because those schools are being targeted by EED. Number 2106 REPRESENTATIVE JAMES thanked Ms. Dangeli for coming forward. She noted that she has known Ms. Dangeli for many years and can see a great difference in her child. She thanked Ms. Dangeli for her hard work as a dedicated mother. MS. DANGELI commented that she had nothing but praise for those willing to review [this issue]. Ms. Dangeli said that she didn't want Alaska to become like Pennsylvania or Chugach, Alaska. Number 2165 BEN PHILLIPS, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. Although Mr. Phillips was happy that everyone seems to be getting along, he still had concerns. Mr. Phillips highlighted his main concern in regard to religious materials that are being used by a parent in the privacy of their own home. He was concerned that there is even an attempt to control that. He didn't believe such is constitutional. Furthermore, this same statute, AS 14.03.090, is basically put aside in Bethel and Barrow when it comes to Native spiritualistic religion. Mr. Phillips stated that he won't allow the [State Board of Education] to tell him what he can teach his own children in his own house. As long as the children pass the state test, receive a good education, and the [state] money isn't used to purchase materials that are religious, he didn't believe [the department] could tell him [what he could teach his children]. Number 2282 CHRISTIE AXMAKER, IDEA parent, testifying via teleconference, echoed the same concern as Mr. Phillips in regard to using religious materials. She said that the state exams are the proof of how the children are doing. Although Ms. Axmaker was happy that there has been an agreement, she said that she really couldn't comment without seeing the agreement. She mentioned that like Ms. Dangeli she had a problem with almost every single regulation and thus she hoped [all the regulations] have been revised. CHAIR McGUIRE explained that this is a bit of an unusual process because people have worked out agreements, but because of the public notice process there is no document available yet. SENATOR GREEN inquired as to when the [new revised] regulations will be available. DR. McLAIN informed everyone that the board meeting is scheduled for April 4-6 and the [regulations] are generally out [for public review] a week ahead of time. Therefore, this information would be available in about a week. He assured the committee that the information would be provided to committee members as quickly as possible. Number 2445 J ROLLINS, Connections parent, testified via teleconference. Mr. Rollins said that he had concerns with the proposed regulations. He related that many public schools have implemented home school programs in order to stem the tide of folks going to the IDEA program. He opined that the Connections program exists due to the success of Galena. Mr. Rollins also echoed concerns regarding these regulations and the use of religious materials during the home school process. Mr. Rollins expressed his concern with the general tone of the regulations, which seem to indicate an attitude of distrust. Number 2558 JEFF SMARDO, CyberLynx, testified via teleconference. Although Mr. Smardo said he has had a great experience with CyberLynx, things seem to become a bit more regulated each year. As Mr. Smardo read the regulations, there is no language that recognizes the institution of the family or the parent. Furthermore, the tone of the regulations indicate that public school is superior and if [these home school/correspondence school] programs don't work, then the children will be returned to the public school system. He said that he definitely had a problem with that tone. Mr. Smardo interpreted the issue of local control in the regulations to phase out the long-distance correspondence programs. Perhaps that point [might be addressed] in the agreement. He concluded by informing the committee that other states are looking to Alaska in order to see what will happen. Number 2707 GLEN BIEGEL, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. He informed the committee that he is also on the board for the Alaska Charter School Association and Alaskans for Educational Choice. Mr. Biegel expressed the need for the 90-day public comment [period] for regulations to begin on April 4. DR. McLAIN said that his recommendation will be for the longest period for public comment, as was the case with the first regulations. However, he couldn't provide exact dates. He explained that the next board meeting after April 4th is some time in June. Therefore, the [public comment period] would have to close in enough time to consolidate the comments. "It will be ..., literally, as long as it takes," he stated. In summary, Dr. McLain specified that the public comment period would be extended at least until June, two to three weeks before the June meeting. MR. BIEGEL continued with his testimony, and turned to the statistics regarding the performance of home schools/correspondence schools that have been referenced. Mr. Biegel said he would like for the legislature to not treat correspondence schools as alternative schools. Correspondence schools shouldn't be treated any different than other schools. He then turned to the math variation, which he characterized as a significant statistical variation. He noted that he had provided the committee with a statistical review that he had done. In that statistical review, CyberLynx and IDEA are compared to a high performing Anchorage school, a middle performing Anchorage school, and a Bush school. Through this review, Mr. Biegel discovered that the statistical comparisons made by EED aren't mathematically valid. A statistical comparison can't be made on a 5 percent sampling. For example, Service High School should be closed because its students fall below the state average in reading and writing. If one believes that, then one hasn't