JUNEAU -- A committee established to consider Alaska's most pressing educational issues will take up the matter of high school competency testing in a teleconferenced statewide public hearing on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Rep. Con Bunde (R-Anchorage), chair of the House Special Committee on Education, said today the hearing will give Alaskans the chance to weigh in on an issue drawing increasing attention, as questions arise regarding how many students will complete the tests when they are administered next spring.

Students have taken two rounds of diagnostic competency tests so far. They are diagnostic because parents, teachers and students still have an opportunity to evaluate the results and make improvements before the students' senior spring tests.

"The results of these diagnostic tests last spring reveal that some Alaska students are not as well-prepared academically as we would hope," Bunde said. "Because this is so important, we want to give everyone involved the chance to weigh in with their comments or suggestions."

Bunde was the original sponsor of the 1997 legislation requiring Alaska high school students to pass tests in reading, writing and math in order to receive a diploma. Students may take the tests once in their sophomore year, then twice a year for the next five years. Those unable to complete all three tests receive a certificate of attendance in lieu of a diploma.

"We passed the competency testing bill to help make sure diplomas from our high schools mean something to the students who earned them, and to the colleges and employers who look to diplomas as some assurance graduates have a basic level of academic skills," Bunde said.

Saturday's hearing will be held jointly with the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee. Those wishing to testify should call their local Legislative Information Office to make arrangements.

Attachments:

• HB 146, 1997 Legislation.
• The High School Exit Exam - Opinion from Representative Bunde., 07-13-00.
• Practice High School Graduation Qualifying Examination
  Posted by the Alaska Dept of Education and Early Development
  (scroll down a bit)

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540, or below.
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