Date: 02/09/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1182

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved to refer House Bill 09-1182 to the CommitteePASS


01:32 PM -- Call to Order

Representative Merrifield, the chair, called the committee to order.


01:32 PM -- House Bill 09-1182

Representative Merrifield opened by asking how the bill changes the funding for online programs. Representative Marostica, sponsor of House Bill 09-1182, concerning changes in funding to the division of on-line learning, noted that the bill does not create new state expenditures; rather, the bill clarifies the funding stream for the division, which will no longer receive funding through a cash fund, and will now be eligible for State Education Fund monies, if the bill passes.


01:36 PM

Representative Merrifield asked Pamela Ice, from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and director of the Division of Online Learning, to discuss the charge of the division. She discussed the quality standards online education programs must meet, and the annual reporting requirements for online programs. Representative Schafer asked if there is research on the effectiveness of the online programs. Ms. Ice explained that online program students do not perform as well on the CSAPs as other students in Colorado. Representative Merrifield asked for a copy of the annual report.


01:41 PM

Representative Summers asked if she could explain the work of the division's 3.5 FTE. Ms. Ice explained that there is the director, a consultant, and an administrative assistant, and that the .5 FTE is for contract work. Representative Middleton asked Ms. Ice to discuss the increase in online education. Ms. Ice explained that in the last year, online learning in the state has grown 26 percent, which aligns with growth in other states. Representative Murray asked about the online student CSAP scores. Ms. Ice stated that there has been improvement, but the students' scores still lag behind other students in the state. Ms. Ice stated that it speaks to the need to have more professional development for online educators.


01:45 PM

Representative Massey how this bill will effect the State Education Fund. Representative Marostica said information on the State Education Fund will be available on Wednesday. Representative Benefield asked where the money for the cash fund came from. Representative Marostica explained it was from payment recoveries. Representative Middleton asked what happens if there is no money in the State Education Fund. Representative Marostica explained that the division will be funded, but it will not be known what the funding source will be until the Long Bill.


BILL:HB09-1182
TIME: 01:49:46 PM
MOVED:Benefield
MOTION:Moved to refer House Bill 09-1182 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 13-0 vote.
SECONDED:Peniston
VOTE
Baumgardner
Yes
Benefield
Yes
Massey
Yes
Middleton
Yes
Murray
Yes
Peniston
Yes
Priola
Yes
Scanlan
Yes
Schafer S.
Yes
Summers
Yes
Todd
Yes
Solano
Yes
Merrifield
Yes
Final YES: 13 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS