Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Date:03/10/2005
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:36 PM to 04:56 PM
Evans
*
Jones
X
Place:SCR 354
Spence
X
Tupa
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Williams
X
Senator Windels
Bacon
X
Windels
X
This Report was prepared by
Jennifer Thomsen
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
HB05-1087
SB05-132
SB05-191		Amended, Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Amended, Referred to Committee on Appropriations
Amended, Referred to Committee on Appropriations

03:36 PM -- Call to Order

The committee was called to order by the chairman, Senator Windels.


01:36 PM -- House Bill 05-1087

Senator Williams, bill sponsor, explained the provisions of House Bill 05-1087, which concerns provision of international education in public schools. She explained that the bill requires the State Board of Education to establish an international education advisory council. She described the council and its membership. She noted that the bill is funded through gifts, grants, and donations. She referred the committee to a notebook provided to committee members at an earlier time that describes the bill and the importance of its provisions.


01:40 PM

Senator Tupa remarked on the information provided in the notebook. He asked about the length of time the council is to be in existence. Senator Williams asked Senator Tupa to address his question to the witnesses. Senator Spence asked if the council would be able to attract members from outside the metro area. Senator Williams noted that several foundations have voiced interest in providing the gifts, grants, and donations, and that the funding to allow participation throughout the state will likely be available.




01:44 PM

The following persons testified:

01:44 PM -- Mark Montgomery, representing the Center for Teaching International Relations, testified in support of the bill. He related statistics on American young people's world knowledge and the young people's desire to learn about the world. He noted that international education is not a separate curriculum, and is not just for urban, elite, and gifted students. Mr. Montgomery said international education provides a context for the world and for local communities. He noted that it is a part of the current model content standards. He described current successful international education programs in the state. He remarked on a national movement to provide international education in schools.


01:50 PM

Mr. Montgomery responded to a question from Senator Tupa regarding the council. He noted that the purpose of the council is to highlight what is currently being done well in international education in the state. Senator Evans asked about the involvement of local school boards in the advisory council. Senator Williams responded, noting that the bill does call for one member of the council to be a representative of a statewide organization that represents school boards. Senator Evans made follow-up comments, noting that one member may not be enough. Mr. Montgomery responded to Senator Evans' remarks, describing current efforts to educate school boards in the area of international education. Senator Evans made further comments on the membership of the council.


01:57 PM

Senator Williams responded to Senator Evans' comments. Senator Bacon commented on the University of Colorado's requirement that incoming students take geography courses, noting that universities do have some say in encouraging school districts to make sure that students have some international education. He asked the witness if other institutions of higher education have similar requirements. Mr. Montgomery responded that he did not know of any, but that the University of Colorado's requirement was behind the decision to put a representative from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education on the council.


01:59 PM -- Joe Rice, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He noted the importance of international education to business. He commented on his background in working with the Cherry Creek School District. He described his experience as an Army Reservist in Iraq in working with Iraqis in democracy building. He noted that soldiers who had international education and civics backgrounds were the most successful in this endeavor.



02:02 PM -- Jim Reis, representing the Rocky Mountain World Trade Center Association, testified in support of the bill. He commented on his organization's mission to make Colorado an attractive place for international business. He related statistics on the growth of exports from Colorado and the jobs and money international business generates for the Colorado economy. He remarked on foreign investment in Colorado. He spoke about the foreign consulates in Colorado and visiting trade delegations. He said Colorado is a beneficiary of globalization. He noted that the people who are going to be most successful in the 21st century are those who understand and respect other countries, economies, and cultures. He remarked on how much the rest of the world knows about America in relation to how much Americans know about the rest of the world. He said Colorado should be at the forefront of international education. Senator Spence commented on the outsourcing legislation making its way through the General Assembly.

