SR178

WHEREAS, the State of Hawaii recognizes the importance of providing accessible pathways to education and addressing the need for qualified teachers in our communities; and

WHEREAS, there is a growing demand for online educational programs to accommodate working adults who aspire to become teachers; and

WHEREAS, all State of Hawaii counties face unique challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified educators to meet the educational needs of their schools and communities; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for more baccalaureate degree programs at the University of Hawaii Community Colleges to expand access to educational opportunities to all Hawaii counties; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need for teaching programs in rural areas to address current teacher shortages; and

WHEREAS, the University of Hawaii Leeward Community College's accreditation allows the college to offer up to two applied baccalaureate degree programs; and

WHEREAS, the University of Hawaii Leeward Community College's existing Teacher Education programs are already offered statewide through the internet and include upper division curriculum; and

WHEREAS, the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation both recognize the teacher education programs at Leeward Community College for teacher education and licensing; and

WHEREAS, new programs at Leeward Community College can become extensions for interested students enrolled in other University of Hawaii community colleges who are interested in the teacher pathway; and

WHEREAS, the development of a baccalaureate degree program in education with an online option at Leeward Community College would be tailored for individuals who are employed outside of the education system and seeking to enter the teaching profession, currently teaching as emergency hires, and substitute teaching at Department of Education public school classroom; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature passed Act 141, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, which required the University of Hawaii to establish Kindergarten through grade 12 expanded teaching cohort programs in each county for students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in education; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, the House of Representatives concurring, that:

(1) The University of Hawaii Community Colleges are urged to establish a baccalaureate degree program in education with an online option at Leeward Community College;

(2) Funds be re-allocated from within the University of Hawaii community colleges for resources to:

(A) Facilitate the implementation of the Bachelor of Education degree teacher education program with an online option; and

(B) Support initiatives addressing the educational needs in all counties through existing University of Hawaii community colleges; and

(3) Relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Education, Board of Education, community leaders, and educational institutions, are urged to:

(A) Support and promote the collaborative efforts outlined in this resolution;

(B) Further promote access to quality education;

(D) Support the professional development of current and future educators throughout the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, President of the University of Hawaii System, University Vice President for Community Colleges, and University of Hawaii Leeward Community College Chancellor.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

University of Hawaii; Leeward Community College; Education; Online; Bachelor of Education Degree

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	178
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII