ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fiftieth Legislature – Second Regular Session
Minutes of Special Meeting
House Hearing Room 3 -- 2:00 p.m. or upon adj. or recess of Floor
Chairman Goodale called the meeting to order at 2:05 p.m. and attendance was noted by the secretary.
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Mrs. Carter |
Mrs. Pancrazi |
Mrs. Tovar |
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Mr. Crandell |
Mr. Pierce |
Mrs. Yee, Vice-Chairman |
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Mr. Fillmore |
Ms. Proud |
Mrs. Goodale, Chairman |
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Mr. Meyer |
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None |
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HB2008 - HELD HB2161 - DP (9-0-0-1)
INTRODUCTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Mr. Pierce introduced himself as a new Member of the Committee.
INTRODUCTION OF STAFF
Chairman Goodale noted that
Brooke White, the Majority Research Analyst, is not present due to a family
commitment. The staff proceeded to introduce themselves: Stephanie
Jaffa, Majority Assistant Research Analyst; Virginia Carico, Majority Intern;
Dawn Wallace, Policy Advisor to the Majority; Eric Figueroa, Democratic Policy
Advisor; Brian Holly, Democratic Intern;
Linda Taylor, Committee Secretary; Taylor Larson and Brendan Melander
(substituting for Bethany Hunter), Pages.
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS
HB2008 - “A” and “B”” schools; audits” - HELD
Chairman Goodale announced that HB2008 will be held.
PRESENTATIONS
Greg Donovan, Superintendent, Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC), stated that West-MEC is the joint technological education district (JTED) that serves the western portion of Maricopa County. Career and technical education (CTE) school districts and JTEDs provide specific skills so students are ready for certification or licensure and able to go to work at entry level positions within an industry. West-MEC currently serves 26,000 students across 40 high schools in its nine member districts. He discussed the following programs:
· aviation technician
· partnership with diesel heavy trucking industry
· partnerships with three community colleges to provide emergency medical technician, fire science and similar programs
· cosmetology school
Mr. Donovan directed the Members’ attention to the following handouts:
· pictures of modern technology used in the aviation, automotive and diesel trucking programs (Attachment 1)
· brochure explaining the JTED system in Arizona and programs offered at JTED locations (Attachment 2)
He added that CTE students are successful, have a higher graduation rate from high school and a higher completion rate of the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test without remediation. Students who have purpose in their career pathway are more likely to pursue secondary education. He invited the Members to tour West-MEC facilities and opined that JTEDs will help Arizona rebound in economics and job development.
Vice-Chairman Yee stated that she attended the unveiling of the JTED facility at 99th and Glendale Avenues. She was impressed by the fact that equipment was provided by the business community and private partnerships at no cost to taxpayers. She asked how industry and business needs are assessed in order to know what to teach and update the course of work.
Mr. Donovan replied that West-MEC belongs to many organizations that follow job
trends, staff watches job trends at the Department of Economic Security and
West-MEC utilizes advisory committees, publications, and input from various
school district communities. Industries are pursuing JTED students, such as
manufacturers, some of which want to return to the U.S., who are concerned
about replacement of the workforce and the quality of people going into the
workforce. Public utilities also seek out JTED students for all types of
positions.
Sally Downey, Superintendent, East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), invited the Members to visit EVIT and hear about the school from the students who have found their niche in life and want to pursue it. She said EVIT has approximately 3,500 students on campus and 12,000 students are served through satellite programs. She explained how EVIT was formed by business people to promote the workforce of the future and provide training to students on phenomenal equipment by asking the Legislature for a voter-approved five-cent secondary tax against the assessed valuation of the district to build a central campus for juniors and seniors only. EVIT still operates within that five-cent tax and is budget neutral. Since then, satellite programs have expanded and also require money, which is where equalization funding comes into play.
Ms. Downey said EVIT is market-driven. There are currently 1,000 students in the health facility compared to 200 students four years ago because jobs in the health profession are phenomenal. EVIT decides what is needed from mandatory involvement of instructors with advisory committees that meet with business and industry representatives. EVIT is developing so many partnerships that business and industry are “knocking their door down” wanting the students. She discussed the following partnership programs (Attachments 3 and 4):
She introduced Rusty Bowers, EVIT, and Dr. Chad Wilson, Superintendent, Apache Junction Unified Schools. She stated that in the future, EVIT needs more partnerships and programs to which students can gravitate that add value to their life and work is needed on embedded credits.
Mrs. Carter asked for an update on embedded credits from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).
Chris Kotterman, Deputy Director, Government Relations, Arizona Department of Education (ADE), stated that ADE’s position is that the content of CTE courses needs to be mapped to a specific strand in the state standard courses to ensure that students can master the concepts that are in the standard courses through the CTE courses.
