Appropriates funds to the department of education to establish an academy relating to cyberspace entrepreneurs in the public school system. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. For many of the students in public schools today, traditional methods of teaching the subject matter are neither relevant nor pertinent. Students see no connection to their perception of the "real world". Consequently, interest wanes and students, regardless of academic ability, drop out physically or mentally. Attending school for many becomes a marking of time until they graduate.

All the while, the business community demands that the school system produce a competent, skilled, and technologically literate workforce. There is an ever-expanding chasm between the actual skills of graduates and the primary needs of business. The shortage of qualified employees is growing to crisis proportions. If Hawaii is to attract new businesses and become a major player in the new economy, there must be creative, skilled candidates entering Hawaii’s work force.

The design and implementation of a cyberspace entrepreneurs academy is an immediate step to bridge this chasm. Presently, "cyberspace entrepreneurs" is an entrepreneurial-technological-business-oriented program within the public school system. This program has produced dramatic, positive, and measurable changes observed in those public school students in this program. Test scores are on the rise, attendance improves, positive behavior changes are seen, and dedication and perseverance to learning and the accomplishment of tasks soar.

This program has taken root in several public schools throughout the State. This approach to education uses the spirit of entrepreneurism, coupled with technologies, woven into the subject matter. The spirit of entrepreneurism (thinking broadly, diversely, and critically, seeking challenges, developing creative solutions, working in teams, setting standards, and surpassing them) as a lifelong journey, is imbued within the content areas.

Early on, the students grasp and practice entrepreneurial and business skills and techniques, making them a highly skilled work force for the twenty-first century. Upon entering the job market, time and training will be saved, for these apt young people will come to the marketplace already equipped with the tools desperately sought by industry. Entrance into the job market should not be synonymous with graduation from high school but rather at the point when these entrepreneurs can demonstrate the skills and talents needed for employment. This could occur at almost any age, thereby providing the business community a pool of competent workers also immediately.

For the last three years, cyberspace entrepreneurs has had a highly prominent board of directors to guide and advise them. All board members have repeatedly echoed the need of skilled, technologically literate employees. The board includes chief executive officers from various businesses within the community; financial, tax, technology, and legal advisors; and representatives from government agencies. Under the leadership and guidance of this board, a nonprofit foundation has been established. During this period, continuous interaction occurs among the board members, students, and teachers. Through these efforts, board members have become even more committed to this new approach to students’ learning. This truly joint venture with business has been a tremendous support for development and growth of cyberspace entrepreneurs.

The legislature finds that this entrepreneurial-business oriented approach to learning works. It encompasses a total learning environment that surrounds the student. Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to establish an academy relating to cyberspace entrepreneurs in the public school system to best serve the needs of the students of Hawaii, and to appropriate funds to for this purpose.

SECTION 2. Beginning in the 2001-2002 academic year, the department of education shall establish an academy relating to cyberspace entrepreneurs within the public school system for grades nine through twelve. During the first year, the department, in collaboration with the cyberspace entrepreneurs board of directors, shall appoint an executive director who shall organize a planning and implementation team to determine, among other things, the administrative and operational requirements of the academy, internal and external immediate and future funding sources, curriculum development related to academic and entrepreneurial requirements, and the feasibility of expanding the academy to encompass grades six through twelve grade.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, for the department of education to establish an academy relating to cyberspace entrepreneurs within the public school system.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.