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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.C.R. NO. |
95 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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HOUSE CONCURRENT
RESOLUTION
REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INCORPORATE THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR TEACHING READING IN HAWAII SCHOOLS.
WHEREAS, dyslexia is a learning disability that is neurological in origin and is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and decoding and poor spelling; and
WHEREAS, these difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and requires the provision of effective classroom instruction; and
WHEREAS, secondary consequences may include problems with reading comprehension and reduced reading experience, which can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that up to twenty percent of the population as a whole in the United States has dyslexia or another reading disability and an even higher percentage of students in Hawaii read below basic reading levels or experience other challenges with literacy; and
WHEREAS, on January 14, 2013, a working group
created pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 110, Regular Session of
2010, submitted to the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on
Education the Comprehensive Plan for Teaching Reading in Hawaii Schools,
which addresses dyslexia awareness and literacy instruction as they relate to
teacher preparation programs, teacher licensure requirements, professional
development for educators, and reading programs in public schools; and
WHEREAS, in written testimony dated February 6, 2013, and submitted to the
Education Committee of the House of Representatives, the Department of
Education stated in part, "the Department has addressed the concerns of
the Work Group [sic] through implementation of its dyslexia awareness efforts...Professional
development for all teachers is available through complex area/state staff and
professional development coursework. Response to Intervention...is occurring
at schools throughout the state with student progress being monitored through
several systems. The practice of educational data-based decision making is
imbedded at every school. Schools apply a data team process that reviews
student progress, creates action plans to focus on student needs, and, when
needed, employs the assistance of "higher levels" of support with a focus
on student success"; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-seventh Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2013, the Senate concurring, that the Board of Education and Department of Education are requested to incorporate the Comprehensive Plan for Teaching Reading in Hawaii Schools; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education and Department of Education are requested to coordinate with the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to incorporate the Comprehensive Plan; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Education is requested to submit a written report, approved by the Board of Education, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2014, on the status of its efforts toward incorporating the Comprehensive Plan, including in relation to the statements made in its written testimony dated February 6, 2013; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education, Superintendent of Education, President of the University of Hawaii, Chairperson of the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, Executive Director of the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, and Acting Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Dyslexia; Board of Education; Department of Education