Video & Transcript Research : 'reading difficulty'
Page 62 of 500
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- Am I reading that wrong? Let me interrupt here.
- Broadly, is it, am I reading that wrong?
- think it's important to keep an eye on that and not just live in the comment section on Facebook and read
- Obviously, yes, in this case, the governor put $70 million set aside in case we need to, because the difficulty
Summary:
The committee first considered the Lieutenant Governor’s Office budget and personnel request to move that office onto the state pay plan and increase salaries for its positions. Office representatives said the request was intended to make pay competitive with other constitutional offices and state agencies, that OPM had approved the grades, and that the office did not plan to max out any positions. Members questioned the size of the increase and the office’s workload. A motion to adopt the proposal failed on a tie vote, and the committee then voted to expunge the vote before moving on.
The committee then approved a series of Governor’s letters and related personnel transfers, including cuts for Arkansas Educational Television Network, transfers within the Department of Health and several DHS divisions, and a DFA shared services reorganization. The committee also approved moving child nutrition and related nutrition programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Agriculture, with department officials explaining that the programs fit better under Agriculture because the grants come from USDA and the transfer would include the positions and funding tied to the programs. Members raised questions about how the appropriations and positions were split between state and federal funding, and about the broader implications of the transfer, but the committee ultimately approved both the Education and Agriculture sides of the move.
The meeting also included extended discussion of the Educational Freedom Account program. Members questioned the $309 million appropriation, whether it matched current participation, and whether future demand could require additional funding. Department officials said the amount covered current participation and that the governor had set aside an additional $70 million in case applications increased, but that any amount beyond the appropriation would require returning to the committee. Some members argued the program’s growth could threaten funding for public schools and adequacy, while others noted that the program is governed by rules under the LEARNS Act. The committee also approved a technical title change at East Arkansas Community College from assistant to the president to assistant to the chancellor.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- So I read this language a different way initially, and so I'm glad to hear your explanation.
- The way I was reading this language now, and maybe this is still wrong, is that if the board of if the
- To clarify, if I read the language correctly There is a place in there where you can, by exception, still
- so that because many people do think that they're getting involved, and they don't realize the difficulty
Bills:
HB1245, HB2588, HB3024, HB3172, HB3279, HB3919, HB3306, HB3383, HB3431, HB3435, HB4352, HB3883, HB3942, HB4193, HB4203, HB4303, HB4311, HB4484
Keywords:
retirement, pension, public employees, Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, benefits, survivorship, contribution rates, disability retirement, owners associations, membership requirements, property ownership, board governance, residency requirements, salary increase, state employees, public finance, bonus limits, job performance, Fair Banking Act, financial institutions
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on County & Regional Government May 5th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to read a quick letter on behalf of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
- model, such as Dallas and Bear Counties, procurement processes have faced notable delays due to the difficulty
- So I'm reading the bill right now and I'm just confused on the fee, um.
- I was reading this bill earlier.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on County & Regional Government May 5th, 2025
S/C on County & Regional Government
Transcript Highlights:
- I'd like to read a quick letter on behalf of Sheriff Ed Gonzalez in strong support of HB 3648, a bill
- Such as Dallas and Bexar counties, procurement processes have faced notable delays due to the difficulty
- So I'm reading the bill right now, and I'm just confused on the... Fee.
- I was reading this bill earlier.
Keywords:
county jailer, jail training, veterans, Texas Veterans Commission, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, TCOLE, criminal justice system, county jail, law enforcement training, mental health training, jail standards, correctional officers, veteran services, veteran interaction, occupations code, jailer licensing, parking, county courthouse, infrastructure, local government
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Appropriations - Human Resources Division Apr 10th, 2025 at 02:00 pm
Appropriations - Human Resources Division
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we've heard from a few folks, and I was reading some of the testimony on this bill.
- I wasn't reading an email. He was listening this morning, and...
- I think that will create all kinds of questions in this bill and difficulty probably for the closing
- I didn't read it that closely. I've just been listening. Section 8 is the model of doing loans.
Bills:
SB2015
Keywords:
corrections, rehabilitation, prison budget, department of corrections, adult services, youth services, correctional facilities, Heart River correctional center, Missouri River correctional center, James River correctional center, minimum security facility, county jails, regional jails, deferred maintenance, capital construction, strategic investment and improvements fund, Bank of North Dakota, line of credit, tasers, body cameras
Summary:
The committee first discussed a wastewater infrastructure bill, centered on whether state support should be provided as a grant or through the existing Clean Water State Revolving Fund as a low-interest loan program. Department of Environmental Quality official David Brushwine explained that the SRF already finances wastewater projects, can leverage federal funds with state bond proceeds, and could accommodate the Washburn, Lincoln, and Peasant projects if they are ready to proceed. Members noted that losing federal grant support would make projects harder for local residents to afford because costs would be recovered through utility rates or special assessments, but the projects would still be eligible for loans. Senator Magrum indicated he would likely concur with the budget after this discussion, and the bill was set aside for later consideration.
The committee then turned to a proposed amendment for a four-plex housing project for people with disabilities or other special needs. Senator Mathern described Sections 7 and 8 as creating a design consultation appropriation and a revolving loan fund modeled on existing hospital and nursing home loan programs, while Section 9 would transfer $3.3 million from the state infrastructure fund. Members debated ownership, rent subsidies, repayment terms, and whether the state should finance the project directly or leave it to a private developer with Department of Human Services oversight. Concerns were raised that the state should not own the housing and that the proposal needed more work to be workable, but the committee ultimately reached consensus to adopt Sections 7 and 8 and leave out Section 9 for further conference committee discussion.
The committee also reviewed provider inflation and long-term care rate issues, with members discussing whether to support a 2% and 1.5% inflation adjustment and how to handle the $5-per-day basic care rate. Staff explained that the $5 payment was already in the base budget, but members debated whether it should remain ongoing or be treated as one-time funding and paired with a study of rate rebasing. The committee agreed to have draft language prepared to remove the $5 from the base budget and add study language, then moved the bill forward for drafting.
OR
Transcript Highlights:
- It's really short, and I'll just read it real quick.
- If there's no objection, the Senate will dispense with the reading of the messages, as all pertinent
- Denise reads the whole packet. She knows the line items.
- I was having technical difficulties earlier.
- The clerk shall read the proposed amendment to the Senate rules.
Summary:
The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senator Starr, followed by several courtesies recognizing Pride Month, a staff birthday, and later a retirement and a community celebration. Senator Robinson then used remonstrances to warn against expanding surveillance through school bus camera systems, arguing that leaked plans from a vendor could create commercial databases of drivers’ movements and erode privacy.
The main business was confirmation of numerous gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Senators debated the process at length, with several minority members objecting that the volume of nominees, limited hearing time, and lack of transparency made meaningful advice-and-consent review difficult. Supporters responded that the nominees were qualified public servants and that the Senate should work with the Governor’s office on reforms. The Senate first confirmed a large block of appointments, then confirmed two Sustainability Board appointees, and later confirmed three Quality Education Commission appointees after extended debate.
The Quality Education Commission nominations drew the most substantive policy discussion. Opponents argued the commission needs more technical research expertise and broader representation, while supporters emphasized the nominees’ education experience and direct knowledge of Oregon schools. Several senators described Oregon’s education system as in crisis, citing low reading and math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and the need for urgent reform of the Quality Education Model and school funding. The Senate also received a proposed rule amendment creating an official Senate seal, which was distributed and held on the table, and the chamber adjourned without further action.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CAA Info Briefing - Wed Jan 14, 2026 @ 9:30 AM HST
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Director Ewald, and your team, and to our tech team as well for trying to work through the technical difficulties
- Director Ewald, and your team, and to our tech team as well for trying to work through the technical difficulties
- trying to work through<00:59:00.319>
the <00:59:00.480>technical <00:59:00.880>difficulties - <00:59:01.599>
I through the technical difficulties. - I through the technical difficulties. I appreciate<00:59:02.160>
everyone.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Press Conference: Governor Walz and Legislative Leaders Announce Bipartisan Budget Agreement May 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- colleagues on a lot of the harder issues in the negotiation, but the House has worked through our difficulties
- colleagues on a lot of the harder issues in the negotiation, but the House has worked through our difficulties
- colleagues on a lot of the harder issues in the negotiation, but the House has worked through our difficulties
- colleagues on a lot of the harder issues in the negotiation, but the House has worked through our difficulties
- colleagues on a lot of the harder issues in the negotiation, but the House has worked through our difficulties
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism REVISED Apr 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Economic Development, Workforce and Tourism
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk, please read the amendment: 'Move to amend Bill Number 3880', On page one, line 19, by striking
- So how does that get managed because of this difficulty?
- As I read this, the original law talks about whether this body of water should take all these different
- That counters what I'm reading. That was the bill we talked about just a minute ago.
- And so I will bring you all of those bills because when they are read side by side, it's. easier to see
Keywords:
housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations, HB3369, food truck, food truck fire suppression, mobile food establishment, mobile food preparation vehicle, mobile food vendor, automatic fire extinguishing system, fire suppression, fire extinguisher, Class K extinguisher, NFPA 10, State Fire Marshal, Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Administration, Oklahoma Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, liquefied petroleum gas
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
February 4, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I was once told if you're going to write a bill or a statute, a third grader should read it.
- You should be able to read it and understand that you shouldn't need a law degree to do it.
- You should be able to read it and understand that you shouldn't need a law degree to do it.
- And if you would like some great reading, you can go to japsi.state.fl.us and find rules.
- And this man and his department have either read all of them or none of them.
Summary:
The committee received an informational presentation from the Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (JAPC/JAPSI) staff and Chair Representative Overdorf on how Florida administrative rulemaking is reviewed. Mr. Plant explained that JAPC is a joint legislative oversight committee that monitors agency rules under Chapter 120, focusing on whether rules stay within statutory authority, whether agencies are acting consistently with legislative intent, and how the rulemaking process works. He emphasized that agencies are creatures of statute, that rulemaking authority must be specific enough to support the rule, and that without a date certain in statute, agencies may delay rulemaking indefinitely. Members asked about how to ensure agencies actually adopt rules, how to identify rules that exceed legislative intent, and how JAPC handles internal policies and delayed rulemaking.
Representative Overdorf then described JAPC’s objection process and its limits. He said the committee does not approve or disapprove rules or direct agencies to adopt them, but it can object to proposed or existing rules that enlarge, modify, or contravene enabling statutes or fail to comply with Chapter 120. He noted that if an agency does not resolve an objection, a footnote is published in the Florida Administrative Code and the committee may recommend legislation to amend, suspend, or repeal the rule. He also discussed recent committee activity, including 1,355 proposed rules, 119 emergency rules, and 1,243 incorporated materials reviewed in 2024, and said the committee filed 31 objections against one agency after repeated noncompliance.
The discussion also touched on possible changes to Chapter 120, including the governor’s 2019 request that agencies include five-year sunset provisions in rules, and a proposal to instead require periodic legislative review rather than automatic expiration. Overdorf also said the committee is considering raising the current statement of estimated regulatory costs thresholds of $200,000 annually or $1 million over five years because inflation has made those limits too low. No votes were taken on legislation, and the meeting ended with adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Finance Division II (01/29/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- I appreciate the difficulties.
- The speaker acknowledged the difficulty, but said expenses keep increasing while revenues do not keep
- The speaker said they appreciate the difficulties, but at the end of the day expenses keep increasing
- difficulties I'm aware of that but at difficulties I'm aware of that but at the<00:34:17.760>
end< - Despite these difficulties, the team has successfully maintained public safety services with limited
Summary:
The Division 2 Finance Committee heard an overview and budget presentation from New Hampshire Fish and Game, led by new Executive Director Stephanie Simi and Business Division Chief Kathy Leonti. The agency described its mission to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, and marine resources, and emphasized growing pressures from disease, climate impacts, habitat change, and increased public demand. Simi said the department is largely funded by hunting and fishing license revenue and federal grants, is reviewing staffing and internal processes, and faces critical needs including permanent funding for environmental review staff, infrastructure and IT modernization, and possible service reductions if additional support is not found.
Members asked about specific program and policy issues, including chronic wasting disease in deer, hemorrhagic disease in rabbits and hares, moose population decline, and a proposed bait-disease bill. The department said it is actively monitoring diseases and did not see a need for the bait bill at this time. Legislators also discussed the Hike Safe program, which the department said has grown from an expected $100,000 annually to more than $300,000, and a possible boating version of that program, which the department said remains under consideration but would involve complex logistics and multiple agencies. Questions were also raised about rescue costs, out-of-state hikers, and whether boat registrations could be used as a revenue source; Fish and Game said boat registration is handled by the Department of Safety, though the department receives $5 per registered boat for the public boat access program.
