Transcript Highlights:

• allow for our schools to actually have more counselors and have the amount they need so their load is level
• ACTUALLY HAVE  MORE COUNSELORS AND HAVE THE AMOUNT   241 THEY NEED IT SO THEIR LOAD IS A LEVEL
• I think one of my stories is a student in one of my high schools that she was not able to take a class
• The world has changed around athletics and money even on a high school level.
• As Representative Aristide pointed out, small class size is attractive for many parents, and this bill

Summary: The House Education Employment Committee heard seven bills and reported each favorably. HB 129 on Florida Virtual School would remove a priority system, confirm access for all Florida students and eligible military dependents overseas, clarify teacher retirement status, allow local schools to administer required exams, and authorize direct-support organizations; it passed unanimously after brief questions about audit-related updates and waitlists. HB 423 on student elopement, sponsored by Rep. Eskamani and Rep. Tramont, would require schools to establish safety teams and prevention plans for students who may leave supervised areas; testimony from autism advocates emphasized drowning and other safety risks, and the bill passed 16-0 with strong bipartisan support. The committee also approved CS for CS HB 753 on school counselors, which removes certain certification barriers while keeping the master’s degree requirement and sets evaluation criteria based on state counseling standards. Supporters said the bill would help address counselor shortages and align evaluations with the profession’s actual duties. CS HB 1253 on coach support for student-athletes, as amended, allows coaches to use personal funds up to a capped amount for student needs with written parental consent; members raised concerns about liability, fairness, and the need for clear guardrails, but the bill passed 15-0. CS HB 833 on private school facilities would make small private schools of 100 students or fewer a permitted use in commercial and mixed-use zoning districts and allow use of existing buildings if fire and code standards are met; supporters said it would reduce local barriers while preserving safety, and it passed 15-0. PCS for CS HB 1325 would update the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund by clarifying matching contributions, allowing expansion or modernization of existing space but not new construction, and streamlining awards; it passed unanimously with broad college and health system support. Finally, CS HB 1437 on conversion charter schools would create clearer dispute-resolution options for facility maintenance issues and, via amendment, allow capital outlay funds for repairs if the charter assumes full responsibility; after debate over whether the amendment was premature, the bill passed 13-3. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• will the students still have to pass an algebra exam when they take these different applied algebra classes
• certainly would want to be compensated more, having earned a doctorate, than someone that's teaching the class
• I might have to go a couple of levels up. Maybe I'll talk to the hammer. He might disagree.
• I might have to go a couple of levels up. Maybe I'll talk to the hammer. He might disagree.
• That will be determined at the district level.

Bills: S7022, S0178, S0430, S0464, S0538, S0920, S1036, S1136, S1216

Keywords: public records, open government, sunshine law, education assessments, testing materials, exam security, assessment instruments, test items, answer keys, scoring rubrics, item banks, developmental materials, workpapers, student testing, academic dishonesty, cheating, Florida Department of Education, State Board of Education, Board of Governors, Florida College System

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee considered and reported favorably several bills. SB 1036 on school counselors was amended to clarify certification exemptions and passed, with support focused on addressing counselor shortages and student mental health needs. SB 1136 on dental screenings for K-12 students was converted by delete-all amendment to place the screening definition in the School Health Services Act and to require written parent notice and exemption procedures; it passed with support from PTA and other advocates. SB 920 on mathematics education passed after discussion of applied algebra courses tied to career pathways, while preserving Algebra I standards, end-of-course testing, graduation requirements, and university admission eligibility. SB 178 on athletics and public K-12 schools also passed after amendment adding a $15,000 annual cap on coach-provided personal support per team and discussion of guardrails to prevent recruiting abuses; members emphasized the role coaches play in supporting students. SB 1216 on public school personnel compensation passed with broad support for giving districts more flexibility on pay, cost-of-living adjustments, and advanced degree compensation. The committee also approved SPB 7022, a public records exemption bill extending protections for examination and assessment instruments to 2031 and clarifying coverage for district and school materials. SB 464 on observance of Veterans Day in K-12 schools passed after debate over whether schools should be closed or use the day for programs, with supporters arguing for statewide consistency and honoring veterans. Finally, SB 538 on physical education passed after a delete-all amendment establishing standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and home education students, addressing coach compensation at the district level, and clarifying participation limits across schools. The committee recessed briefly for Senator Avila’s arrival, postponed SB 430, and adjourned after recording one additional favorable vote on SB 1036.

