s_sa_2017a_2017-02-13t13:35:55z4 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/13/2017

Location: SCR 357

04:18 PM -- SB17-107



Senator Merrifield, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-107 to the committee. Under current law, the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) determines the level of attainment of each public school, each school district, the Colorado Charter School Institute, and the state as a whole based on four performance indicators:



• student academic growth;

• student achievement on statewide assessments;

• progress made in closing growth and achievement gaps; and

• postsecondary and workforce readiness.



These indicators form the basis of the state's public school accountability and accreditation system. Beginning with the 2017-18 academic year, this bill requires that the CDE also consider access to courses or educational programs in the arts as a performance indicator. The bill requires that the State Board of Education adopt rules for awarding performance credit to schools and districts for arts offerings. In determining the amount of additional credit, the board must also take into account a district's or school's geographic location, and the percentage of enrolled students who qualify for free or reduced price meals. Schools and districts are required to report to the CDE the courses or programs they provide in the arts, and make assurances to the department that those courses meet or exceed applicable academic standards.



04:25 PM -- Mark Hudson, representing the Colorado Music Educators Association, testified in support of the bill.



04:29 PM -- Dr. Jay Seller, representing Arts for Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



04:31 PM -- Tamera Sakotas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



04:34 PM -- Beau Augustin, representing the Colorado Thespians, testified in support of the bill.



04:37 PM -- Kevin Vick, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill.



04:40 PM -- Becky Benedict, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.



04:44 PM -- Ed Vigdon, representing Spirit of Harmony, testified in support of the bill.





04:46 PM



Senator Merrifield read letters from Jacqueline Thompson and Jerry Monks (Attachments M and N). He wrapped up his presentation of the bill.



17SenateState0213AttachM.pdf 17SenateState0213AttachN.pdf



Committee members commented on the bill.





05:04 PM



The committee recessed.





05:10 PM



The committee reconvened.