Allows the DOE to adopt a program for 12 grades which provides opportunities for students to develop competency in a second language. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. In the 1998 legislative session, the Legislature passed Act 309, Session Laws of Hawaii 1998, which amended section 302A-1128, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by requiring that the "course of study and instruction for the first twelve grades shall enable all students to meet progressive standards of competency in a language in addition to English." The intent of the legislation was to "prepare Hawaii's public school students to earn a place in the global, electronic marketplace of the future."

The purpose of this Act is to clarify the requirements of section 302A-1128, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to clarify specific requirements of the department of education and its schools.

SECTION 2. Section 302A-1128, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

"(b) The department shall regulate the courses of study to be pursued in all grades of public schools and classify them by methods the department deems proper; provided that:

The department shall develop statewide educational policies and guidelines based on this subsection without regard to chapter 91.

For the purposes of this subsection, the terms "progressively competent in the use of computer technology" and "progressive standards of competency in a language in addition to English" shall be defined by policies adopted by the board. The board shall formulate statewide educational policies allowing the superintendent to exempt certain students from the requirements of paragraphs (2) and (3) without regard to chapter 91."

SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.