Vince Yanez, Executive Director, State Board of Education (SBE), advised that the SBE has approved two sequences of courses that would translate from the CTE credit to the typical high school graduation course, and there will be additional recommendations next month. It is necessary to ensure that the student is receiving instruction in all the relevant standards so he/she has a fair chance of passing the high-stakes test, which is why the process is taking some time.
Ms. Downey noted that EVIT does not give college credits or compete with community colleges, although college credits are available with dual enrollment in all of the programs. She responded to questions concerning funding and indicated that EVIT attempts to limit classes to people who live in the district where the five-cent tax is imposed.
Discussion followed about whether member districts can change JTEDs. Chairman Goodale pointed out that JTEDs meet regularly, which might be a good venue in which to discuss the issue because she is aware of interest by people paying the five-cent tax for a JTED they are not using who want to opt out of paying.
Matt Weber, Superintendent, Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT), gave a power point presentation. He related that NAVIT serves 11 public school districts over 13,000 square miles with a focus on regional hubs where students can ride a bus to take NAVIT programs; the students spend three hours at their high school and three hours at the community college every school day. NAVIT pays its proportional share of the total cost of the program, not only tuition, books and fees. Students attend NAVIT because of the ability to earn high school and college credits, certification, proximity, career counseling services and a smooth transition to community college. He reviewed business and industry partnerships to keep track of what communities want and the types of trades students need to be available for with Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, Tucson Electric Power and Catalyst Paper Mill. He addressed measures of success with NAVIT programs in the last few years, such as 93 percent of welders hired in their field, and program completers in the cosmetology program of which only three of those contacted are not working in that field.
Vice-Chairman Yee said last year she sponsored bills dealing with transparency in budgeting for school districts and asked if anything has been done at NAVIT in that regard. Mr. Weber answered that the annual financial report is posted on the website, as well as contact information. NAVIT staff recommends that people review the financial records at any time.
Troy Thygerson, Superintendent, Gila Institute for Technology (GIFT), stated that he agrees with the three previous presentations. JTEDs are all about action, hands on and preparing students. He reviewed the following handouts:
CONSIDERATION OF BILLS (CONTINUED
HB2161 - teachers; specialized certification - DO PASS
Vice-Chairman Yee moved that HB2161 do pass.
Stephanie Jaffa, Majority Assistant Research Analyst, explained that HB2161 creates a specialized teaching certificate for classroom teachers with expertise in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields and charges the State Board of Education (SBE) with its administration (Attachment 10). She added that the sponsor will offer a Floor amendment to remove the requirement for teachers to meet federal qualifications for a highly-qualified teacher.
Mrs. Carter, sponsor, related that HB2161 creates a new path that allows people already teaching in colleges and universities to be able to teach the same course in middle and high school classrooms. Positions are currently open in school districts for teachers in science and math that are not being filled; teachers in post-secondary schools could contract to teach those classes.
Mr. Fillmore asked if the bill could be expanded to courses other than STEM. Mrs. Carter responded that this is one step in the direction to obtain highly-qualified and trained teachers in K-12 classrooms. She noted that she spoke to Chairman Goodale who is contemplating a working group about teacher certification.
Vice-Chairman Yee remarked that a bill will be heard to expand the scope of those already teaching in the classroom at a post-secondary level to give experts in the field who have not taught before the opportunity to teach courses. She hopes the Committee will support the bill when it is heard.
Mr. Crandell commented that when Arizona participated in the Race to the Top grant, one of the major items to receive points was an alternative path for teacher certification. It is difficult in rural communities when community college teachers cannot teach at the high school because of the certification issue.
Mrs. Carter stated that there are many exciting things happening with JTEDs and agreed that there are critical needs in rural areas, which she hopes this bill will address.
Mrs. Pancrazi remarked that someone with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or college degree in any subject area can be a long-term substitute in a school district for the entire school year. Perhaps teaching of pedagogy, classroom management and discipline can be incorporated during that time because not just anyone can walk into a classroom and teach teenagers, some of whom do not want to be there.
Mr. Meyer stated that he was excited about HB2161 because there is a shortage of teachers in these subjects. He questioned if a chemistry teacher could potentially be hired to teach a technology course and if there is a potential conflict between the bill and legislation previously passed requiring different tests for certification.
Jaime Molera, President, State Board of Education (SBE), spoke in favor of HB2161. He advised that this legislation is one of the pillars of SBE’s legislative recommendations and an area in which more flexibility is needed. He submitted that it is necessary to begin incentivizing things that work as opposed to continuing to do what has been done in the past. The bill focuses on math and science, areas in which students are deficient. He added that he believes this is an urgent matter, particularly in schools that are languishing.
Vice-Chairman Yee asked if, under the requirements of the bill, a retired individual who previously taught at one of the designated institutions could be considered for this certification. Mr. Molera answered that he is receptive to figuring out ways to do that, if there is a consensus. A number of options can be utilized to obtain the best, highly-qualified teachers in schools. He added that teachers need ongoing professional coaching in order to be more efficient and impactful to students.