reviewed the scores historically. Another example, Bethel didn't report a reading or writing score but reported the highest math score in the state. Mr. Biegel questioned how such was possible. He charged that one couldn't generate a statistically valid average from scores like that and thus one couldn't make the assessment that the correspondence schools are performing better or worse on the high school qualifying evaluation exams than any other schools. However, that judgment can be made in relation to the CAT exams, which have a valid population backing up the numbers. Mr. Biegel stated that therein lies the problem with the benchmark exams that have to do with math; the numbers don't track. There is such a significant statistical variation in regard to math on the CAT exam versus the benchmark exam. Therefore, he suggested that a professional [oversee] the math exams. TAPE 02-3, SIDE B DIANE HILL, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. Ms. Hill expressed her dislike [of the regulations] portraying the parents as the bad guy. There is no one who cares more about how her children do [in education] than she does. Therefore, there should be more credit given to parents. Number 2881 LINDA WAMSGANZ, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference in support of the current programs. She announced her opposition to the proposed regulations or any further regulations. The proposed regulations are burdensome, unnecessary, and cumbersome all of which results in a lot of expense. [The paperwork] takes away from the task of home schooling tomorrow's leaders. Ms. Wamsganz didn't support any of the proposed regulations [that attempt] to fix something that isn't broken. Number 2796 HEIDI ARMSTRONG, PACE (Personal Alternative Choices in Education) parent, testified via teleconference. Ms. Armstrong assured [the committee] that she is doing her best to educate her children. She questioned whether these regulations were motivated from the fear that home schooling parents aren't doing their job. She suggested that there is a lack of knowledge in regard to what really goes on in a home school situation. Ms. Armstrong turned to the [problem] with the religious materials and requested clarification on that matter. She noted that under the PACE program she knows for which curriculum the state will pay. DR. McLAIN explained that the new regulations will specifically state that nothing under the regulations should be construed to restrict a parent's right to use whatever materials the parent wishes. CHAIR McGUIRE added, "So long as it's purchased with your own private dollars." MR. ARMSTRONG reassured the committee that reimbursement [is only] requested for approved materials. Number 2596 LYNETTE SCHMIDT, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. Ms. Schmidt related her frustration that the regulations have been amended but aren't available for review. CHAIR McGUIRE interjected that Ms. Schmidt should feel good [about the amended regulations]. She explained that oftentimes parties in the capitol are able to make quick resolutions to problems. She reiterated that there will be an official version of the regulations in about a week. Furthermore, there will be approximately 60 days to comment on the revised regulations. She also reiterated that the committee will continue to follow this issue. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES said, as a legislator, she shares Ms. Schmidt's concern. However, what has been helpful is that Ms. Simpson and Mr. Foster have said [the revised regulations] are [acceptable]. MS. SCHMIDT continued by stressing that she hesitated to offer a blessing for something she hasn't seen. She concluded by saying that she didn't see the need for regulations at all. She characterized the regulations as micro-managing at its worst. Number 2420 LOUISE PARISH, Parent Advocates Volunteering as Educational Rights Servants (PAVERS), testified via teleconference. Ms. Parish said that she is especially concerned with those children in special education. She suggested that sometimes discipline issues may encourage or force children to go into correspondence schools as an alternative educational placement. Although she supported choice, she felt it was inappropriate for a child to be forced out of the [public school] due to a discipline issue. Ms. Parish said that there is a need for regulations. She related that Valdez recently had an attendance policy that has led to many dropouts, some of which may move into correspondence programs. She expressed concern that there may be discipline issues that unfairly sweep special education children out of the [public] system and into a home school or correspondence school where the child no longer has the protection of the special education laws. Number 2289 DAN MIELKE testified via teleconference. Mr. Mielke recalled the March 1st Joint Committee on Administrative Regulation Review meeting during which Mr. Hall informed everyone of the young person who had fallen through the cracks of the [home school/correspondence school] education system. However, as a faculty member at the University of Alaska - Anchorage, Mr. Mielke said that he has seen many home school children attending upper level math classes at the university. Mr. Mielke also recalled concern with regard to the parent teacher ratio. In regard to that concern, he explained that in a home school situation the parent is the teacher and thus he estimated that the ratio is probably three students to one teacher. Therefore, he didn't feel that [a high] student to official certified teacher ratio was of concern. Number 2162 MICHAEL DAMMEYER recalled that at the March 1st meeting there was discussion with regard to the protection of out-of-district students because the law doesn't require such of the school board. He viewed this as funny in light of the influx of students to school