The budget discussion focused on revenue projections, use of unrestricted Fish and Game funds, and dependence on federal reimbursements. Leonti said the department met the governor’s general fund target but not the Fish and Game fund target without using surplus unrestricted funds, leaving only about $100,000 in the fund by the end of the biennium. She said the budget uses more than $18 million in Fish and Game funds annually against about $14 million in unrestricted revenue, and that five of 193 full-time positions remain unfunded. The department warned that if federal grants were halted, it could cost about $5 million over five months and force the Fish and Game fund to cover the gap. Committee members also requested that future presentations be sent electronically in advance, and the department agreed to do so.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy (06/11/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- We're almost there. >> So, we're not reading from the sheet. >> We're not reading from the sheet yet.
- So I'll just read the article. So I'll just read that.
- But let me just read the uh abstract. But let me just read the uh abstract.
- reading reading here.<01:48:48.400>
Oh, <01:48:48.639>it's <01:48:49.040>quite < - that included difficulty that included difficulty uh<02:09:36.880>
that <02:09:37.440>
Summary:
The committee met as a special House committee on COVID response efficacy, noted absences, and restated its mission to review New Hampshire’s pandemic response, including federal guidance, federal funds, emergency use authorization vaccination efforts, long COVID treatment, patient bill of rights implementation, and vaccination policies. The main business was discussion of a proposed letter or report language concerning current COVID vaccine recommendations for young children, especially those under age two, and how to support any conclusions with cited scientific and state sources.
Representative Polozov argued that the committee should ask the governor or agencies to reconsider current recommendations, saying the committee should focus on whether vaccination is needed for that age group, whether it is effective, and whether the risks outweigh the benefits. He said he had distributed articles and wanted the committee to pair its conclusions with scientific and statistical data. Other members asked him to identify the specific New Hampshire DHHS and American Academy of Pediatrics sources for the recommendation, clarify the age range being discussed, and separate any evidence about adverse effects in other age groups from the infant/toddler demographic so the letter would be transparent and not misleading.
Members generally agreed the letter should be carefully sourced and refined, with citations for each claim. The chair said the committee would treat the request as urgent and try to finalize a version by the next meeting, noting that some members would be traveling. The committee also discussed scheduling additional testimony in September and October, possibly with extra meetings, to continue gathering evidence and to hear from witnesses. The chair then began reviewing supporting articles, including studies he said were new since the 2024 report, and introduced a 2025 South Korea cohort study and another 2025 Italian cohort study as examples of the evidence he wanted to incorporate into an updated 2026 report.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- c> reading<01:02:44.960>
open <01:02:45.200>to Those on second reading reading open - to Those on second reading reading open to further<01:02:45.599>
amendment <01:02:46.079>represent - read on the table motion?
- Bill's on second reading. Open to further amendment.
- It's right there for everybody to read it.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Special Education Funding Committee May 6th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Special Education Funding Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- First thing up on the agenda is a presentation by DPI on math and science, math and reading scores.
- So we'll have the math and science, and then, excuse me, math and reading.
- ELA is comprised of reading and writing. No science data was included in this analysis.
- And so we had a hard time... ...say, a lack of lower-difficulty items.
- A student has difficult reading. Well, I’ll put a para with them.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Special Education Funding Committee May 6th, 2026
Special Education Funding Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- First thing up on the agenda is a presentation by DPI on math and science, math and reading scores.
- So we'll have the math and science and then, excuse me, math and reading.
- ELA is comprised of reading and writing. No science data was included in this analysis.
- And so we had a hard time... ...say a lack of lower-difficulty items.
- A student has difficult reading. Well, I'll put a para with them.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 minutes, and received a lengthy Department of Public Instruction presentation from Stanley Schauer Jr. on North Dakota student performance data in math and ELA, with comparisons between students with disabilities and students without disabilities. Schauer explained the assessment systems used, the 1% alternate assessment cap for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, the absence of 2019-20 data due to the pandemic, and how state standards are set by North Dakota educators. Members asked about cohort trends, the role of alternate assessments, grade-level patterns, and whether the state should focus more on reducing the novice category than on moving students from approaching to proficient. Schauer also discussed the new NDA Plus assessment, the state’s planned growth model, and the possibility of future breakdowns by disability category or by schools using science-of-math approaches. Special education educators testified that students with disabilities continued to receive services during COVID because of FAPE obligations, which likely helped limit learning loss, and emphasized that IEP teams focus on individual growth rather than only proficiency buckets.
