Video & Transcript Research : 'curriculum changes'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Article III Feb 24th, 2025
Appropriations - S/C on Article III
Transcript Highlights:
- However, there are changes to.
- So name changes, charter changes, statutes. The number is much bigger than the campus number.
- Yes so you're talking about the curriculum cost and how district district's purchase curriculums.
- Unfortunately, that change happened after...
- It hasn't changed since 2019. Now, as written in HB1, it wouldn't change until 2027.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
April 9, 2025 - 08:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We just don't change it for one party.
- So that is fluid and ever changing.
- other curriculum for schools that previously engineers were actually The other curriculum for schools
- So because we're not changing any changes to the licensure requirements, it would be up to them if they
- So the changes that we're making in this bill do not have any effect on the job... ...the changes that
Summary:
The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no.
The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance.
Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Abbott was welcome to the change, and that members is the amendment.
- here in Florida update the change.
- Obviously, we cannot change prior books.
- ...have known to change the reference.
- I don't think that we should change what name the Gulf of Mexico was assigned at birth.
Summary:
The Education Employment Committee held its first meeting and heard three bills. Chair Kennedy opened with remarks about the committee’s work and the goal of moving Florida from “excellent to eminent.” The committee first considered PCS for CS for HB 151 on private school participation in interscholastic sports and extracurricular activities. Representative Abbott explained that the bill would let private school students participate in sports at FHSAA member schools when their own school does not offer that sport, clarify treatment of single-sex versus co-ed teams, adjust FHSAA board appointment authority, require appeals panels to include a majority of member-school representatives, set timelines for eligibility appeals, and post appeals decisions online. An amendment by Representative McFarland added FHSAA board decisions to the transparency requirement. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably as amended by a 19-0 vote.
The committee then took up HB 549 on the “Gulf of America.” Representative Porras said the bill would align Florida’s geographic materials and academic standards with the federal designation replacing the Gulf of Mexico, with a later amendment to phase in the change only for materials adopted or acquired on or after July 1, 2025. Members questioned the timing, costs, and impact on instructional materials; the ranking member and others argued the bill was unnecessary and could burden districts, while supporters said Florida should lead in adopting the federal terminology. Public testimony included support from Florida Citizens Alliance and opposition from a speaker who called the bill a waste of time. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 16-2 vote.
Finally, the committee considered CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions. Representative Kendall described the bill as addressing elementary students who live within the two-mile walk zone but must cross interstates, freeways, highways, or ramps, and said the measure would provide bus service in those hazardous situations. An amendment clarified the language by tying it to the statutory definition of a limited access facility. Members from both parties described local safety concerns and personal experiences, while one member noted the likely added cost to districts. Public testimony listed opponents, but the chair later clarified they had submitted cards with the wrong bill number. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably with committee substitute by a 20-0 vote, then adjourned.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- Jermensen said, we needed a change in our district and we needed good positive changes.
- You're changing the game.
- So there's basically nothing tying, the standards changed. The ALDs changed.
- Like we're teaching this well, we're not doing this well, we're going to change the curriculum.
- Like we're teaching this well, we're not doing this well, we're going to change the curriculum.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- . curriculum. curriculum.
- ,<00:04:52.480>
not One part of the curriculum, not One part of the curriculum, not stand-alone - But we've also heard from those students who have access to CTE, how it changed their life, changed their
- Madam Speaker, it's time that CTE becomes as important as all other curriculum in our schools.
- is changed to early stage. stage. stage.
Summary:
The House took up Senate Bill 313, relating to transforming Vermont’s career technical education system. The Committee on Commerce and Economic Development described the bill as part of a broader effort to integrate CTE more fully into Vermont’s education system, with goals including universal access, more consistent admissions and credit policies, better transportation access, updated rules and procedures, and stronger alignment with workforce needs. The committee emphasized that CTE should be treated as a core part of education, not a stand-alone track, and reported the bill favorably 11-0-0 after hearing from education, labor, workforce, fiscal, and CTE stakeholders.
The Committee on Education recommended a few changes, including a typo correction and removal of a legislative working group, explaining that broader education reform work already underway would make a separate working group duplicative. It added a task for the Agency of Education to study how to serve adult diploma students in CTE programs amid federal funding changes, and it supported the bill with an amendment vote of 10-0-1. The Committee on Appropriations said the fiscal impact could not yet be estimated because it depends on future rulemaking, and it recommended the bill ought to pass in concurrence as amended by a vote of 10-0-1.
The House adopted the Education Committee amendment, then adopted a further amendment offered by Representative Bartley and others that incorporated language from S. 230 while removing a solicitation provision related to Department of Corrections property. The House then agreed to propose the amended bill to the Senate, ordered third reading, suspended rules to place the bill in all remaining stages of passage, passed S. 313 in concurrence with proposal of amendment, and suspended rules again to message its action to the Senate forthwith. The House then recessed until 1:00 p.m.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Talent, culture, curriculum, and instruction.
- Could there be long-term changes?
- Should we change those policies?
- Around 10% reported no positive changes.
- The State Board of Education is attempting sweeping curriculum changes without transparency, adequate
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Public Health Effects of Xylazine Jun 21st, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- Xylazine, fentanyl, and white powders are definitely covered in the MPTC curriculum.
- The recruit curriculum covers controlled substances.
- The recruit curriculum covers controlled substances for first responders, and the recruit curriculum
- The recruit curriculum covers controlled substances.
- Recruit curriculum covers controlled substances, first responders, the recruit curriculum and annual
Summary:
The Working Group on Outreach and Treatment of the Special Commission on Xylazine held its first meeting, chaired by Gabe Adams-Cain in Senator John Villis’s absence. Members introduced themselves and described priorities such as improving education about xylazine, expanding first responder and clinical training, and ensuring patients and providers know how to respond to xylazine-related wounds and complications. Several participants emphasized that outreach should reach both people who have not been exposed and those already affected, and that stigma is a major barrier for patients and families.
Discussion focused on the main challenges to treatment and outreach, including limited awareness, inconsistent wound care access, gaps in geographic coverage, cost of supplies, and the need for better training in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Dr. Kimmel noted that harm reduction and outreach programs are already providing much of the care, but often lack specialized staff, sufficient supplies, and standardized protocols. He also said xylazine can complicate withdrawal and make it harder for people to engage in substance use treatment. Members discussed the value of non-stigmatizing, consensus messaging, family support organizations, and existing resources such as PARI, StreetCheck, and state-funded syringe service and naloxone networks.
The group also reviewed the commission timeline and next steps. Staff said materials for the December 11 full commission meeting should be submitted by December 2, with draft presentation materials to be shared by December 4 and reviewed by December 9. Members agreed to do additional follow-up research on topics including the cost-effectiveness and contents of self-care wound kits, outreach to family and recovery organizations, incarcerated populations, and geographic access gaps. The meeting ended with agreement to use a PowerPoint-style presentation and to continue compiling research through a shared folder, followed by adjournment at 9:55 a.m.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
OK 911 Management Authority Jun 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, there's been a lot of change.
- If anyone would like to see any changes or anything, then now is the time to discuss the changes to the
- The simulator needs to match the curriculum. They do have multiple different simulator options.
- So we do know that the curriculum has been used in the state of Oklahoma already.
- So the answer is, right now, we're just approving the curriculum. And if you want to...
Summary:
The Oklahoma 911 Management Authority met with a quorum and approved the April 2 minutes and the February, March, and April 2026 financial reports. Members then adopted the FY 2027 budget, which included a 5% staff increase, a reclassification for the 911-988 liaison/training coordinator role, a new GIS specialist position, increased funding for training, travel, cybersecurity training, recruitment, GIS repository work, and technology roadmap items. The budget also set aside funds for NG911 deployment, grant closeouts, and a $3 million reserve for a one-time PSAP distribution program.
The authority approved the $3 million one-time distribution to the 123 primary PSAPs and separately approved the distribution guidelines and priority list. The program will use the statutory population-and-land-area formula, with eligible uses focused on GIS Version 3 work, technology and equipment, and grant matching; salaries, construction, radio systems, OLETS, and mobile apps were excluded. The board also denied a hardship request from Washington County 911 to waive a 20% match for a radio console grant, finding the county had sufficient carryover and other funding sources.
Members approved an Oklahoma technical school in-person telecommunicator training curriculum and simulator that meets minimum training standards, and authorized a statewide 911 telecommunicator recruitment campaign with ICG Advertising for $249,820. The authority also approved a compliance action plan for PSAPs that had not completed GIS remediation and repository uploads, setting a June 19 deadline before notice and possible escrow proceedings. Several grant requests were approved, including projects for Adair, Grady, Harper, INCOG, McCurtain, Roger Mills, Pauls Valley, and Washington County, covering NG911 fiber, ADA furniture, equipment, feasibility work, recorder upgrades, and radio console improvements.
