SB2722

Report Title:

Appropriation; University of Hawaii; Office of School Redesign

Description:

Appropriates $500,000 for the office of school redesign for the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2722
TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE OFFICE OF SCHOOL REDESIGN.

 

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

SECTION 1. There is compelling evidence, both locally and nationally, that high school students who are in a small school setting tend to reach higher levels of achievement, are more likely to form personal relationships, be more engaged in school activities, and are more likely to attend college or have post-secondary plans after graduation.

Hawaii's high schools are among the largest in the United States and were designed over sixty years ago to meet the needs of another age. Even if these schools work exactly as designed, our schools cannot teach our students what they need to know. We need schools that can meet the needs of the 21st century learner. Learners today depend on their ability to work with others, to problem solve, and to apply academic learning to real problems.

There is a direct connection between school size and how a student views the learning experience. If our high schools are to provide the best educational opportunities possible for all students, Hawaii's high schools must create smaller learning communities within the larger school setting. Small learning communities can be designed to help students feel that they are part of a defined group, that they are connected to caring and supportive adults, that they are allowed to explore their interests, and that their individual learning styles are being addressed.

The office of school redesign, in consultation with the office of school redesign advisory committee, has assumed the responsibility of advocating for the creation and implementation of redesigned small high schools in Hawaii. In working with the department of education and the college of education at the University of Hawaii, the office of school redesign will:

(1) Develop and maintain a research database of redesign efforts both nationally and locally;

(2) Provide technical assistance to schools that are seriously entertaining ideas about cultural and structural redesign efforts, including school visitations;

(3) Work with schools on professional development activities and programs that promote redesign efforts;

(4) Provide technical and financial assistance to schools that are engaged in redesign efforts, including assistance in preparing grants, raising funds, and providing incentives to redesign schools;

(5) Initiate and maintain dialogue with the department of education, other organizations, program directors, institutions, and individuals that are developing and implementing school redesign;

(6) Assist schools in integrating the school's academic and financial plans with redesign efforts;

(7) Engage members of the legislature and the business community in developing, implementing, and supporting school redesign efforts; and

(8) Work with the department of education professional development and educational research institute and the college of education at the University of Hawaii to develop and implement a leadership institute for school leaders.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to the University of Hawaii office of school redesign to purchase resource materials for school use and visitations, to provide direct services to schools engaged in school redesign efforts, and to fund overhead and personnel costs of the office.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act, including the hiring of necessary staff.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________