Transcript Highlights:

• THIS BUT IT'S OUT THERE AND WHAT IT DOES IS IT HIGHLIGHTS AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS THAT HAVE CERTAIN LEVELS
• WE START EMBRACING IT JUST HAD A VERY SIMPLE LEVEL.
• HART, CEO OF CYPRESS POINT OYSTER COMPANY. >> LAST WEEK I GOT TO PRESENT TO MY GRANDSON'S 6TH GRADE CLASS
• >> I DID BRING OYSTERS TO MY SIXTH-GRADE GRANDSONS CLASS.
• NOT JUST THE TREES OVERHEAD BUT ALL THE OTHER VEGETATION THAT'S ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE GROUND COVER LEVEL

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just like to say we have government contracts at state, local, and county levels across the country
• reinsurance has a proven program that stabilizes individual market premiums, maintains enrollment levels
• This bill will be making changes over that base funding level.
• I'd think to myself, "Oh, I already missed my 7 o'clock class, my 8 o'clock class," and never went back

Bills: HF1646, HF2443

Keywords: medical debt, debt relief, healthcare financing, consumer protection, financial hardship, commerce, cannabis, insurance, housing, ombudsperson, affordability, property, task force, financial institutions

Transcript Highlights:

• Um we also acquired redundant level.
• We we establish that scope of level.
• to to break this down at a judge level. to to break this down at a judge level.
• , parenting classes, paying restitution.
• , parenting classes, paying restitution.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call- 00:00:02 Statewide Emergency Response System Monthly Update- 00:02:23 Shock Probation: Administrative Office of the Courts-00:34:28 Shock Probation: Department of Corrections Oversight-01:04:04 Adjournment-01:12:22, 958, all

Summary: The committee received an update on Kentucky’s statewide emergency responder voice system (SERVS) and the supporting microwave network, known as KYeS. Michael Brandon Marshall, the state’s statewide interoperability coordinator, explained that the project began as a replacement for Kentucky State Police’s radio system and has expanded into a statewide public-safety trunked radio system. He reviewed work completed in phases 1 and 2, including upgrades to existing tower sites, construction of new sites, installation of generators and DC power plants, and replacement of microwave routers and stations. He said the microwave upgrade is a separate but necessary part of the project and that the remaining microwave work on existing sites is expected to be finished in 2026, with roughly 20 more sites likely to move from blue to green by the next monthly report if conditions allow. Members pressed Marshall on the pace of deployment and the lack of coverage in parts of Eastern Kentucky. Senator Thomas said the coverage map was especially unfavorable to counties from Whitley and McCreary up to Lewis County and asked when that gap would be fixed. Marshall said the eastern buildout is planned, but those areas have not yet been funded; he estimated that by the end of 2026 the areas around Posts 14, 8, and 11 should be live, while other eastern post areas would remain unbuilt until additional funding is provided. He said the decision to start in Western Kentucky was technical rather than political, based on terrain and the relative ease of building coverage over flatter ground. Senator Wheeler asked whether newer low-orbit satellite systems such as Starlink could reduce the need for tower construction. Marshall said satellite technology could be a useful tool, especially for outdoor or disaster-response communications, but it cannot replace terrestrial radio for public safety because responders often work indoors and need reliable penetration through buildings. He also noted that lower-frequency spectrum such as 700 MHz is better suited for that purpose. Representative Smith asked about contracting and delays; Marshall said the Finance Cabinet’s DECA manages the construction contracts, while his office helps define the scope of work and reviews whether it is adequately met. The committee indicated it will continue to receive monthly updates on the project.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:43:11.440> and That has to do with budget levels and That has to do with budget levels
• Um, and we actually just had one last week that was one of the classes that was provided.
• Um so that class gives also involved.
• classes that was provided. classes that was provided.
• <02:02:01.520> without anything for uh at any level without anything for uh at any level without

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:10.720> and governments of different levels and governments of different levels and
• Uh some also uh at the state level.
• work done on the individual state level work done on the individual state level as<00:33:57.039>
• I know state level regulations on this.
• penalty but I do know on a federal level penalty but I do know on a federal level there's<04:07:

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But this will give you this kind of top level. "Forward.
• and at the community level.
• Senate to a deputy secretary-level position in the federal government.
• Senate to a deputy secretary-level position in the federal government.
• Senate to a deputy secretary-level position in the federal government.

