Report Title:

DOE; Career Counselors

Description:

Appropriates funding to hire additional career counselors for each department of education high school, based on school enrollment.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2157

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to school personnel.

 

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

SECTION 1. Research by nationally recognized experts show that students who see relevance in their learning tend to perform better academically. A common element of high performing high schools is a comprehensive guidance system. A comprehensive guidance system helps reduce the number of at-risk students and reduces dropout rates. Such a system also facilitates the transition from middle to high schools and from high schools to postsecondary institutions.

In spite of the many proven benefits of a comprehensive guidance system, there are only thirteen transition centers in high schools in the State of Hawaii, and there are no official positions for career and college counselors. The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funding to hire one career and college counselor for every three hundred juniors and seniors enrolled in public high 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 2004-2005, to hire one career and college counselor for every three hundred juniors and seniors enrolled in a public high school, provided that each counselor shall be provided eligible benefits and a $1,300 stipend for supplies.

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, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________