SB2809

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2809
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO CIVIC EDUCATION.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii remains among the states with the lowest voter turnout in the nation. While the percentage of eligible voters in 2020 who cast a ballot increased compared to those who did so in 2018, largely due to expanded voter opportunities such as vote by mail, Hawaii is still among the bottom ten states in terms of voter turnout overall. One strategy to increase voter turnout over the long term is to cultivate social and political engagement among students and create opportunities to connect their learning in ways that increase understanding of, and engagement in, real world issues and concerns.

The legislature further finds that civic education prepares and encourages students to participate in the public and political life of their communities. Civic education teaches students to recognize social problems, evaluate possible solutions, separate evidence-based claims from opinions, and act on the lessons they learn. Civic education has never been more vital to the functioning of a democratic republic, in the face of increased obstacles and questions as to its long-term viability, than it is now.

The legislature additionally finds that the board of education adopted the Hawaii Core Standards for Social Studies (HCSSS) in 2018. The HCSSS use inquiry-based learning and emphasizes the application of knowledge to real-world problems, issues, and concerns. The HCSSS also incorporate new paradigms focusing on global perspectives, multicultural viewpoints, democratic citizenship, connecting the past with the present, collaborative learning and work environments, and applying knowledge to the broader community. As such, the HCSSS are a critical vehicle to strengthen civic education.

The purpose of this Act is to increase students' access to civic education by:

(1) Appropriating funds to the department of education for the expansion of civic education in public schools, including professional development and culturally relevant classroom resources to assist classroom teachers in the implementation of the HCSSS; and

(2) Establishing one full-time equivalent (1.00 FTE) permanent civic education resource position within the department of education, and appropriating funds for the position.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $84,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the expansion of civic education in public schools, including professional development and culturally relevant classroom resources related to the college, career, and civic life framework for the Hawaii Core Standards for Social Studies.

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

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.00 FTE) permanent civic education resource teacher to be placed within in the department of education, which position shall provide teachers in all complex areas with guidance and training on the best practices in civic education and deep training on the Hawaii Core Standards for Social Studies.

The sum 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, 2022.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________