STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1676

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 150

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.R. No. 150 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO REPORT ON WAYS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES OR COURSE CREDITS FOR NON-TRADITIONAL AND EXTERNAL LEARNING EXPERIENCES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Board of Education to report on ways to increase access to extended learning opportunities or course credits for non-traditional and external learning experiences.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from HawaiiKidsCAN and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the traditional curriculum and credit system that comprise of a high school diploma, with a primary focus on "four core" subjects of English language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science, has not been substantially modified in several decades. However, there has been a recent rise of meaningful, personalized, and high-leverage learning opportunities commonly referred to as expanded or extended learning opportunities, which offer students credit toward graduation upon completion of out-of-school programs. Extended learning opportunities provide students with education that is not confined to a classroom or textbook; rather, students gain meaningful experience through different avenues such as internships, capstones, independent inquiries, online coursework, and community service.

Your Committee further finds that providing Hawaii's students with options to learn from different sources through varied delivery methods generates a high level of engagement in students that will prepare them for life beyond high school and their chosen career path. While the Department of Education offers flexible learning opportunities through the Alternative Learning Programs Branch for at-promise students, improving access to extended learning opportunities may address ongoing issues of disengagement in student learning. Accordingly, this measure encourages the creation of additional non-traditional educational opportunities to provide students with creative, innovative, and engaging learning experiences during their academic careers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 150 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

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MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair