Appropriates funds to establish a new research-based curriculum throughout the public school system to develop students' critical and creative thinking skills. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The foremost purpose of public education is the development of maximum learning in all students. This development is essential to the creation of a sound and flourishing economy, engaged citizenry, and a vibrant cultural community. Education must be flexible to provide a relevant curriculum in the classrooms that reflects changes in our increasingly globalized society.

Despite efforts by the public education system, the legislature finds that test scores for Hawaii students have steadily declined. A rigorous, research-based curriculum like the Core Knowledge program created by Professor E.D. Hirsch, Jr. of the University of Virginia has been used by hundreds of schools across the nation. This kind of program can help to improve students' verbal reasoning skills, which are essential for higher education and for many professions.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a new research-based curriculum throughout the public school system to develop students' critical and creative thinking skills.

SECTION 2. 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 the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007 to establish and implement a new research-based curriculum throughout the public school system to develop students' critical and creative thinking skills.

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.