Bill Summary for Bill Number HB12-1013

Date: 02/29/2012

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB12-1013

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Moved to refer House Bill 12-1013 to the Committee	PASS

11:28 AM -- House Bill 12-1013

Senators Hudak and King, co-prime sponsors of House Bill 12-1013, presented the bill. The bill, which was recommended by the Educational Success Task Force, requires local school district boards of education to consider adopting procedures to identify middle school students whose behavior puts them at risk for dropping out. These procedures may also specify appropriate interventions.

Senator Hudak discussed the dropout rate, saying intervening in middle school can put students on the path to graduation. She discussed the risk factors that may play into the decision of students to drop out. She said students that drop out of school are more likely to commit crimes, be unemployed, and be in need public benefits. She said the bill is supported by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and she distributed a letter of support from the Junior League of Denver (Attachment A). Senator Hudak explained an amendment added to the bill in the House, which states that, if a school adopts procedures pursuant to the bill, the school should notify parents if a student is identified as at risk of dropping out.

Senator King made comments to the bill, saying it was recommended by the Educational Success Task Force. He noted that the middle school time period is a transition period at which students make decisions that lead to dropping out.

11:34 AM

The bill sponsors responded to committee questions. Senator Heath asked why the bill requires school districts to consider adopting procedures, instead of requiring school districts to adopt procedures. Senator King said he would like to require districts to adopt procedures, if it is the committee's preference. Senator Bacon commented that doing this would require resources that are not available at present.

Senator Hudak noted that school discipline policies and suspension are important factors in kids dropping out. She said research shows that working with middle school kids to make sure they are not suspended is very important. She also said students who repeat a grade are highly likely to drop out.

Senator Heath commented further on his earlier question, saying the bill addresses an important issue. Senator Hudak responded, saying that, unfortunately, money is not available for prevention. The lack of money, she said, creates a greater lack of money. Senator Bacon commented as well, expressing concern about the malaise or ennui among some young people in America, saying there are young people in other parts of the world who would value the educational opportunities afforded in our country.

11:40 AM

Senator King responded to Senator Bacon's comments, talking about recent changes to discipline policy at Colorado Springs Early College. He said the committee needs to continue to focus on providing educational opportunities to kids to engage them in their education.


BILL:	HB12-1013
TIME:	11:44:14 AM
MOVED:	Hudak
MOTION:	Moved to refer House Bill 12-1013 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 5-1.
SECONDED:
		VOTE
	Heath	Yes
	Johnston	Yes
	King K.	Yes
	Renfroe	Excused
	Spence	No
	Hudak	Yes
	Bacon	Yes

Final YES: 5 NO: 1 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

11:45 AM

The committee adjourned.