NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates HB259

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

State Department of Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $300.0 from the general fund to the Commission on Higher Education to develop and fund a teacher recruitment, preparation, mentorship, retention and professional development program.

Significant Issues

According to CHE, this bill addresses the teacher preparation and induction issues as outlined in the 1999 CHE and State Board of Education Action Plan for improving teacher quality.

According to SDE, national, state and local literature overwhelmingly advocates for major reforms in teacher preparation programs.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $300.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

CHE notes minimal impact on the agency as a contractual services agreement would be implemented.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

This bill duplicates House Bill 259.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

According to SDE, the Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant awarded jointly to CHE and State Board of Education, focuses on statewide reforms in teacher recruitment, preparation, induction, and professional development as well as implementing pilot programs to evaluate and institutionalize reforms.

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