02:09 PM -- Dagmar Haney, representing the Colorado Congress of Foreign Language Teachers, testified in support of the bill. She described her organization and its membership. She provided her background to the committee. She commented on the foreign language aspect of the bill and the need for expansion of foreign language programs statewide. She noted that many teachers are providing international education, but do not realize it. She said she is excited about the bill and asked for the committee's support. Ms. Haney responded to a question from Senator Tupa regarding Latin.


02:15 PM

Senator Williams provided closing remarks. She noted the bill is not a curriculum mandate and that it poses no fiscal burden.
BILL:HB05-1087
TIME: 02:16:42 PM
MOVED:Evans
MOTION:Page 5, line 7, after "PUBLIC", insert "OR PRIVATE". The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Jones
Spence
Tupa
Williams
Bacon
Windels
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:HB05-1087
TIME: 02:18:31 PM
MOVED:Evans
MOTION:Moved conceptual amendment to change the membership of the council. The committee discussed the proposed change. Mr. Montgomery returned to the table to address the proposed amendment. After further discussion, the amendment was withdrawn by Senator Evans.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Jones
Spence
Tupa
Williams
Bacon
Windels
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: TIE
BILL:HB05-1087
TIME: 02:26:51 PM
MOVED:Williams
MOTION:Moved amendment L.003 (Attachment A). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Jones
Spence
Tupa
Williams
Bacon
Windels
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:HB05-1087
TIME: 02:30:07 PM
MOVED:Williams
MOTION:Refer HB 05-1087, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 7 - 0 vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Yes
Jones
Yes
Spence
Yes
Tupa
Yes
Williams
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Windels
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


02:31 PM -- Senate Bill 05-132

Senator Windels, bill sponsor, explained the provisions of Senate Bill 05-132, which is a clean up of last year's College Opportunity Fund bill. She walked through each provision of the bill for the committee. She highlighted the provisions of the bill making basic skills classes eligible for stipends. Senator Windels continued her description of the bill. She noted that she would offer an amendment addressing several issues in the bill.


02:41 PM

Senator Windels noted that the section of the bill dealing with capital construction is still a work in progress. She described the issue it addresses. She described changes the amendment she would offer would make.


02:44 PM

The following persons testified:




02:45 PM -- Dr. Nancy McCallin, President of the Colorado Community College System, testified in support of the bill. She described the community college system and its mission. She remarked on the basic skills courses offered by the community colleges. Dr. McCallin spoke to concern in the system about continuing enrollment, which means that students often do not enroll in advance of the semester. She said access is a key issue for community colleges. She remarked that making basic skills courses stipend eligible is very important. She related statistics regarding minorities in the community college system and the continuation rate of ninth graders who continue on to higher education. Senator Bacon asked for clarification, which Dr. McCallin provided.


02:51 PM

Dr. McCallin spoke to fee-for-service funding, noting that it is less certain and stable than stipend funding. She said the component of the bill regarding interest-free loans is key to the community college system. She remarked on a cash flow issues for community colleges. Senator Windels asked Dr. McCallin to address the amendment.


02:58 PM

Dr. McCallin continued her testimony. She addressed the provision of the amendment removing the limitation on institutional research. Senator Evans made remarks to Governor Lamm and Dr. McCallin about the community college system. Dr. McCallin responded to a question from Senator Evans about whether the bill provides a long-term financial solution for community colleges. She remarked on the drop in state moneys for community colleges and the community colleges' inability to raise tuition and still remain accessible. She said that community colleges would have to look at tuition increases in the future. Dr. McCallin commented on high-cost programs. She said that the colleges are looking internally for savings in back-office functions.


03:06 PM

Senator Williams asked about population growth and the impact of stipend moneys going to basic skills courses. Dr. McCallin responded, noting that there could be an impact on institutions. She said that the impact will vary from year to year and that she cannot predict what it might be. Senator Bacon asked Dr. McCallin whether there was a discussion about using tuition increases to provide need-based financial aid to students who need it. Dr. McCallin responded that the board has discussed that possibility and that aid may be provided. Senator Windels addressed Senator Bacon's question as well. Senator Bacon made further remarks to the cuts seen by the community college system.