In committee and staff reports, members heard updates on 911 Day at the Capitol, the POP grant timeline, legislative activity, NG911 and GIS tools, cybersecurity training, operations committee work, 988 integration outreach, and statewide project progress. The coordinator also noted work on standards, NASNA leadership, and the need for PSAPs to obtain EM Grants logins ahead of the upcoming grant cycle. The meeting adjourned after no public comments or new business were offered.
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
2026 Joint Budget Subcommittee on Education - 03/18/2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll carefully evaluate the changes and any potential modifications to ensure the Foundation Aid formula
- for evidence-based reading curriculums for all students. >> Thank you, Assemblyman.
- FOR EVIDENCE-BASED READING CURRICULUMS FOR ALL STUDENTS.
- These are some of the changes in an enacted budget.
- THESE ARE SOME OF THE CHANGES IN AN ENACTED BUDGET.
Summary:
The Education Budget Conference Joint Committee met on March 18 to begin negotiations on the state education budget. Co-chairs Senator Shelley Mayer and Assembly Member Benedetto outlined their chambers’ priorities, with the Senate emphasizing Foundation Aid changes to better support students experiencing homelessness or foster care, English language learners, a minimum 2% increase for all districts, expanded universal pre-K, and continued support for special education programs and nonpublic schools. The Assembly highlighted its one-house proposal, including a $1.4 billion increase in Foundation Aid, a higher ELL and pupil needs weighting, a new weight for students in foster care or housing instability, removal of the pupil needs cap, $600 million for New York City class size reduction, additional community schools funding, and restorations or increases for libraries, teacher resource centers, 4201 schools, My Brother’s Keeper, and educational television and radio.
Members from both chambers offered opening remarks stressing education as a top budget priority and expressing confidence that a compromise could be reached. Senator Tedisco focused on school safety and bullying, arguing that parents should be notified when their children are bullied and citing the need to protect students’ ability to learn. Assembly Member Vanel emphasized education as a tool for economic mobility and called for stronger financial literacy instruction. Assembly Member Carroll supported funding for libraries and evidence-based reading programs, while Assembly Member Smith said the Foundation Aid formula remains outdated and urged more support for English language learners, special education, and community schools. Assembly Member Chludzinski stressed local control, criticized the electric school bus mandate, and called for greater support for libraries and fiscal restraint.
No votes were taken. The meeting was an opening conference session, with both sides stating their intent to continue negotiations and work toward an on-time budget that reflects shared priorities for students, schools, and libraries across New York State.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/12/2026)
Education Policy and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- as part of a student's curriculum. as part of a student's curriculum.
- new um and all policies that we change new um and all policies that we change uh<01:54:24.480>
<02:21:06.880>you innovation school can't uh change you innovation school can't uh change - of education authority to to to change of education authority to to to change that.<02:26:25.920
- and programs as things are changing. and programs as things are changing.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Artificial Intelligence Task Force 2025 (7-15-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- is an has is an ever-changing is an has is an ever-changing uh uh uh area<00:23:40.680>
to - the changes to the curriculum<00:24:29.000>
of <00:24:29.080>those <00:24:29.320>programs - Um, that's changing all the time.
- that the curriculum is still relevant. that the curriculum is still relevant.
- curriculum to meet the workforce needs. curriculum to meet the workforce needs.
Summary:
The Artificial Intelligence Task Force met and adopted the prior minutes before turning to AI in education. Jeff Gagne of the Southern Regional Education Board described SREB’s Commission on AI in Education, which has organized its work into committees on policy, K-12 instruction, postsecondary instruction, and skills development. He highlighted eight commission recommendations covering statewide AI networks, targeted guidance for different user groups, professional development, standards and curricula, local capacity assessments, risk management, procurement, and AI-ready workforce skills. He also emphasized that states need more specific guidance for students, teachers, faculty, administrators, and parents, and that training is essential because many educators have not been prepared to use AI in instruction.
Gagne also summarized two recent SREB reports: one on AI-ready workforce skills and one on AI use in K-12 classrooms. The workforce report recommends embedding AI across standards, strengthening computer science and digital learning standards, collaborating with industry and workforce agencies, building AI competencies into training and upskilling, providing educator professional development, and monitoring readiness. He said the report identifies three skill areas: success skills, industry baseline skills, and technical skills. The classroom guidance report promotes responsible AI adoption, with four pillars focused on increasing cognitive demand, streamlining teaching and administrative work, supporting personalized learning, and developing ethical AI users. He also noted that the report includes an AI procurement tool for school districts.
