MINUTES OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION Sixty-eighth Session June 19, 1995 The Committee on Education was called to order at 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, June 19, 1995, Chairman Wendell P. Williams presiding in Room 330 of the Legislative Building, Carson City, Nevada. Exhibit A is the Agenda. Exhibit B is the Attendance Roster. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. William Z. (Bill) Harrington, Chairman Mr. Wendell P. Williams, Chairman Mrs. Gene Wines Segerblom, Vice Chairman Ms. Patricia A. Tripple, Vice Chairman Mr. Thomas Batten Mr. Max Bennett Mrs. Deanna Braunlin Mrs. Vonne Chowning Mrs. Marcia de Braga Mr. Mark Manendo Mr. P.M. Roy Neighbors Ms. Jeannine Stroth STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: H. Pepper Sturm, Chief Principal Research Analyst OTHERS PRESENT: Charles Fletcher, member, Commission on Professional Standards Bill Wingfield Peggy Lear Bowen, member, Nevada State Board of Education The committee opened a work session. ASSEMBLY BILL 290 - Requires adoption of regulations specifying course work required for renewal by teacher of endorsement in field of specialization. Chairman Williams discussed both A.B. 290 and A.B. 291. He also discussed establishment of the Commission on Professional Standards. Mr. Williams explained both A.B. 290 and A.B. 291 dealt with setting specific policy, which the Commission was directed to do. Amendments were suggested to the subcommittee. Opposition concerns on A.B. 290 included granting of a waiver if deemed necessary and the lack of specialty areas for elementary teachers. This would be secondary teachers would be effected by the bill and not elementary teachers. Referring to Section 1, Lines 1-3, Mr. Williams noted the statute provides for the Commission to govern all aspects of granting the licensure process to teachers. He reminded the committee they would be directing policy established by the legislature for a commission. Assemblyman de Braga stated it was very difficult for rural educators to comply with the bill as written. Specific classes in a teacher's area of specialization are not always available and often teachers do not have a secondary specialization. ASSEMBLYMAN DE BRAGA MOVED TO SEND A.B. 290 TO THE FLOOR OF THE ASSEMBLY WITHOUT RECOMMENDATION. ASSEMBLYMAN MANENDO SECONDED THE MOTION. Chairman Harrington stated he felt the motion was an excellent suggestion. It would allow debate on desired amendments. He supported the motion. Chairman Williams agreed with Chairman Harrington, expressing concerns regarding waivers. He stated he felt it was the responsibility of the Commission on Professional Standards to deal with the issue. Assemblyman Chowning supported the motion. She complimented the committee and all parties involved for their interest and hard work. Mrs. Chowning discussed various aspects of the bill, including licensing questions, multi-certification questions and waivers. Chairman Williams stated the full body of the Assembly would have the opportunity to explore various concerns. Assemblyman Segerblom stated the Commission ought to make decisions regarding teacher licensure. Assemblyman Manendo agreed. He felt the bill would abolish the authority of the Commission on Professional Standards. THE MOTION PASSED WITH MR. WILLIAMS VOTING NO. ASSEMBLY BILL 291 - Authorizes issuance of conditional license to teach to person with college degree. Chairman Williams discussed A.B. 291. He noted the philosophy of those opposing is no other profession allows individuals to enter a profession and attain the credentials later. Proponents believe this should be allowed because of needs in certain subject areas. ASSEMBLYMAN MANENDO MOVED A.B. 291 BE SENT TO THE FLOOR OF THE ASSEMBLY WITH NO RECOMMENDATION. ASSEMBLYMAN SEGERBLOM SECONDED THE MOTION. Chairman Harrington agreed the motion was proper. He supported the bill, stating it would "capture" talented people to enhance areas of shortage. Assemblyman Stroth supported the motion. She discussed some of Chairman Williams' previous comments. Ms. Stroth reminded the committee Nevada was only one of ten states in the country which does not allow some sort of supplemental certification to put professional people in the classroom. Chairman Williams reiterated he opposes the concept. Assemblyman Bennett concurred with Ms. Stroth. He discussed his own educational background. Chairman Williams stated there is a difference between knowledge and the ability to impart it. Mrs. Chowning discussed testimony held on the bill, as well as proposed amendments. She felt education classes taken by professionals entering teaching should include classroom management, classroom application and lesson planning. Mrs. Chowning suggested reducing the time limit to obtain appropriate training be reduced from five to three years. Chairman Williams discussed similar concerns of the subcommittee. THE MOTION PASSED WITH CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS VOTING NO. Assemblyman Batten asked if action would be taken on A.B. 664. Chairman Harrington stated he preferred to take action on all the deconsolidation bills together when the ones from the Senate arrive. Assemblyman Segerblom announced the committee would hold a party following the meeting on Wednesday, June 21, 1995. Chairman Williams asked the committee about rule suspension. ASSEMBLYMAN BENNETT MOVED TO SUSPEND RULE 92. CHAIRMAN HARRINGTON SECONDED THE MOTION. Chairman Harrington noted bills are expected from the Senate and as much notice as possible will be given for meetings. THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. There being no further business to come before the committee, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED: Barbara Prudic, Committee Secretary APPROVED BY: Assemblyman William Z. Harrington, Chairman Assemblyman Wendell P. Williams, Chairman Assembly Committee on Education June 19, 1995 Page