The measure comes at a time when funding assistance from the legislature has been inconsistent over the past several years. The bill moves next to the House State Affairs committee. Rep. Con Bunde, chairman of the House Special Committee on Education, intends to introduce a committee-sponsored bill next week. Educators were unanimous in their call for investments in education, as well as a commitment to concentrated teacher education programs, perhaps extending the school year if necessary. The Alaska Business Education Compact made its presentation to the committee focusing on financial commitment and strategic planning.
Time is money.
John Hart, with the University of Alaska, described the Malcolm Baldridge criteria for performance excellence in education. He addressed vision, assessment, leadership, strategic planning, faculty and staff buy-in, and process management. Responding to a question about why more districts aren't moving in this direction, Hart identified time as the biggest impediment. It takes time. You've got to look at employability skills and standards, said Reece.