Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 1670 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds to support the creation and continuation of professional development schools in Hawaii's public schools.

Your Committee received supporting testimony from the Lieutenant Governor, Superintendent of Education, Hawaii State Parents, Teachers and Students Association, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, and Hawaii State Teachers Association.

Your Committee finds that education of Hawaii's children continues to be a high priority for policy makers, parents, and many business organizations. Teachers must not only educate, they must inspire, enthuse, and mold youngsters' minds. Teaching as a profession requires continuing education, training, and preparation. This bill is intended to establish standards for teachers and students, help in teacher preparation and professional development, teacher recruitment, and in developing teaching skills and knowledge.

Your Committee has changed the appropriation made by this bill from $1,500,000 to $1 during each fiscal year of the current biennium to promote continuing discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1670, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1670, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.