03:12 PM

Senator Evans commented on the linkages between the community colleges and public schools.

03:13 PM -- Christine Johnson, President of the Community College of Denver, testified in support of the bill. She described the Community College of Denver and its growth in recent years. She noted that the college is the most diverse institution in the state, relating statistics on the demographics of the students in the college. She described recognition received by the college in the state and nationally. 45 percent of students enter the Community College of Denver through the basic skills door, she said. She said the majority of basic skills training provided by the college is to older students, not students directly out of high school. Math, she said, is the area where most adults need remediation. She noted the college's high success rate in remediation. Dr. Johnson said the college has tripled the number of nursing students who graduate, working in partnership with the business sector. She remarked that the Community College of Denver is working to strengthen its ties with high schools.

03:23 PM -- Linda Bowman, President of the Community College of Aurora, testified in support of the bill. She said the bill is critical to community colleges being able to continue to provide services. Basic skills education, she said, is not the least expensive of the services they provide and it needs a stable funding source. She described the makeup of the college to the committee. She related statistics regarding basic skills students. Senator Bacon asked about the age groups of those who need to be remediated. Dr. Bowman responded, providing the age groups. Dr. Bowman responded to a question from Senator Evans regarding fund raising. She described how those funds are used. Dr. Bowman responded to a question from Senator Williams regarding how the college is working with high schools in Aurora.

03:32 PM -- Michele Haney, President of Morgan Community College, testified in support of the bill. She described Morgan Community College and the students it serves. She related her background to the committee. Dr. Haney spoke to the issue of basic skills courses. She provided statistics regarding the age of students who need remediation at Morgan Community College. She related two examples of students who need basic skills courses. Dr. Haney said that 70 percent of her students are financial aid eligible. She described community efforts being made by the college.


03:38 PM

Senator Evans asked about programs in high schools in Deer Trail, Yuma, and Limon. Dr. Haney responded, noting additional communities. Senator Bacon asked if there are Boards of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) in the area. Dr. Haney responded that the college is a member of three BOCES in the area. Senator Bacon asked about adult education programs. Dr. Haney responded, noting that their program serves 750 adults. Senator Evans remarked on the responsibility of the State Board of Education in funding adult education.


03:42 PM -- Carrie Riffee, student at Pikes Peak Community College, testified in support of the bill. She described her experience at Pikes Peak Community College in basic skills courses. She noted that the availability of basic skills courses allowed her to chase her dreams and to go to college. Senator Bacon commended Ms. Riffee for what she has done and thanked her for coming to tell her story. Senator Jones commended Ms. Riffee as well.



03:46 PM -- Richard Wueste, President of Adams State College, testified in support of the bill. He described his background to the committee. He described the students community colleges serve. He spoke to the cooperation of community colleges with K - 12 systems. Dr. Wueste noted the lack of college preparatory programs in many school districts, which necessitates basic skills courses at community colleges. Senator Bacon asked for clarification. Dr. Wueste noted that community college funding is not protected the way K-12 education funding is, and that neither community colleges nor K-12 are adequately funded. He said remediation makes a huge difference and gives people an opportunity for an education. Senator Bacon commented on Dr. Wueste's statements. Dr. Wueste related statistics on first-generation college students at Adams State. The wealth of parents and the wealth of school districts drives who gets into higher education, he said. He said he believes that the number of College Opportunity Fund stipend eligible students is far in excess of the available moneys. Senator Bacon commented on Dr. Wueste's comments.

03:57 PM -- Robert Moore, Vice-president for Finance and Operations at the Colorado School of Mines, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Moore spoke to the provisions of the bill regarding eligible students. He remarked on the provision of the bill allowing reimbursement of graduate-level courses.