Members thanked Gagne for providing outside examples and resources. One member noted JCPS has an introductory AI professional development offering for educators. Gagne said Kentucky’s David Couch serves on the SREB commission and that the commission’s member list and reports are available on SREB’s website. The committee then heard from Travis Powell of the Council on Postsecondary Education, who said CPE had surveyed campuses and found that Kentucky institutions have broadly embraced AI in teaching, research, student services, and administrative operations. He said all institutions have AI-focused degrees, minors, or courses, and many are integrating AI into general education and across disciplines. Powell also said CPE is considering an AI consortium and that campuses are using AI in research partnerships and applied work, while continuing to focus on ethical and effective use.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Education Pre-K - 12 Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS CURRICULUM IS DIVIDED AS FOLLOWS., GARDEN AND GRADE 3.
- ON HIS GRAVE OF THE FLORIDA NATIONAL CEMETERY EVAN SAID BE THE CHANGE, SAY I WILL.
- LET'S LET THIS CURRICULUM BE ADOPTED INTO OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.
- WHAT HIS STORY IS DONE FOR ME READING ABOUT THE CURRICULUM WE ARE PUTTING FORWARD IS WHAT HIS STORY IS
- DONE FOR ME READING ABOUT THE CURRICULUM WE ARE PUTTING FORWARD IS WHEN THINGS ARE BAD THEY COULD BE
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- We now have LNA curriculum has evolved.
- Thank you very much. precipitated needing to make this change precipitated needing to make this change
- <01:10:57.679>
makes it or not, it makes this change makes it or not, it makes this change - local decisions about how curriculum local decisions about how curriculum should<02:17:11.200>
school district control over curriculum. school district control over curriculum.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 19, 2025 - 04:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- Would you be open to that change? You recognize. Thank you. Great question.
- Why would you want to change that?
- And the reason is, when the law was changed significantly in 2009 to open up the door... ...when the
- It is the most significant change to the law.
- You now find out you've got basically nine months to change the whole program, change your dean, and
Summary:
The Careers and Workforce Subcommittee heard three bills. HB 919 on nursing education programs would tighten accountability for nursing schools with low NCLEX pass rates by shortening the probation period, requiring remediation plans, mandating free remediation for students who fail, and requiring tuition reimbursement for programs with very low pass rates. The sponsor argued Florida’s nursing pass rates are unacceptably low and that stronger consequences are needed; opponents warned the bill could shut down programs, worsen the nursing shortage, and unfairly target private schools, while supporters said it would protect students and improve outcomes. After debate, the bill was reported favorably by a vote of 18-0.
The committee then heard PCS for HB 1261, the “Smart Living Act,” a student-driven proposal from Jefferson High School in Hillsborough County to expand personal financial literacy and practical life-skills instruction in high school. Students and school officials testified that the bill would better prepare graduates for adulthood by covering topics such as budgeting, credit, loans, FAFSA, resumes, interviews, and basic household skills. Members praised the students’ work and the bill’s practical focus, and the PCS was reported favorably 18-0.
Finally, the committee considered HB 809, which would exempt school social workers from educator certification requirements for general and subject-area knowledge. Supporters from Lee and Broward counties said the current testing requirement is unrelated to social work, creates financial and recruitment barriers, and has contributed to staffing shortages. Members from both parties supported the measure as a simple way to remove an obstacle to hiring and retaining school social workers. HB 809 was also reported favorably by a vote of 18-0, and the meeting adjourned after all agenda items were completed.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career Technical Education and Workforce Development Programs Dec 11th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Our economy is changing rapidly.
- Our economy is changing rapidly.
- This guaranteed pathway to employment... ...is life changing for our students.
- , our ideas, and assisting us with innovation and changes in the field.
- Carpenters have a career connections curriculum. They get that in high school.
Summary:
The hearing opened the Select Committee on Effective Postsecondary Career, Technical Education, and Workforce Development Programs at Santa Ana College, with Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasizing the need for affordable, accelerated pathways into high-demand careers and noting his bill AB 1098 creating the California Interagency Education Council. Chancellor Marvin Martinez welcomed the committee and urged changes to AB 927 to remove the “duplication” barrier for community college bachelor’s degrees, arguing that applied baccalaureate programs can lead to high-wage jobs and expand access for low- and middle-income students.
