Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1364, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to establish an incentive program for Department of Education teachers who pursue professional development coursework approved by the Department at either the University of Hawaii system or another accredited institution of higher education.

Specifically the bill provides for the reimbursement to Department of Education teachers who pursue professional development coursework, of fees paid for tuition, textbooks, and other related costs. The Department of Education teachers must be state residents. The bill also appropriates funds for this purpose.

Your Committee finds that this bill will help to improve the quality of Hawaii's public school teachers by enabling them to keep up with the rapidly expanding knowledge base in education and the many increasing demands being placed upon them to serve a more diverse student population. This, in turn, will improve the quality of the instruction and increase achievements and success of students in the classroom.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1364, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.