SB2060 HD1

Report Title:

Educational Materials; State policy

 

Description:

Promotes the development of educational materials as an industry in Hawaii. (SB2060 HD1)

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2060
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to education.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that diversification of the economy is a major priority for the State of Hawaii. Development of new industries and new niches in existing industries is needed to ensure that a healthy and thriving community can prosper in the islands. Education is one of those industries.

According to the State's Data Book, in 1999, the State of Hawaii expended $1,800,000,000 on education. In 1997, private educational services (including business schools, computer and management training, technical and trade school, various support services) involved three hundred four businesses generating $52,000,000 in annual payrolls. By 1999, this had grown to seven hundred twenty-three businesses with annual payrolls totaling $322,000,000, more than a six-fold increase. Clearly, the business of education is a growing one in the information age.

A high quality educational system has often been seen as an important component in the creation of a desirable and attractive location for information-age economic development. While there has been some attention to the ability of higher education to attract foreign students, outside research grants, and foster entrepreneurs and corporate managers, the creation of high quality educational materials has not been the focus of our educational policies.

The legislature further finds that across the United States and beyond, the development of high quality educational books, materials, and curricula is a multi-billion dollar industry. Hawaii already has the expertise and a quality track record as a participant in this economic sphere. The University of Hawaii's curriculum research and development group has generated millions of dollars for our State through the sale of its products in Hawaii, the United States mainland, and throughout the world.

Modest investments to the curriculum research and development group, such as $500,000 for the Fundamental Approaches to Science and Technology science materials has generated a nearly one-hundred fold economic reward, bringing in nearly $50,000,000 for this set of materials alone. Independent evaluations of the Fundamental Approaches to Science and Technology materials indicate it is one of two programs nationally designated as exemplary by the United States Department of Education's Expert Panel on Mathematics and Science Education (2001), one of eleven exemplary science curricula recognized by the Education Development Center, Inc. (2000), and described as both a curriculum aligned with national science standards and results-based professional development by the Eisenhower National Clearing House (1999). Clearly, Fundamental Approaches to Science and Technology is an example of the high quality capabilities (and opportunities) available to educational leaders in Hawaii that can be translated into economic benefits for the State.

Unfortunately, this institution, like so many public agencies, has had to absorb significant budget cuts and staff reductions in recent years. The most prominent scholar/marketer of curriculum research and development group products is now serving in a different capacity at the University of Hawaii, and can no longer devote time and resources to this effort.

While the curriculum research and development group has a stellar and under-appreciated role in this potential industry, it is by no means Hawaii's only resource. A number of high quality public and private book publishers, including the University Press, struggle to survive as well. The legislature finds that these resources represent an economic opportunity waiting to be fostered and further developed.

It is time the State of Hawaii looked at education not only as a system to educate its residents, but also as a potential, clean industry capable of attracting and retaining brainpower in our State.

The purpose of this Act is to clearly establish that it is the policy of the State of Hawaii to foster the growth of a high quality educational economic sector capable of generating significant revenues for our economy.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Educational policy. It shall be the policy of the State of Hawaii, to identify, track, analyze, and support the emergent and potential opportunities of public and private organizations capable of generating economic benefits by providing high quality, marketable educational services, books, materials, and curricula, with an emphasis on those "made in Hawaii" products that are able to meet the department of education's performance expectations."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.