THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	72
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

requesting that the department of education conduct a feasibility study to examine various impacts of a longer school day on kindergarten through grade twelve students.

     WHEREAS, where previous discussions focused on the concept of "intelligence" and the relative importance of nature versus nurture, the current debate focuses on "cognitive development" and the respective influences of genes and the environment; and

     WHEREAS, "intelligence" was perceived as static and immutable, while "cognitive development" is viewed as a dynamic and continuous process affected by the environment, and, in particular, by a high-quality education; and

     WHEREAS, although teaching all students at the level of the average student was previously acceptable, the educational system now aims to provide a learning environment in which all children meet and even exceed curriculum standards and reach their full potential as productive citizens; and

     WHEREAS, more time spent in a quality learning environment increases a student's opportunity for improved learning; and

     WHEREAS, learning is enhanced by a cross-disciplinary environment where art, music, games, and physical activity are all part of the curriculum; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Education is requested to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether an extension of the school day, designed to provide increased academic and sociocultural opportunities for students in kindergarten through grade twelve, is an affordable and sound investment for the State; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department is requested to include in the report:

     (1)  Information regarding the average number of classroom hours for a student in Hawaii, in the nation as a whole, and in industrialized nations whose academic performance exceeds that of the United States;

     (2)  An examination of the financial cost to districts and states that have an extended school day; and

     (3)  Information about the content offerings of extended school day programs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department is requested to submit a report of findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2009; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Superintendent of Education and the Chairperson of the Board of Education.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Feasibility Study of Extended School Day