SB2697

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2697
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to physical education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that early instruction in physical education is important to the long-term health of Hawaii's citizenry. Contemporary physical education instruction goes beyond playing games and learning the rules to promoting and furthering the understanding of healthy physical activity habits.

The purpose of this Act is to promote public school students' long-term physical health.

SECTION 2. (a) With regard to public school education, the department of education shall:

(1) Establish programs and activities that promote a commitment to lifelong physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior, including the development of after-school and summer programs, which shall be taught by licensed physical education teachers beginning with the 2008-2009 school year;

(2) Define and implement a developmentally appropriate course of study for physical education instruction in grades kindergarten through six that is taught by at least one licensed physical education teacher per school by school year 2013-2014;

(3) Implement physical education instruction that is generally in accordance with the standards established by the National Association for Sports and Physical Education as a core requirement for grades seven and eight; and

(4) Assist and allow high school principals to grant specialized credit for participation in after‑school athletic activity and other co‑curricular activities by school year 2009-2010; provided that a licensed physical education teacher shall certify that the activity is generally in accordance with the standards established by the department of education for physical education instruction.

(b) The department of kinesiology and leisure at the University of Hawaii, the department of education, and the Hawaii teacher standards board shall work together to establish and implement appropriate policies and programs to actively recruit, train, and license physical education teachers.

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 2008-2009 for the establishment of after-school and summer programs and activities that shall be taught by licensed physical education teachers beginning with the 2008-2009 school year.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $65,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the establishment and implementation of appropriate policies and programs to actively recruit, train, and license physical education teachers.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $65,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the University of Hawaii, department of kinesiology and leisure, for one additional faculty teaching position to increase the University of Hawaii's capacity to recruit and retain licensed physical education teachers.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that sections 3, 4, and 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________