Summary: The committee first heard a confirmation from UCF trustee reappointee Mr. Christie, who described his background in medical devices and prior board service and said he wanted to help UCF strengthen its financial foundation, workforce alignment, and engineering and technology pipeline. Members asked about UCF’s direction, and he emphasized the university’s role in producing engineers and supporting Florida’s space and technology sectors. The committee then moved to the higher education budget for fiscal year 2025-26, which was presented as an $11.5 billion total budget including local funds and focused heavily on workforce education, nursing, agriculture technology, tutoring, student aid, and university initiatives. Chair Harrell highlighted increases for school district workforce education, Florida College System operations, career and technical education grants, the GATE program, nursing education through USF’s Florida Center for Nursing, UF/IFAS rural and agricultural programs, UCF’s Community School Grant Program, UF’s literacy and tutoring initiatives, autism and neurodevelopment services, full funding for major scholarship programs, and $250 million for state universities through the Board of Governors. Senator Davis asked about line grant flexibility, and Harrell said a conforming bill would address the details. The budget proposal was adopted as a recommendation to the full Appropriations Committee, with staff authorized to make technical corrections. The committee then took up a series of confirmations, beginning with Florida State University reappointee Peter Collins, who emphasized his long FSU ties, leadership on the board, and goal of keeping FSU on a path toward top-10 status and AAU membership. Rebecca Matthews, a new University of West Florida appointee, discussed her education-related volunteer work, Florida Education Foundation service, and interest in supporting UWF’s continued excellence; senators questioned her on Title IX and she said she would support student protections and compliance. Rachel Moyah, another UWF appointee, highlighted her education, school board experience, and priorities of student safety, fiscal discipline, and workforce readiness; she also said she would comply with Title IX and other applicable rules. Ashley Ross, also nominated to UWF, said she would focus on university advancement, military ties, cybersecurity, civil engineering, and strong governance, and agreed that Title IX protections should be preserved and advanced. The most extensive questioning came during the confirmation of Adam Kessel, a UWF appointee and Heritage Foundation fellow, who was asked about prior writings on privatizing public universities, his comments about the GI Bill, and his views on free speech and Project 2025. Kessel said he did not recommend privatizing Florida universities, clarified that his comments about the GI Bill and over-enrollment were about broader higher education policy, and said he supports veterans and the GI Bill. He described his higher education work as focused on civic education, accreditation, student success, tenure, and free speech, and said trustees should improve campus culture through policies, training, and institutional neutrality. Public testimony on UWF was sharply divided: former UWF leaders and community members warned that the new slate of trustees and their vote to make Scott Yenor chair had chilled donations, enrollment, and community trust, while a James Madison Institute representative praised Kessel’s scholarship and thoughtful approach. The committee also heard from FAMU reappointment Belvin Perry, who cited his judicial career and board service and said his goal is to support student success, retain strong faculty and staff, and help FAMU continue rising in national standing. Finally, the committee began hearing from remote appointees, including UCF nominee Mark Philburn, who emphasized his construction, affordable housing, and higher education board experience, and FSU nominee Peter Jones, who described his finance and investment background and long service to FSU boards and committees. The last nominee heard before the transcript ended was Florida Gulf Coast appointee Paul Applegarth, whose audio issues delayed his remarks; he began by noting his prior federal confirmation, military service, and GI Bill-supported education.

Transcript Highlights:

• about programs that may not be there because it is very sensitive, the people that are taking those classes
• that when you get roll-up costs, the next projected need for the agency is based on current service level
• During shallow and deep monitoring, the project will monitor water quality and groundwater levels in
• But there's been an increasing level of frustration in what seems to be a lack of progress.
• I think this has been just a first-class disaster, and it started out, I think, with good intention.