Committee members then shifted to special education funding and possible funding models. Brandon Bombach of Grand Forks Public Schools presented on the state aid formula, focusing on the special education weighting factor and arguing that the current formula does not adequately respond to growing student needs because it counts enrollment but does not adjust when the number of students with IEPs rises. He used examples to show that a district can have the same enrollment and receive the same weighting even if the number of students needing services increases. Members discussed whether the formula should be tied more closely to actual need and accountability, and the chair indicated that the committee would continue gathering data and ideas for a later meeting.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JHA Public Hearing - Tue Apr 7, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST
Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:23:54.920>
in difficulties in difficulties in having<00:23:56.480>that <00:23:57.000 - You know, as I read the bill, and I share your concerns, but as I read the bill, it says it allows the
- , as as I as I read the bill, and<01:02:29.880>
I <01:02:29.960>share <01:02:30.320> - the bill, it says it but as I read the bill, it says it allows<01:02:34.840>
the <01:02:34.960 - So, it'll read on historical context.
Summary:
The committee heard a series of resolutions and a few bills, with testimony largely in support across the agenda. Early measures included HCR 15/HR 17 supporting Kamehameha Schools’ admissions policy, and HCR 22/HR 22 urging Congress to pass federal kidney disease legislation; both drew support and no opposition. The committee also heard HCR 146 HD1/HR 138 HD1 on “excited delirium,” with testimony from advocates urging the resolutions be broadened to include related terms such as hyperactive delirium and agitated delirium, and from family members and disability-rights advocates describing the issue as harmful pseudoscience tied to police-custody deaths and calling for a ban on the term and better mental-health responses.
The committee then took up HCR 123/HR 115 on creating a coordinated support and stabilization task force for Native Hawaiians experiencing homelessness or extreme low income. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands testified in support, describing its transitional housing work and saying collaboration and data-sharing with the state homelessness office would help beneficiaries and others; members questioned whether existing entities already do similar work and whether the proposal would extend beyond beneficiaries. HCR 32/HR 32, which asks the governor’s senior advisor on mental health and the justice system to develop a plan to increase access to Hawaii State Hospital for certain criminal defendants, drew support from the Department of Health, the governor’s office, and disability-rights advocates, who emphasized coordinated planning, diversion from arrest when appropriate, and matching people to the right level of care.
Additional resolutions addressed a range of policy issues: renaming Leeward Community College to Puloulou Community College (with no testimony), creating an ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi pathway under the Niʻihau dialect at UH (UH noted existing courses already cover the dialect but not a degree pathway), moving to a demerit-point driver licensing system (support only), and coordinating transportation infrastructure planning for Hawaiian home lands (DHHL supported the measure and said an expired DOT memorandum of understanding had covered related collaboration). The committee also heard support for expanding DHHL financial literacy and homeownership-preparedness programs, a resolution asking the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission to examine algorithmic discrimination, and a resolution urging the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Advisory Committee to follow its rules, comply with the Sunshine Law, review its executive director, and strengthen accountability; the last measure drew 11 written supports and no opposition. No final votes or decisions were taken in the portion provided, as the hearing focused on testimony and questions.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Tax Reform and Relief Advisory Committee Mar 17th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Transcript Highlights:
- I would encourage you to read this.
- So they had difficulty funding that.
- "Is that not how you are reading this?" "Mr.
- consistent with how I read it as well.
- I think we read the statutory language the same that counties read it: that unless you didn't utilize
Summary:
The committee met to continue its tax reform and relief study agenda, approved the December 3, 2025 minutes, and announced a new subcommittee to examine property tax statement issues with counties, auditors, and the tax office. Representative Headland was named chair, Senator Rummel vice chair, and Representatives Dressler and Dr. Dr. and Senator Patton were also assigned. The chair noted the group may need an additional meeting and thanked staff and attendees.
A major portion of the meeting focused on economic development incentives. The Department of Commerce presented on the Renaissance Zone program and TIF districts, describing Renaissance Zones as locally tailored tools that combine local property tax relief with state income tax incentives. Commerce said the program has supported thousands of projects since 1999 and cited examples from Beach and Mandan showing increases in property and taxable value, business retention, housing, and downtown revitalization. Committee members raised concerns that smaller rural communities often lack the staff and expertise to apply, and Commerce said it provides outreach through conferences, office hours, and one-on-one assistance. League of Cities and local officials from Bismarck and Ellendale echoed the capacity issue, discussed how the programs have worked in their communities, and suggested possible reforms or more targeted support for small towns. Ellendale’s mayor also described two TIF districts, one for industrial infrastructure in Oaks and one for housing infrastructure tied to a data center project in Ellendale.
The committee then turned to stripper oil taxation. The Tax Department gave a comparison of oil and gas tax structures in selected states, noting that most have some form of stripper or marginal well provision, while Alaska does not appear to have a specific stripper-well exemption. Members asked for more detail on definitions and North Dakota’s annual adjusted rate. The Department of Mineral Resources followed with a detailed presentation on North Dakota stripper wells, explaining the statutory thresholds, the 12-consecutive-month production test, and the fact that once a well qualifies it remains on stripper status even if production later rises. DMR said about 11,332 stripper wells are active, representing roughly 54% of wells and about 16% of state production, and emphasized that stripper status can extend well life, preserve tax revenue, and reduce orphaned wells. Committee members and industry witnesses discussed refracs, the economics of keeping marginal wells active, and the competitive disadvantage created by North Dakota’s oil price discount. No votes were taken on these informational items.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/03/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- It recently has impacted me personally on my business; my insurance policy now reads Jennifer Caribou
- It recently has impacted me personally on my business; my insurance policy now reads Jennifer Caribou
- It recently has impacted me personally on my business; my insurance policy now reads Jennifer Caribou
- now reads Jennifer carvw<00:35:15.800>
doing <00:35:16.119>business <00:35:16.520>as - I represent a number of groups today, and I just thought it'd be easier to read them under the record
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Education Committee Apr 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It improves absenteeism, math, and reading, science, math, and reading scores go up, and teacher satisfaction
- and enacts the action of reading.
- the science of reading.
- with no guessing and how to really help students learn reading and improve in reading.
- Amira is an online tutor that the students read to, provides them, it listens to their reading.
Summary:
The committee met to hear presentations on dual credit programs from North Dakota higher education leaders, a school superintendent, and teachers. Valley City State University described its dual credit model, emphasizing quality control through annual teacher training, syllabus and outcomes alignment, faculty qualification review, school visits, and pathways aimed at the College Studies Certificate. Members asked about teacher employment, course scheduling, revenue, scholarships, and whether a centralized model might improve efficiency; VCSU said most instructors are K-12 employees, online offerings are still small, and centralization could weaken local relationships and choice. Lake Region State College similarly stressed access and partnerships, noting about half of its headcount is still in high school, with both online and face-to-face dual credit options, district reimbursement arrangements, and support for rural schools. Lake Region also said dual credit helps students who might not otherwise see themselves as college-bound, but reduced tuition can still be a barrier for some families.
Fargo Public Schools reported continued growth in dual credit, with 50 courses offered in partnership with several NDUS institutions and a 12.61% increase in participation. The superintendent highlighted a growing education pathway, including students completing Introduction to Education and field experience, and said the district is exploring a grow-your-own teacher pipeline. He also raised concerns about inconsistent institutional processes, teacher credentialing requirements, and transfer clarity, arguing for more aligned statewide systems. In response to questions, he said AP and dual credit can coexist, with AP often better for highly selective out-of-state colleges and dual credit better for students targeting North Dakota institutions, and he described some use of Arizona State online courses in earlier rural partnerships but said Fargo is focused on local institutions.
Two teachers then testified on the classroom perspective. A West Fargo anatomy and physiology teacher said dual credit has expanded access, lowered costs, and prepared students well, but agreed that foundational science courses may be more effective when taken later in high school to reduce knowledge loss before college. A Drake-Anamoose English teacher, who has taught dual credit for more than 20 years, said the program has supported many students who went on to a wide range of careers and emphasized that small rural schools rely on dual credit to provide opportunities they otherwise could not offer. No formal votes or actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Edgar was retained in kindergarten due to reading and speech difficulties.
- He went from reading two grade levels behind to reading on grade level in 3rd grade, passed his star
- As hard as it is to teach a kid to read and write, it's exponentially harder to teach them that they
- So you were reading, did you give us a copy of that? I do you have a copy? I do. I have extra.
- I'm gonna just include it as I read this. You do whatever you want. Thank you.
Keywords:
hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales