HCS SS SCS SB 734 -- ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

SPONSOR:  Pearce (Wallace)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Elementary
and Secondary Education by a vote of 12 to 0.

This substitute requires each school district to include in its
annual accountability report information about the status of its
gifted education program and indicate if it has had a
state-approved gifted education program within the last three
years.  Each school district must identify its gifted students
and may establish appropriate programs or differentiated services
for them.  The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
must develop a list of identification criteria with emphasis on
early identification.  Gifted programs and services must be
funded by a school district from its basic state aid with certain
exceptions as specified in the substitute.

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2013, the Division of School Improvement
within the department may ensure that each Regional Professional
Development Center provides professional development educational
assistance for fine arts, which may include acting as a resource
for and working with school districts in staff development and
curriculum issues related to fine arts education and fine arts
integration; coordinating services available from other entities
involved in fine arts education and fine arts integration; and
contributing to the development and implementation of in-service
training that responds to the needs of arts specialists and other
educators concerning the fine arts.  Each center must identify
ways in which school districts can become more cost effective;
achieve efficiencies; reduce costs; and minimize purchasing by
allowing certain districts to share a superintendent or engage in
group administration of certain services and allowing districts
to engage in group purchases of supplies and insurance or
participate in a deferred compensation plan.

FISCAL NOTE:  Estimated Cost on General Revenue Fund of $0 in FY
2011, $0 in FY 2012, and Up to $686,400 in FY 2013.  No impact on
Other State Funds in FY 2011, FY 2012, and FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that fine arts education helps
students in every facet of learning.  Incorporating arts into
core courses helps keep students engaged.  The Regional
Professional Development Centers may be able to provide
additional assistance besides professional development.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Pearce; Kyna Iman, Missouri
Alliance for Arts Education; and Missouri Citizens for the Arts.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the physical
education waivers do not meet state standards and do not promote
lifelong health habits.  The waivers may establish a precedent
that lets students substitute math club participation for a math
course.

Testifying against the bill were Carol Cox; Thomas Loughrey;
Missouri National Education Association; and American Heart
Association.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that there are
concerns about the physical education standards.  It is possible,
under the right circumstances, for two small districts that are
not contiguous to share a superintendent.

Testifying on the bill were Missouri State Teachers Association;
and Larry Davis.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:14 pm