Report Title:

Educational Materials; Production of

Description:

Promotes the development of educational materials as an industry in Hawaii.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2060

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to education.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that diversification of the economy is a major priority for the State of Hawaii. Development of new industries and new niches in existing industries is needed to ensure that a healthy and thriving community can prosper in the islands. Education is one of those industries.

According to the State’s Data Book, in 1999, the State of Hawaii expended $1.8 billion on education. In 1997, private educational services (including business schools, computer and management training, technical and trade school, various support services) involved 304 businesses generating $52 million in annual payrolls. By 1999, this had grown to 723 businesses with annual payrolls totaling $322 million, more than a six-fold increase. Clearly, the business of education is a growing one in the information age.

A high quality educational system has often been seen as an important component in the creation of a desirable and attractive location for information age economic development. While there has been some attention to the ability of higher education to attract foreign students, outside research grants, and foster entrepreneurs and corporate managers, the creation of high quality educational materials has not been the focus of our educational policies.

The legislature further finds that across the United States and beyond, the development of high quality educational books, materials, and curricula is a multi-billion dollar industry. Hawaii already has the expertise and a quality track record as a participant in this economic sphere. The University of Hawaii’s curriculum research and development group has generated millions of dollars for our State through the sale of its products in Hawaii, the United States mainland, and throughout the world.

Modest investments to the curriculum research and development group, such as $500,000 for the Fundamental Approaches to Science and Technology science materials has generated a nearly one-hundred fold economic reward, bringing in nearly $50 million for this set of materials alone. Independent evaluations of the Fundamental Approaches to Science and Technology materials indicate it is one of two programs nationally designated as exemplary by the United States Department of Education’s Expert Panel on Mathematics and Science Education (2001), one of eleven exemplary science curricula by the Education Development Center, Inc. (2000), and described as both a curriculum aligned with national science standards and results-based professional development by the Eisenhower National Clearing House (1999). Clearly, Fundamental Approaches to Science and Technology is an example of the high quality capabilities (and opportunities) available to educational leaders in Hawaii that can be translated into economic benefits for the State.

Unfortunately, this institution, like so many public agencies, has had to absorb significant budget cuts and staff reductions in recent years. The most prominent scholar/marketer of curriculum research and development group products is now serving in a different capacity at the University of Hawaii, and can no longer devote time and resources to this effort.

While the curriculum research and development group has a stellar and under appreciated role in this potential industry, it is by no means Hawaii’s only resource. A number of high quality public and private book publishers, including the University Press, struggle to survive as well. The legislature finds that these resources represent an economic opportunity waiting to be fostered and further developed.

It is time the State of Hawaii looked at education not only as a system to educate its residents, but also as a potential, clean industry capable of attracting and retaining brainpower in our State.

The purposes of this Act are to:

(1) Clearly establish that it is the policy of the State of Hawaii to foster the growth of a high quality educational economic sector capable of generating significant revenues for our economy;

(2) Assist the University of Hawaii in its investments in initiatives that are both entrepreneurial and hold the promise of generating sufficient revenues so as to reduce the dependence of key programs on the University of Hawaii’s general fund allocations;

(3) Utilize the expertise in the University of Hawaii’s curriculum research and development group to inventory our public and private educational industries and explore strategies to enhance their ability to expand and prosper; and

(4) Enhance the curriculum research and development group's ability to market its products to the widest audience.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Educational policy. It shall be the policy of the State of Hawaii, to identify, track, analyze, and support the emergent and potential opportunities of public and private organizations capable of generating economic benefits by providing high quality, marketable educational services, books, materials, and curricula, with an emphasis on those "made in Hawaii" products that are able to meet the department of education’s performance expectations."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $75,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for a permanent marketing position located at the University of Hawaii’s curriculum research and development group.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $25,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for the University of Hawaii’s curriculum research and development group, with the cooperation and assistance of the department of business, economic development and tourism, to produce a strategic analysis report to include but not be limited to the following:

(1) A survey and analysis of the size and state of the public and private educational materials production industry in Hawaii, including private businesses involved in publishing, printing, and creating educational materials;

(2) Identification of barriers to a significant expansion of that industry, including public and private enterprises and their ability to generate revenues for the State and serve Hawaii and consumers beyond our shores; and

(3) Exploration of incentives for Hawaii's educational organizations to purchase high quality "made in Hawaii" books, materials, and curricula that meet the department of education’s performance standards, emphasize inquiry-based processes, and incorporate vigorous teacher in-service training and professional development.

The University of Hawaii’s curriculum research and development group shall submit this strategic analysis report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the 2003 regular session.

SECTION 5. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.

INTRODUCED BY:

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