Mr. Meyer suggested that there may be more flexibility to expand to other groups of potential teachers if this is not set in statute and the SBE is allowed to develop standards for hiring teachers. Mr. Molera replied that he prefers legislation to ensure that it is done right and there is a strong consensus, with opportunities to make amendments.
Mrs. Carter stated that one of the reasons she ran for office was frustration with the paths people must take to become highly-qualified teachers in the classroom. This is not an effort to do away with certification. It is not perfect legislation and SBE will make the rules; she will be offering Floor amendments and there are still No Child Left Behind requirements to consider.
Vince Yanez, Executive Director, State Board of Education (SBE), neutral on HB2161, stated that it is easier to implement a law when there is more flexibility; the question is how much flexibility the Legislature is comfortable giving to the SBE. Regarding Mr. Meyer’s question about whether a college professor in chemistry, for example, would teach a technology class, he said he envisions a rule stating that a college professor of chemistry would receive a STEM certificate in chemistry to teach in a high school setting. He surmised there will be many issues the SBE will have to work out to be in compliance with Arizona laws and federal requirements.
Mr. Meyer noted that teachers
must pass certain tests and asked how this bill conflicts.
Mr. Yanez answered that he is not sure if there is any conflict with existing
law. Currently, the tests required for any teaching certificate include:
· Arizona and U.S. Constitution (addressed by bill)
· professional knowledge (vague in bill as to whether this is needed or not)
· subject knowledge (addressed by bill)
· a phonics requirement for elementary teachers (not applicable)
· a Structured English Immersion (SEI) requirement under court order (non-negotiable)
· fingerprinting (non-negotiable)
Mr. Yanez added that if it is the intent for those tests not to apply, the bill needs to be more explicit because the law requires inclusion of all of those items for all teaching certificates.
Mrs. Carter pointed out that will be addressed in the Floor amendment.
Mr. Meyer stated that the meeting was set at the same time as the deadline for amendments, so there was no chance to offer Committee amendments.
Dawn Wallace, Policy Advisor to the Majority, advised that an extraordinary set of circumstances led to the late release of the agenda for the Special Meeting, but there will be sufficient time to offer amendments in future meetings.
Becky Hill, Stand for Children, in support of HB2161, related that Stand for Children works diligently to ensure equal access for all students across Arizona. It is difficult to fill positions for STEM-qualified teachers in the classroom in almost every county in the state, especially in high school. There will not be equal opportunity for all students until this issue in the STEM field is addressed. She added that there are two issues: the first is how to address the crisis in the STEM field in terms of alternative certification and the second is the conversation about alternative certification generally. She added that Vice-Chairman Yee and Mr. Fillmore raised good points.
Lisa Guzman, Program Director, Quality Teaching and Learning, Arizona Education Association (AEA), spoke in favor of HB2161. She said she appreciates the fact that there will be classroom experience before a college professor goes into the classroom, which is extremely important. She related concern about the Legislature being involved in certification matters since it is within the SBE’s purview, but noted that was already addressed.
Jonathan Butcher, Education Director, Goldwater Institute, neutral on HB2161, said Mrs. Carter identified an area of critical need in the realm of teaching with this legislation. From his experience in South Carolina and Arkansas, science and math are recognized around the country as very important areas that need attention. By 2009, nearly every state in the country had some form of alternative certification. A study in Education Next shows positive student achievement in states that adopted authentic alternative certification programs. He commended the Committee for addressing this topic.
Mrs. Carter remarked that while it may seem like a lot of work needs to be done, this bill is a giant leap forward.
Vice-Chairman Yee announced the names of those who signed up as neutral on HB2161 but did not speak:
Chris Kotterman, Deputy Director, Government Relations, Arizona Department of Education
Stacey Morley, Director, Policy Development & Government Relations, Arizona Department of Education
Vice-Chairman Yee announced the names of those who signed up in support of HB2161 but did not speak:
Sydney Hay, A Plus Arizona - Every Child Can Learn
Deb Gullett, A Plus Arizona
Sam Polito, Tucson Area School Districts; JTED Consortium
Sabrina Vazquez, Arizona School Administrators
Janice Palmer, Governmental Relations Analyst, Arizona School Boards Association
Michael Haener, Director of Legislative Affairs, Arizona BioIndustry Association
Question was called on the motion that HB2161 do pass. The motion carried by a roll call vote of 9-0-0-1 (Attachment 11).
Without objection, the meeting adjourned at 4:09 p.m.
_______________________________
Linda Taylor, Committee Secretary
January 24, 2012
(Original minutes, attachments and audio on file in the Chief Clerk’s Office; video archives available at http://www.azleg.gov)
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COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
7
January 19, 2012
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