Report Title:

Appropriation for the "Project EAST" Initiative

Description:

Appropriates funds in fiscal year 2003-2004 for the "Project EAST" initiative to be implemented in Hawaii schools.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1485

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for the "PROJECT east" INITIATIVE in hawaii PUBLIC schools.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that technology-based jobs are high paying and important to growing our economy. Hawaii has recently made a concerted effort to attract high technology companies to Hawaii by enacting incentives such as those in Act 221, Session Laws of Hawaii 2001. However, in order to attract high technology companies and jobs for our residents, Hawaii needs a skilled, trained workforce.

The legislature further finds that our public schools are not adequately equipping our young people for jobs in the new economy. The "Project EAST" initiative began as a workforce and educational reform effort in Arkansas. In the summer of 2000, it was piloted in Maui district high schools and then to Hawaii county and a middle school on Kauai. The "Project EAST" initiative holds great potential for assisting our public schools provide a relevant technology program and educational curriculum to help better prepare our young people for current and future jobs.

"Project EAST" stands for Environmental and Spatial Technology and helps students learn critical thinking, problem solving, and other skills by using cutting edge technology such as Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and computer graphics applications such as soft image. The goal is to prepare students for the information technology age while making a contribution to real-life problems in their community. It is project-based, student-centered learning. It demonstrates that students from all aptitudes can succeed as part of a "Project EAST" team. In certified "Project EAST" programs, teachers serve as facilitators after receiving specialized training and students are responsible for their own learning.

The "Project EAST" initiative, a public-private partnership developed by business leaders and educators, has enabled previously technology-challenged schools to compete nationally and succeed. More importantly, the program helps students learn skills to help them succeed in life, making the educational experience relevant and outcomes measurable.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the continuation and expansion of the "Project EAST" initiative in the Hawaii public schools.

SECTION 2. 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 2003-2004, for the continuation and expansion of the "Project EAST" initiative in Hawaii public schools.

SECTION 3. 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, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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