Summary: The Emergency Board approved a series of consent federal grant applications from the Natural Resources and Public Safety subcommittees, along with several budget and position requests. The board approved grant applications for parks, transportation, judicial, emergency management, higher education, school nutrition, and other programs, including retroactive approvals where deadlines had passed. One member objected to the Natural Resources consent grants over concerns about future funding needs, but the motion still passed. The board also approved a one-time increase for Judicial Department court security, including digital privacy protections, circuit court security, and a statewide facilities assessment. A major discussion centered on Southern Oregon University’s financial stability. The Higher Education Coordinating Commission reported on SOU’s structural deficits, declining enrollment, and projected cash shortfall. The subcommittee recommended, and the board approved, allocating $7.5 million from the special appropriation for short-term stability, with a required update at the September 2026 Emergency Board meeting and a future request for the remaining funds. Members debated the broader crisis in higher education, with several saying SOU’s situation reflects systemwide enrollment and funding pressures and that long-term restructuring will be needed. The board also approved an AmeriCorps volunteer generation grant, an apprenticeship expansion grant, and a Department of Education nutrition equipment grant. In public safety, it approved funding for Oregon Military Department readiness facilities, a statewide evacuation planning tool, and a juvenile justice information system modernization report, while requiring a follow-up viability report. The Department of Justice received approval for additional antitrust positions and expenditure limitation, though several members raised concerns about the funding structure and incentives tied to settlement revenues; the motion passed despite objections. In natural resources, the board approved funding for the Water Resources Department’s well abandonment, repair and replacement grants, an assistant water master position in Washington County, groundwater data collection in the Lower Umatilla Basin, a wetlands remote sensing pilot, and parks-related grant applications for operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. Members generally supported the requests but raised concerns about geographic equity, long-term sustainability, and whether some county responsibilities were being shifted to the state. The meeting also included discussion of a Department of Emergency Management evacuation tool as an urgent wildfire preparedness measure, with members emphasizing its potential to save lives.

Transcript Highlights:

• would say is even though it was very low back in the '60s and '70s, there's no denying the potency level
• Okay, because I filed a bill as it relates to THC level caps and was told when I filed it five years
• You cannot tell impairment from a blood level, and we don't have a roadside test.
• And in the academy, when I address the recruits, and we go over the 24-hour SFST class, I tell them,
• Based on that is, you know, we make that decision based on the training, the 24-hour SFST class that

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Jessica Spencer on cannabis, criminal justice, and mental health. She argued that marijuana products have become far more potent over time, that high-potency THC and hemp-derived products are widely available in Florida, and that daily or near-daily use can contribute to addiction, psychosis, and other mental health problems, especially for adolescents. She also said cannabis is linked to violent crime and suicide in some cases, urged more prevention funding in schools, stronger regulation of Delta-8 and similar products, better law enforcement and regulatory oversight, expanded treatment and diversion options, and more expungement opportunities for simple possession. Senators questioned her about potency data, testing methods, and whether she was claiming causation in violent cases; she said she was and noted she had worked on the No on 3 campaign while still favoring decriminalization of simple possession rather than full legalization. The committee then took up several bills. CS/SB 150, “Trooper’s Law,” was amended and reported favorably; it makes extreme animal cruelty during a declared emergency a third-degree felony, inspired by the rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. SB 234, the Jason Rayner Act, was reported favorably after debate over its changes to self-defense language and mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; supporters said it closes a loophole exposed in the Rayner case, while opponents raised concerns about unintended consequences and mandatory sentencing. CS/SB 138, “Trenton’s Law,” also passed after amendment; it increases penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenders and adds language on intoxicating substances, with supporters citing the death of Trenton Stewart and opponents warning about cannabis impairment standards and first refusal penalties. SB 130, dealing with compensation for wrongful incarceration, was reported favorably. The bill removes Florida’s “clean hands” bar, extends the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, and allows exonerees with factual innocence findings to pursue compensation and civil remedies. Support came from innocence and civil liberties advocates. The committee also received a law enforcement presentation from Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Channing Taylor on impaired driving enforcement, DRE training, and crash data, emphasizing that drug impairment—especially cannabis—plays a major role in fatal crashes and that officers rely on observation and field testing because roadside chemical testing is limited.

Transcript Highlights:

• AND SUFFICIENT TRANSFER AGREEMENTS WITH THE LEVEL ONE AND LEVEL TWO TRAUMA CENTERS AS WELL.
• WE REVISED OUR RULES TO INCLUDE THAT SPECIFIC CLASSIFICATION SO NOW WE HAVE A NEW CLASSIFICATION CLASS
• ONE OR LEVEL TWO TRAUMA HOSPITAL AND SUBMIT TO US THE PLAN OUTLINING THEIR ACTIONS FOR CONVERSIONS TO
• WHAT 121 DID WAS INCREASE THE 300 PERCENT OF INCOME FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL AND REALLY THE HEALTHY KIDS
• IT WAS UP TO 200 PERCENT OF THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I also have experience at every level of government, from federal to local.
• At the local government level, I have served as an attorney for multiple municipalities.
• And the allegation that was leveled against They would publish on companies.
• Yeah, so that would be examples we have through all of our asset classes.
• And then there's a layer, there's a level at which those companies basically attach.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians. The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline. Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• She language and composition classes.
• <08:37:08.718> through at the state and local level through at the state and local level through
• That's a middle-class person.
• That's a middle-class person.
• That's a middle-class person.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, May 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• bullet point of a slide in your class bullet point of a slide in your class overtake<01:36:58.480
• world-class medical institutions. world-class medical institutions.
• New Hampshire, Montana, and state level.
• , the state level, the state level, they're<03:02:15.920> going<03:02:16.120> to<03
• or local level, depending on what that benefit was.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:50.960> of they would be looking for this level of they would be looking for this level
• , for the test, paying for the um class, for the test, paying for the um class, paying<00:48:58.160
• Line 144 is um related the first class.
• This allows the same level of those journals to be used as justification for a variance.
• This allows the same level a variance.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reducing shelter impound saves funds at every level of California government and aligns with the state
• But then there's a certain class of interior designers who are saying, we are ourselves entrepreneurs
• And with the skill level we've obtained that is now proven through this licensure, we should not have
• I'll just second one point there: the class of interior designers that this bill is meant to address
• But then there's a certain class of interior designers who are saying, we are ourselves entrepreneurs

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with extensive testimony on each and repeated reminders that no quorum was present for much of the hearing. AB 1693 would speed local permitting for retail tenant improvements by requiring review by a qualified professional certifier and imposing 20-business-day approval/denial deadlines; the author and California Retailers Association said the bill would reduce costly delays, and there was no opposition testimony. AB 2010, the SNIP Act, would expand access to high-volume spay/neuter and mobile sterilization clinics by exempting them from certain surgical-room requirements; supporters cited California’s pet overpopulation crisis and rural access barriers, while opponents and the Veterinary Medical Board raised safety, oversight, and implementation concerns and sought amendments. The author said the bill was needed now and not after years of rulemaking, and the committee indicated it would support the measure when a quorum was available. AB 2195 would bar automatic suspension of occupational licenses for low-income parents behind on child support, arguing that keeping people employed is more effective than punitive suspension. Supporters said the bill would help parents pay support and cited evidence that similar driver’s-license reforms did not reduce collections, while the California Child Support Association and others argued license suspension is an important enforcement tool that brings obligors to the table. AB 2311 would allow public health care district hospitals to directly employ physicians, with supporters saying it would improve recruitment and retention and opponents warning about physician autonomy, institutional pressure, and the need to narrow the bill to financially vulnerable hospitals; the author said the bill would level the playing field with other public hospitals. AB 1796 would create a licensure pathway for professional interior designers and add a designer seat on the California Architects Board; supporters framed it as a public-safety and professional-equity measure, while opponents argued it would create confusion, duplicate existing certification, and lacked evidence of consumer harm. After a quorum was established, the committee voted AB 1796 out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, with several members voting aye and the bill left on call. AB 1739 would make it a crime for clergy providing therapeutic services to engage in sexual contact with a current or former counselee within two years, aligning clergy counseling with existing rules for other licensed professionals. Supporters described personal experiences of abuse and said the bill closes a gap in the law without regulating religious doctrine, while no opposition testimony was heard; the committee moved the bill due pass as amended to Appropriations, with some members not voting and the bill left on call. The committee also began hearing AB 2497, which would modernize the Physical Therapy Practice Act by expanding direct access and other practice authorities, but the transcript cuts off before the full testimony and any action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we've all been through civics class, right?
• I mean, we've all been through civics class, right?
• I mean, we've all been through civics class, right?
• This is true with the federal level, and this is true at every state level in our nation.
• and this is true at every federal level and this is true at every state<00:58:16.720> level<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• A year ago, they're at record levels. A year ago, they're at record<00:36:01.839> lows.
• Department in 2023 as a certified level Department in 2023 as a certified level two<02:14:30.880
• This is based on a class definition disputed by scientists.
• detainers had significantly lower levels detainers had significantly lower levels of<04:37:42.240
• <05:58:12.718> $2 million for Moroccan pottery classes. $2 million for Moroccan pottery classes

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Looking for a number or a level or an event?
• To that level, is my understanding.
• Not for this level. No, sir.
• A total and complete failure on all levels.
• Is that an acceptable level of death?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• To call to make concerns and actually see some level of investigation and solutions implemented.
• So there's been constant turnover at the executive level.
• It creates additional levels of bureaucracy. I'm not sure. I don't think there's anyone in this.
• Madam Chair, and Representative Chávez, it really is only the leadership level that would be changed.
• Just as an example, there are other devices that help kids participate in class.