Report Title:

Kindergarten-Grade 16 School Complex Models; Pilot Program

 

Description:

Establishes a 2-year pilot program in the DOE to develop and evaluate one or more prototypes of the kindergarten-grade 16 school complex model. Requires the DOE to select one school complex from each departmental school district to participate in the pilot program. Appropriates funds.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1229

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to a kindergarten-grade sixteen pilot program.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a kindergarten-grade sixteen (K-16) school complex model and its component parts is an "ideal" model which offers a wide range of educational programs and the resources to implement those programs. The kindergarten-grade sixteen school complex model includes a comprehensive collaboration of many ideas, for example:

(1) A kindergarten-grade twelve school complex collaborating to develop a scope and sequence alignment of curriculum and programs, and alternative structures and programs like schools-within-schools;

(2) A career pathways program that connects high school opportunities for juniors and seniors to college courses or work opportunities, or both, while in high school and after graduation, as well as more options for high school graduation through the adult school;

(3) Alternative schools for at-risk students;

(4) A comprehensive student support system for all students and a connection with state resource agencies;

(5) Laptops in classrooms, internet marketing, distance learning, and other opportunities for technology in education;

(6) Opportunities for seniors to be recruited to teaching careers;

(7) Opportunities for teacher career ladder choices;

(8) Time and training for teachers and school administrators on a consistent basis;

(9) More community involvement in school governance; and

(10) Standards-based reform aligned with the department of education's strategic plan.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of education, a two-year pilot program to develop and evaluate one or more prototypes of the kindergarten-grade sixteen school complex model. The department shall select one school complex from each departmental school district to participate in the pilot program; provided that no school complex may be compelled to participate in the pilot program.

(b) The first full year of the pilot program, which shall coincide with the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year, shall be used by participating school complexes to plan, research, and develop their own kindergarten-grade sixteen school complex models, including methods to evaluate the models.

(c) The second full year of the pilot program, which shall coincide with the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, shall be used by participating school complexes to implement and evaluate their kindergarten-grade sixteen school complex models.

(d) Each participating school complex, with the assistance of the department of education, shall conduct a formative evaluation of the complex's kindergarten-grade sixteen school complex model. The evaluations shall be compiled and summarized by the department of education, and submitted to the legislature not less than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2002, 2003, and 2004; provided that a summative evaluation of the complex's kindergarten-grade sixteen school complex model may be submitted to the department prior to the convening of the regular session of 2004 if a summative evaluation is appropriate.

(e) The department of education, with the assistance of each participating school complex, shall conduct a formative evaluation of the pilot program. The evaluation shall be submitted to the legislature not less than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2002, 2003, and 2004; provided that a summative evaluation of the pilot program may be submitted to the legislature prior to the convening of the regular session of 2004 if a summative evaluation is appropriate.

(f) The department of education, subject to the availability of funds appropriated for the specific purpose, may create additional kindergarten-grade sixteen school complexes after the 2002-2003 school year.

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 2001-2002, and the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, to carry out the purposes of this Act. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.

INTRODUCED BY:

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