FISCAL NOTE

Date Requested: January 29, 2015
Time Requested: 10:35 AM
Agency: Education, Department of
CBD Number: Version: Bill Number: Resolution Number:
2062 Amendment HB2005
CBD Subject: Education (K12)


FUND(S):



Sources of Revenue:

General Fund

Legislation creates:

A New Program



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of this bill is to amend and reenact §18A-3-1a and §18A-3-1b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to alternative programs for the education of teachers; adding, clarifying and removing definitions; adding West Virginia Department of Education as additional option for alternative program partner; removing limit on program to positions in area of critical need and shortage; providing for rule making; removing language replicated in or conflicts with other statute provisions; requiring separate program review process; removing degree requirements in certain disciplines; removing requirements for minimum semester hours; requiring the method of instruction to be set forth in program plan; removing specific requirements for mentors and requiring professional support team to be set forth in program plan; authorizing certain existing support structures to be used; allowing options for charges to offset costs; clarifying initial hiring; requiring final decisions and recommendation on progress of program teacher reside with the principal; and making technical changes.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2015
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2016
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 12,885,847 12,885,847
Personal Services 0 502,734 502,734
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 12,383,113 12,383,113
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


The current approved alternative programs in West Virginia are calculated at approximately $5,000 per participant, per year, for a period of two years, which equals $10,000 per participant. This amount does not include tuition or expenses incurred by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). The WVDE employs 2 FTE to coordinate the WV Transition to Teaching program and 1 FTE to oversee the approval process for the programs provided by institutions of higher education. This bill will require the WVDE to review a significant volume of alternative program proposals. Additionally, the WVDE will be charged with monitoring the implementation of the approved programs throughout the state. In order to ensure accountability of the approved programs, an annual review is required. Since the bill removes the requirement of 18 semester hours at an institution of higher education, there will be additional costs to the approved alternative program to provide the required components of the program. Utilizing the eLearning platform, it is estimated that seven courses must be developed and delivered in order to adequately prepare participants of the alternative process. Each course costs $5,000 to develop, for a total of $35,000. The initial cost is based on the number of vacancies (316.5) identified in the 2013-14 Personnel Data Report, and the total number of educators who are not-highly qualified In order to deliver the courses, seven facilitators are required at a rate of $1,000 per course. This totals $7,000 for delivery of the required courses. At a ratio of 30 students per course, and a total of 316.5 vacancies as well as 800 educators who were not highly-qualified in 2013-14. With a total of 1,116.5 eligible participants, 37 facilitators are required ($37,000). Additionally, there will be costs associated with the required professional support team. This will be determined by the approved education provider. Specific costs to the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) - Five FTE Coordinators (WVDE) to review proposals submitted by entities applying to become approved alternative programs with corresponding technology workstation costs. Sixteen (16) FTE (two per RESA) to coordinate the implementation process in each RESA. Sixteen (16) dedicated FTE (two per RESA) to serve as instructional coaches to support participants of approved alternative program. Travel expenses will be necessary to monitor the implementation and support the participants. An increased allocation in mentor funding is required and will be distributed to districts in order to provide additional induction and support to the number of alternatively certified educators. $60,000 - Travel - to monitor the implementation of the approved alternative programs. $18,000 - Appeal panel - to review those not recommended for certification at the conclusion of the approved alternative program The total estimated cost to the WVBE for WVDE and RESA Costs is $3,880,200. The total estimated cost to the County Boards of Education, as outlined below, is an additional $9,005,647. Specific costs to districts (LEA) 1 FTE to coordinate the alternative certification process 1 FTE to serve as an academic coach to participants of the approved alternative program Travel - to monitor the implementation of the approved alternative programs This initial cost is based on the number of vacancies (316.5) identified in the 2013-14 Personnel Data Report and 800 educators who were not highly-qualified in 2013-14 This number is subject to increase as the number of vacancies continue to increase annually, as noted in the Educational Personnel Data Report.



Memorandum






    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Brenda Freed
    Email Address: bfreed@k12.wv.us