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Legislature Addresses Competency Exam Concerns

(JUNEAU) - The Alaska Legislature fine-tuned the high school competency exam process while maintaining the intent of the exam law drafters when it passed a bill today that extends the effective date of the exam and provides options for students with disabilities.

"Although the existing exam law has created a positive change in Alaska's education efforts, a number of problems with the exam have been identified over the last several years," said Sen. Lyda Green (R-Matanuska-Susitna), chair of the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee. "Senate Bill 133 addresses these problems while ensuring that our high school graduates have the skills necessary to succeed in the real world."

SB 133, sponsored by the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee makes the following changes to the current law:

• While continuing to give the exam as is currently being done, delay tying exam passage to receiving a diploma until 2004;
• Focus exam on knowledge of essential skills;
• Provide a waiver process for cases of extraordinary circumstances; and
• Provide that students who experience learning or developmental disabilities will be tested appropriately.

The bill also requires annual reports from school districts to help monitor academic standards and identify trouble spots. Districts will be required to report:

• Number and percentage of students who pass the exam at each school;
• Progress in aligning schools' curricula with state standards;
• Qualifications of teachers instructing subjects covered by the exam; and
• Turnover in teaching staff, administrators and superintendents in each district.

"The legislature has worked with the Department of Education, educators, school boards, leaders, parents and the governor's office to draft this legislation," said Green. "We have heard testimony from students, parents, teachers and administrators on what is and is not working in the current system. SB 133 addresses this testimony plus keeps our schools and students on track. The legislature has worked hard on this legislation and I am proud to have been part of that effort."

SB 133 passed the House unanimously, and was sent to the governor for signature.

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