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 3,123,091 3,123,091
Personal Services 0 224,093 224,093
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 2,898,998 2,898,998
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


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


The WVDE employs 1.5 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. Two additional FTE are required to coordinate this process ($201,093). Remaining costs to the WVDE include two technology work stations ($3,000) and approximately $20,000 to support state-wide travel. The total WVDE cost is $224,093. This bill removes the requirement of 18 semester hours at an institution of higher education, therefore, additional costs are associated with delivering 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. Facilitators are paid $1,000 to facilitate a course with up to 30 students enrolled. With seven courses required, it will cost $70,000 per 300 participants. An induction program is a required component of an alternative certification program. The amount allocated to districts for the WV Support for Improving Professional Practice (WV SIPP) would need to be doubled to support new educators. ($669,900) Specific costs to the RESA include: 8 FTE to coordinate approved alternative programs ($804,372). Additionally, 16 academic coaches are required to support educators throughout each RESA ($1,105,726. Each coordinator and academic coach will need a corresponding technology workstation ($36,000). Travel expenses will be necessary to monitor the implementation and support the participants and will total approximately $20,000 per RESA ($160,000). Total RESA costs are $2,106,098. An appeal panel is utilized to review those not recommended for certification at the conclusion of the approved alternative program. Appeal panel costs are estimated to be $18,000. Total cost to implement components of bill: $3,123,091



Memorandum






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