H_ED_2018A 02/12/2018 01:37:46 PM Committee Summary

Representative Williams presented and summarized House Bill 18-1130 concerning authorized instructors in school districts. He distributed and summarized amendment L.001 [Attachment A].

Representative Williams answered questions from the committee. He distributed amendment L.002 [Attachment B], which amends amendment L.001.

Luke Ragland, representing ReadyCO, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed his support for amendment L.001.

Representative Willaims answered additional questions regarding amendment L.001.

Representative Williams provided closing comments. The committee members provided closing comments on the bill.

Representative Wilson and Representative McLachlan presented and summarized House Bill 18-1193 concerning the extension of advanced placement (AP) incentives programs. They discussed the current advanced placement programs in Colorado.

The sponsors answered questions from the committee.

Terry Whitney, representing the College Board, testified in favor of the bill.

Leslie Colwell, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign and the Rural Alliance, testified in favor of the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

Nathanial Santonastaso, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He shared his experience with the advanced placement program in high school. He answered questions from the committee about his current academic work.

Elizabeth Ward, representing herself, testified in favor of the bill. She discussed her experience taking advanced placement classes in high school and it's role in providing equal access to academic opportunities. She answered questions from the committee regarding her current academic programs.

Kelly Caufield, representing Colorado Succeeds, testified in favor of the bill. She discussed the importance of advanced course work.

Colby Simpson, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed his experience with advanced placement classes and how it provided him opportunities in college.

Jesus Mendoza, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. He shared his experience with advance placement classes and the opportunities they provided him.

Misti Ruthven, representing the Colorado Department of Education, answered questions only. She answered questions regarding the number of students who have applied and participated in AP courses in Colorado. Ms. Ruthven provided additional data regarding participants in AP courses and the role of concurrent enrollment.

The sponsors answered questions from the committee regarding AP courses and concurrent enrollment programs.

Committee discussion ensued.

The sponsors provided closing comments on the bill. The members provided closing comments on the bill.

Representative Wilson presented and summarized House Bill 18-1088 concerning funding for full-day kindergarten. He distributed a handouts on kindergarten curriculum [Attachment C] and current statutory requirements regarding full-day kindergarten [Attachment D].

Representative Wilson continued discussing the bill.

Committee discussion ensued.

Cheryl Smith, representing the Junior League, testified in support of the bill.

Former Senator Evie Hudak, representing Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill. She answered several committee questions.

Lisa Escarcega, representing the Colorado Association of School Executives, testified in favor of the bill. She answered questions from the committee regarding early childhood education opportunities and the different ways they are paid for.

Representative Wilson discussed school districts that currently provide full-day kindergarten.

Representative Wilson provided closing comments on the bill. The committee members provided closing comments on the bill.