Enhances the ability of underrepresented members of Hawaii's teaching population to successfully complete the national competency examination by providing them with graduate and post-graduate financial assistance. (HB441 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that our state is facing a severe teacher shortage. Current data suggests that most teachers who resign do so within their first few years of teaching. Many factors keep teachers productive, happy, and successful in the classroom. These include adequate pay, practical mentorship for new or underachieving teachers, social prestige for the profession, administrative support, up-to-date technology, recognition of accomplished teaching, professional development, and a host of other factors. One such area is teacher licensure.

The legislature also finds that while there are many highly qualified educators from underrepresented groups, many of them have experienced difficulties successfully completing the national competency examination, or PRAXIS.

The purpose of this Act is to enhance the ability of underrepresented members of Hawaii's teaching population to successfully complete the national competency examination by providing them with graduate and post-graduate financial assistance.

SECTION 2. Section 302A-802, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

"(b) In the development of its standards, the board shall consider the existing teacher applicant pool that is available in the [State] state and the level of the qualification of these applicants, as well as the nature and availability of existing preservice higher education teacher training programs. The board shall also consider alternative routes to licensing[, such as national teacher examinations] that certify competency in subject areas or programs taught in the public schools."

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 2005-2006 and $        or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 to provide graduate and post-graduate financial assistance to underrepresented members of Hawaii's teaching population, based on financial need, to enhance their ability to successfully complete the national competency examination.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of Hawaiian affairs for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.