Report Title:
Education; University of Hawaii; Office of School Redesign
Description:
Establishes the office of school redesign as part of the department of education. Appropriates $500,000 for the office of school redesign.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2032 |
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TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE OFFICE OF SCHOOL REDESIGN.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. There is compelling evidence, both locally and nationally, that high school students who are in a small school setting tend to reach higher levels of achievement, are more likely to form personal relationships, be more engaged in school activities, and are more likely to attend college or have post-secondary plans after graduation. Hawaii's high schools counter that finding, as they tend to be very large and are among the largest in the United States.
Today's high schools were designed over sixty years ago to meet the needs of another age. Even if these schools work exactly as designed, our schools cannot teach our students what they need to know. We need schools that can meet the needs of the 21st century learner. Learners today depend on their ability to work with others, to problem solve, and to apply academic learning to real problems.
There is a direct connection between school size and how a student views the learning experience. If our high schools are to provide the best educational opportunities possible for all students, Hawaii's high schools must create smaller learning communities within the larger school setting. Small learning communities can be designed to help students feel that they are part of a defined group, that they are connected to caring and supportive adults, that they are allowed to explore their interests, and that their individual learning styles are being addressed.
The purpose of this Act is to create an office of school redesign within the department of education. This office will provide technical support to public high schools and help develop and implement small learning communities within large high schools throughout the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Office of school redesign; functions. (a) There is established, in the department of education, the office of school redesign. The office is to be administratively attached to the college of education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa pursuant to a memorandum of agreement between the department of education and the college of education. The office shall be administered by a coordinator appointed by and responsible to the dean of the college of education. When possible, the office shall use existing personnel within state government for necessary supplementation. Chapter 76 or section 304-13 shall apply to permanent staff, as appropriate.
(b) The office shall:
(1) Maintain a research database on the creation and effectiveness of small redesigned high schools;
(2) Lead state advocacy efforts for the creation of small redesigned high schools;
(3) Provide technical assistance to schools engaging in redesign through professional development institutes, facilitated visitations to exemplary or emerging sites in Hawaii and elsewhere, and preparation and support of a cadre of on-site coaches;
(4) Develop and promote connections and professional development opportunities for learning and sharing among local change agents involved in school redesign;
(5) Participate with national networks of practitioners and researchers involved in launching or redesigning schools and school systems;
(6) Promote the concept of a research cadre that will develop, document, and disseminate understandings about school redesign, and contribute to a research database;
(7) Promote and facilitate dialogue among various school shareholders on the most current research and understandings about school redesign;
(8) Foster communication among educators, decision-makers, and the community to advance high school redesign; and
(9) Assist schools in preparing grant applications to advance redesign activities.
(c) The office coordinator and dean of the college of education shall report annually to the legislature, the board of regents, and the board of education on the office's progress in facilitating the development and implementation of small learning communities within Hawaii's public high schools.
§302A- Office of school redesign; advisory board. (a) The coordinator of the office of school redesign shall convene an advisory board consisting of:
(1) The superintendent of education;
(2) The dean of the college of education of the University of Hawaii;
(3) The director of the curriculum research development group of the University of Hawaii;
(4) Two members from the community at large;
(5) A National School Reform representative;
(6) An active or retired high school principal; and
(7) Other major stakeholders.
(b) The purpose of the advisory board shall be to:
(1) Provide feedback and direction to the overall operation of the office of school redesign;
(2) Assist in communicating with constituents within and outside the department of education and the college of education; and
(3) Assist in obtaining financial and other support for the office."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to establish the office of school redesign within the department of education.
SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act, including the hiring of staff.
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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