Appropriates funds to the department of education to phase in the reduction of class size in grades three, four, and five to twenty-five students per classroom.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds many benefits to a reduction in class size, especially in the lower grades. The majority of research continues to demonstrate that students from small classes continued to out-perform students from larger classes through the eighth grade. Other outcomes from smaller class size include students who are less likely to be retained in a grade, more actively participate in class, and less likely to be referred to special education. Research and common sense suggest that teachers in smaller classes are better able to devote more time to each student, which likely produces positive effects on student achievement and can significantly impact the education of disadvantaged children.

The legislature further finds that teachers as well as students benefit from smaller class sizes. Teachers who are assigned to smaller class size classrooms report higher morale levels and are often able to move more quickly through their curriculum. These teachers also experience fewer discipline problems and are better able to recognize learning deficiencies and special education needs of their students. Thus, it would be highly beneficial to limit the class size of students in the lower grades.

The legislature desires to have reasonable class sizes of not more than twenty-five students per class to be extended to grades three, four, and five. In order to facilitate the transition, the department shall develop a phase-in plan for the reduction over the next three school years starting with the 2005-2006 school year.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to phase in the reduction of class size in grades three, four, and five to twenty-five students per classroom.

SECTION 2. The department of education shall develop a phase-in plan for the reduction of class size for grades three, four, and five as follows:

The department shall plan and budget for future classroom expansion and construction to accommodate this policy. Initially, the department shall be prepared to address the challenge creatively until the new construction has been completed.

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, to phase in the reduction of class size in all public elementary schools grade three, grade four, and grade five classes to twenty-five students per teacher, over the next three years beginning with school year 2005-2006.

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, 2005.