STAND. COM. REP. NO. 631

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 875

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 875, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish and appropriate funds for the Hawaii Teacher Apprenticeship Program to support, recruit, develop, and retain teachers for Hawaii public schools; and

(2) Establish the Hawaii Teacher Apprenticeship Program Special Fund.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Education, Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board, Hawai‘i State Teachers Association, Hawai‘i P-20, National Center for Grow Your Own, and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the lack of apprenticeship programs and other services that assist teachers in obtaining the necessary licenses and gaining workforce experience contribute to poor teacher retention, diversity, and recruitment in public schools. This measure has the potential to increase the retention rate of Hawaii's public school teachers by providing better mentoring experiences and financially supporting student teachers while they complete their workforce training.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 875, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair