Report Title:

School-to-work.

Description:

Repeals statutes pertaining to the school-to-work program (SB995 HD1).

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

995

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to education.

 

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

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to repeal chapter 302A, part II, subpart E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, pertaining to the school-to-work system. On September 30, 2003, the last of the federal funds allocated to Hawaii by the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 were expended. The Hawaii school-to-work executive council’s final report on Hawaii’s accomplishments under the five-year grant has been submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.

During the five-year term of the federal initiative, the State of Hawaii led the nation in implementing relevant school-to-work activities in elementary, middle, and high schools to help students in achieving high levels of academic and technical achievement in preparation for further education and careers. These initiatives have been shown to improve academic rigor through relevant, real-world experiences that integrate school-based learning, work-based learning, and information technology with formal academic, career, and technical curricula.

The Hawaii school-to-work executive council has made substantial gains in furthering its mission during the five-year term of federal funding and has since sought additional operating funds through legislation, grants, and the state department of education. But in light of the depressed condition of the state economy and the restriction of funding and resources for the establishment of a permanent career development office, the resources needed to continue the council’s work no longer exist. The council’s statewide coordinating role may be undertaken by the Hawaii P-20 initiative, which was established in October 2002, by the president of the University of Hawaii system, the superintendent of education, and Good Beginnings Alliance. The P-20 initiative's work creates a seamless system of education from pre-school to college, which embodies the council’s goals and builds upon school-to-work initiatives to prepare Hawaii's youth for meaningful and productive careers.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, part II, subpart E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is repealed.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.