Report Title:

Experiential Learning; Database; Study

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaii to:  (1)  Research and develop a statewide web-based database of experiential learning opportunities; and (2)  Perform a study to identify and determine barriers to businesses and organizations that wish to volunteer to provide experiential learning opportunities to students.  (HB1013 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1013

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that "experiential learning" is broadly defined as "knowledge, skills, and/or abilities attained through observation, simulation, and/or participation that provide depth and meaning to learning by engaging the mind and/or body through activity, reflection, and application."  Experiential learning can take place in many different settings and have many objectives.  Businesses and organizations provide the learning opportunities--generally a for-profit or not-for-profit business--but government agencies and other organizations may also be included.

     The scope of services and information that may be provided through experiential learning opportunities include:

     (1)  Career shadowing, in which students spend time with and observe employees in various occupations;

     (2)  Tours and field trips, and guest speakers;

     (3)  Audiovisual and other resource materials;

     (4)  Workplace mentors and advisors for career clubs;

     (5)  Technical assistance;

     (6)  Work-study programs, internships, and scholarships;

     (7)  Jobs and volunteer work; and

     (8)  Participation in career awareness events, such as fairs, business seminars and conferences, and working with special education students.

     The legislature further finds that an increased availability of experiential learning opportunities would enhance the education and career choices of Hawaii's K-12 and post-secondary learners.  To that end, the development of a database of experiential learning opportunities would assist educators in finding appropriate opportunities for learners.  Also, the number of entities volunteering to provide such opportunities would increase if their services were offered through an existing website linked to the database, thus simplifying the mechanics of volunteering.  For instance, the proposed database could link to the Hawaii Science and Technology Council's website, which provides a listing of experiential learning opportunities and members who are willing to provide experiential learning to students.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii to:

     (1)  Research and develop a statewide web-based database of experiential learning opportunities; and

     (2)  Perform a study to identify and determine barriers to businesses and organizations that voluntarily provide experiential learning opportunities to K-12 and post-secondary learners.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 to the University of Hawaii to research and develop a statewide web-based database of experiential learning opportunities in two phases as follows:

     (1)  The design phase:

          (a)  Which shall incorporate input from the     University of Hawaii system, the department of education, the department of labor and industrial    relations, the workforce development council, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, and other      employers and employer associations and    interested parties; and

          (b)  The cost of which shall be no more than fifteen      per cent of the total funding provided;

          and

     (2)  The development and implementation phase, which shall include:

          (a)  The establishment of links to other databases, both public and private, with similar data that   may be shared; and

          (b)  Provisions for future reasonable modifications and additions.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 to the University of Hawaii to perform a study to identify and determine barriers to businesses and organizations that wish to volunteer to provide experiential learning opportunities to K-12 and post-secondary learners.  The study shall include:

     (1)  Consideration of financial liability and insurance restrictions and limitations related to volunteering, particularly with respect to on-site work;

     (2)  Information on other factors that deter businesses and organizations from volunteering;

     (3)  Information on incentives needed, if any, to overcome reservations to volunteering; and

     (4)  Recommendations to overcome the barriers and enlist volunteer businesses and organizations, including:

          (a)  Estimated costs if the recommendation requires funding; and

          (b)  The appropriate entities to take responsibility      for implementation of the recommendation.

     The study shall be undertaken in consultation with the department of education, Hawaii P-20 initiative, and workforce development council.

     SECTION 4.  The sums appropriated in sections 2 and 3 shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  The University of Hawaii shall submit to the legislature, no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2008, two separate reports, including recommendations for further action, as follows:

     (1)  One report on its efforts to effectuate the statewide web-based database established under section 2; and

     (2)  One report on its efforts to perform the study required under section 3.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.