04:00 PM

Senator Windels made closing remarks. She highlighted some of the witness testimony for the committee. Senator Windels explained the fiscal note to the committee. Senator Windels walked through amendment L.001 for the committee. Senator Evans proposed an amendment to amendment L.001, page 3 of the amendment, line 17, before "administrative", insert "STATE FUNDED". Dr. McCallin spoke to the amendment.
BILL:SB05-132
TIME: 04:04:26 PM
MOVED:Windels
MOTION:Moved amendment L.001 (Attachment B), as amended by Senator Evans. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Jones
Spence
Tupa
Williams
Bacon
Windels
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection




04:09 PM

Senator Windels responded to a question from Senator Tupa on the title of the bill.
BILL:SB05-132
TIME: 04:10:42 PM
MOVED:Windels
MOTION:Refer SB 05-132, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 7 - 0 vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Yes
Jones
Yes
Spence
Yes
Tupa
Yes
Williams
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Windels
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


04:15 PM -- Senate Bill 05-191

Senator Hillman, bill sponsor, explained the provisions of Senate Bill 05-191, which extends the existing teacher loan forgiveness pilot program to teachers who take jobs in rural school districts. He explained the eligibility requirements set forth in the bill. He stated that there are about 80 elementary schools that would be eligible under this bill. He provided a handout to the committee (Attachment C). He responded to questions from the committee. Senator Tupa explained the reason for the revised fiscal note. Senator Tupa asked what a "qualified position" is. Senator Hillman noted that the definition is in the section 23-3.9-101, C.R.S., and provided further clarification. Senator Hillman responded to follow-up questions from Senator Tupa.


04:24 PM

Senator Spence provided further clarification to Senator Tupa. Senator Tupa asked Senator Spence follow-up questions. Senator Williams and Senator Spence provided further clarification. Senator Hillman responded to further questions from Senator Tupa.


04:30 PM

The following persons testified:



04:30 PM -- Lynn Tindall, Chief Operating Officer of CollegeInvest, testified. He addressed the questions asked of Senator Hillman by the committee. Senator Tupa asked Mr. Tindall for clarification. Senator Hillman provided further clarification. Senator Tupa asked additional follow-up questions regarding the provision of the bill allowing loan forgiveness for half-time teachers. Senator Spence commented on the provision. Mr. Tindall responded to Senator Spence's remarks. Senator Tupa and Senator Evans made further remarks. Mr. Tindall noted that funding for the program is provided from the CollegeInvest trust. Senator Williams asked about rules promulgated by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Senator Evans responded to Senator Williams' comments.

04:40 PM -- Paula Stephenson, representing the Colorado Rural School Caucus, testified in support of the bill. She described the difficulty of rural districts in attracting teachers. She related an example of a teacher in Kit Carson.

04:42 PM -- Ryan Wulff, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Wulff noted that the bill is important for recruiting and retaining teachers in rural school districts. Senator Tupa asked about a program to keep teachers in urban school districts. Senator Spence and Senator Windels responded. Mr. Wulff addressed Senator Tupa's questions about the half-time provisions of the bill. Senator Windels commented on the "No Child Left Behind Act" and highly qualified teachers. Senator Tupa made further remarks.


04:46 PM
BILL:SB05-191
TIME: 04:47:02 PM
MOVED:Tupa
MOTION:Page 3, line 17, strike "POSITION;" and substitute "POSITION IF EMPLOYED IN A RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, OR, BEGINNING WITH THE FALL SEMESTER OF THE 2005-06 ACADEMIC YEAR, FULL-TIME IN A QUALIFIED POSITION IF EMPLOYED IN A SCHOOL DISTRICT OTHER THAN A RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICT,". The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Jones
Spence
Tupa
Williams
Bacon
Windels
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection





04:53 PM

Senator Hillman spoke to the motion to refer the bill to the Appropriations Committee. Committee discussion on the motion ensued.
BILL:SB05-191
TIME: 04:53:25 PM
MOVED:Tupa
MOTION:Refer SB 05-191, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 7 - 0 vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Evans
Yes
Jones
Yes
Spence
Yes
Tupa
Yes
Williams
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Windels
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


04:56 PM

The committee adjourned.