By: Charlie Kyte
This audioblog is 8 minutes long. Information about expanding teacher licensure begins at 3 min, SOD Bill at 4 min, International Baccalaureate at 4:40, On-Line Learning at 5:30, PEIP Health Insurance at 7 min.
The House of representatives Education Policy Committee in action on Tuesday evening, March 28, 2006.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The House hasn't yet passed a budget resolution to allocate a budget to the various committees. Without a budget resolution, there will not be a K-12 Bill. In a way this is good because schools are the recipients of the reversal of the funding recognition shift. It is possible that the only Bills passed this year will be the Bonding Bill, a Public Safety Bill to deal with some sex offender issues, an Eminent Domain Bill and possibly a couple of Stadium Bills.
TECHNOLOGY: On Wednesday, Jena Collins of Apple computers will testify in the Senate Ed Finance Committee about what other states are doing to encourage the use of technology in their schools. There is a Bill proposing an additional $25 per student in the Capitol Outlay Levy dedicated to technology purchases.
TEACHER LICENSURE: There are several Bills to allow broader access to teacher licenses. One of these would allow an already licensed teacher to take the PRAXIS II test in another subject area. If they pass they could be licensed in the additional subject area.
'SOD' BILL: This Bill would allow districts in statutory operating debt to make an additional levy to help get out of debt. We think we can get this Bill heard in the Senate, but are having trouble getting a hearing in the House.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE: The Governor has proposed about $8 million to encourage IB programs in the state. South St. Paul is ahead of the game and is asking for funding for a pilot program for a K-12 IB program fir their schools. The anti-IB forces are raising their voices against these initiatives.
ON-LINE LEARNING: Some school districts are now experiencing large numbers of students opting into on-line courses instead of courses in their High Schools. We are especially hearing complaints about the 'Bluesky' Charter program. The legislature will need to figure out how to encourage on-line learning without putting school districts in serious jeopardy.
PEIP HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM: This Bill is an idea of the Governor that creates an alternative to the Statewide Mandatory Health Insurance Bill. PEIP would be a voluntary program for school districts, but utilizes the state employees statewide health provider network. This Bill will be heard tomorrow, but may be derailed. Stay tuned.
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