The first panel focused on statewide workforce trends and policy. California Community Colleges Vice Chancellor Anthony Cordova highlighted credit for prior learning, Strong Workforce funding, dual enrollment, and apprenticeship growth, asking the Legislature to restore and increase Strong Workforce funding and expand applied baccalaureate degrees. LAEDC’s Josep Bilayo described regional labor market data showing growth in health care, education, construction, bioscience, and clean energy, while stressing the need for employer-led, data-driven programs, wraparound supports, and flexible funding. Andrew Gonzalez of the Building and Construction Trades Council argued that registered apprenticeship must be paid, combine classroom and on-the-job training, and end in a portable credential; he also promoted apprenticeship readiness programs, community workforce agreements, and stronger exposure to trades starting in K-12. Eric Morrison Smith of the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color discussed the California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grant Program and related youth apprenticeship recommendations, including bridge programs, intermediary infrastructure, reduced employer barriers, and better coordination of state funding.
A later panel highlighted Santa Ana College’s fire technology and firefighting academy programs. President Annabelle Neri and Vice President Jeffrey Lamb said the college is one of the state’s largest fire training providers, with strong partnerships with local fire agencies, law enforcement, and the U.S. Forest Service, and with high job placement and six-figure starting salaries for some graduates. They also described related certificates, advanced officer training, wellness services, and workforce preparation such as mock interviews and sponsorships. Throughout the hearing, members and panelists repeatedly stressed the importance of aligning education with labor market demand, expanding apprenticeships and work-based learning, and using regional collaboration to connect students to living-wage careers.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- are in Roman 4 talking about curriculum are in Roman 4 talking about curriculum requirements<00:
- occurs between pedagogi and curriculum occurs between pedagogi and curriculum and<00:20:39.960><
- <02:07:01.559>
it it doesn't appear to really change it it doesn't appear to really change - that actually changes that actually changes it<02:07:07.760>
yeah <02:07:07.920>so - settings this language wouldn't change settings this language wouldn't change that<02:18:22.719>
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials.
Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials.
Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Criminal Justice Feb 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- AND THIRD IS CHANGING UP THEIR PEER GROUP.
- THESE THINGS ARE STARTING TO CHANGE. HAVE WE ARRIVED AT PROFESSION?
- I AM CURIOUS ABOUT THE FIREARM OFFENDING CURRICULUM.
- IT'S IN A PILOT PHASE NOW BUT THE CURRICULUM HAS BEEN DEVELOPED.
- WHAT IS THE CURRICULUM? >> IT IS FOCUSED ON AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- devastating for us to lose curriculum devastating for us to lose curriculum reimbursement<01:12:
- them without watering down the curriculum.
- them without watering down the curriculum.
- them without watering down the curriculum.
- them without watering down the curriculum.
Summary:
The Education Finance Committee met on February 5, 2025, to hear testimony from representatives of Minnesota’s Catholic and other nonpublic schools, focused on state nonpublic pupil aid, transportation, counseling, nursing, and related support programs. Meg Forette of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis argued that Catholic schools serve more than 30,000 students across many districts, educate a diverse population, and achieve strong academic results while operating at far lower per-student costs than public schools. She urged lawmakers to reject proposed cuts to nonpublic funding, saying they would be inequitable and harmful to lower-income families, and also raised concerns about state teacher-licensing requirements conflicting with Catholic values.
Trisha Menshu, principal of St. John Paul II Catholic School in Northeast Minneapolis, described a student body with high levels of poverty, learning needs, and academic gaps, and said state-funded nurse and guidance-counseling services are essential to keeping students safe, healthy, and on track for high school. She said the school absorbs many costs itself, including medical supplies and significant staff time, and credited the support programs with helping students make strong academic growth and graduate on time. In response to a senator’s question, she clarified that the school uses the nursing aid for limited nurse time and pays other medical-related costs from operating funds, with no billing back to public school districts.
Committee members asked follow-up questions about the relationship between teacher licensing and Catholic values, and about how medical needs for nonpublic students are funded. Forette said the concern was not with welcoming all students but with how DEI-related trainings and language are presented in ways that conflict with Catholic teaching. The committee then moved on to the next testifier, Andrew Hiliker of Stella Maris Academy in Duluth, who began by describing his school’s growth and the state’s role in supporting all students, regardless of school choice.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (02/05/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- local control for curriculum curriculum local control for curriculum materials<00:05:46.680>
yeah - <00:21:31.360>
their videos change their videos change their minds<00:21:33.279>about< - We’ve changed laws.
- We’ve changed laws.
- We’ve changed laws.
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions.
Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices.
Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- October 7th, 2023 changed my life.
- I would turn that call into change.
- That is a significant change.
- Which of course is the area that wasn't changed. That's existing law.
- The witness is accurate that the change to 244-A is a change, which actually goes to the issue of making