districts like Galena, which he saw as the reason for the regulations. Mr. Dammeyer didn't believe out-of- district students needed protection, rather they need choices. Number 2108 SHIRELY HEIN, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. She informed the committee that she is a certified teacher from California. She remarked that IDEA has provided a healthy framework for her home school. She expressed concern that the restrictions in the regulations will restrict curriculum choices and place another certified teacher over her children. She said that she hoped that the revised regulations will address [those restrictions]. Number 2026 ART GRISWOLD, CyberLynx parent, testified via teleconference. Mr. Griswold emphasized that he didn't trust EED to make a deal. Therefore, he supported passing HB 464 and SB 346. RUSS BOWDRE testified via teleconference. Mr. Bowdre recalled that during the [March 1st hearing] Dr. McLain said that when the school board reviews the curriculum [of home schools or correspondence schools], it isn't supposed to review whether it is religious or not. The curriculum review should review whether the subject is being taught correctly. Therefore, he expressed the need to include that in the revised regulations. Mr. Bowdre mentioned that he sits on the local school board. He encouraged the sponsors of HB 464 and SB 346 to continue to pursue their legislation. Number 1867 RUTH ABBOTT testified via teleconference. She noted her support for passage of [HB 464 and SB 346] pass as a safeguard against the possibility of [these proposed regulations] recurring. Ms. Abbott informed the committee that Delta Junction's own school superintendent has said that parental involvement is imperative for the success of all school students. Therefore, it is interesting that this discussion is even occurring. Number 1815 MARCELA JAVIER testified via teleconference. Ms. Javier said that she is thrilled to hear that things are working out. Ms. Javier reviewed her experience with home schooling her children. She thanked the committee and the sponsors of HB 464 and SB 346 for bringing attention to the home school issue. Number 1739 PAT CHAPMAN, IDEA parent; Ketchikan Homeschool Association, testified via teleconference. Ms. Chapman reviewed her history with teaching and opined that the IDEA program is the best. She thanked the committee. She noted that the Ketchikan Homeschool Association did send a set of proposed regulations to Senator Taylor. Ms. Chapman echoed earlier statements that parents have a vested interest in their children's education, and she didn't want that taken away. Furthermore, she didn't believe that a certified teacher would have more vested interest in her children receiving a good education than she would. Moreover, she said she believes that [home schools] educate children on a higher level for less money than do public schools. In regard to the notion of leaving no child behind, Ms. Chapman charged that many are left behind in the public school system. Ms. Chapman noted her agreement with Mr. Biegel that the statistics that are being used are invalid. Number 1628 JOHANNA HUBARD, PACE parent, testified via teleconference. Ms. Hubard noted her agreement with Ms. Chapman. She thanked the committee for its work on this. Number 1584 BARBARA HANNEY MARTINEZ, IDEA parent, testified via teleconference. Ms. Martinez said that she was very upset with the proposed regulations. She expressed surprise that the state is in a fiscal crisis and the board is proposing regulations that would increase the cost of education. She noted her overwhelming support of Mr. Biegel's comments. She informed the committee that when she was an economist in the Department of Economics at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, samples far greater than 5 percent [were required]. In regard to the religious materials, Ms. Martinez highlighted that children in the public schools were required to do units on religions in their social studies class. However, these regulations point to a problem with religious materials in the home school/correspondence school setting. Ms. Martinez said that she was pleased that some consensus has been reached, although she reserved her opinion on whether to support it. Number 1414 SHARYLEE ZACHARY testified via teleconference. Ms. Zachary noted her appreciation of the hard work being put into these regulations, which will help clarify that [home schools/correspondence schools] are educating [children] in an effective way. Ms. Zachary related how well her daughter has done with home schooling. Although Ms. Zachary understood the importance of state testing, she emphasized the need to track children and not merely use one test [as a means to know how the children are doing]. Number 1266 SHERYL SUTTON, Connections parent, informed the committee that on the news she heard a report saying that teachers stand in the stead of parents. She strongly disagreed with that notion. Ms. Sutton noted that she uses a religious based curriculum that isn't paid for [by the state]. She estimated that she spends $1,200-$1,500 a year on books and materials for one student. Ms. Sutton related her daughter's very positive experience with being home schooled. "Parents who home school make a huge commitment; we are making a further investment in the lives of our children. It's our responsibility to make that investment," she said. CHAIR McGUIRE reminded everyone that updates can be obtained from EED via the mail, 801 West 10th Street, Suite 200, Juneau, Alaska 99801, or its website, www.eed.state.ak.us, or her office. The revised regulations should be available in about a week. She also reminded everyone that the State Board of Education would be meeting on April 4-6. ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the Joint Committee on Administrative Regulation Review meeting was adjourned at 10:00 a.m.