HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

101

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the legislative reference bureau to conduct a study of the hawaiian education program.

 

 

 


WHEREAS, the Hawaiian education program, mandated by the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, article X, section 4, has been implemented in public elementary schools as Hawaiian studies and language programs to assist students to learn, understand, and appreciate Hawaiian language, culture, and history; and

 

WHEREAS, the Hawaiian education program utilizes a kupuna (elder) component, which consists of a community resource person who has expertise in Hawaii's cultural heritage and assists classroom teachers in the delivery of program instruction; and

 

WHEREAS, the Hawaiian education program is a viable part of the perpetuation of the native Hawaiian language and culture, and the Board of Education's support for the program is an integral part of the Hawaii content and performance standards; and

 

WHEREAS, many schools do not provide the Hawaiian education program in all grade levels, the program curriculum has become outdated and now requires the support and assistance of the Department of Education; and

 

WHEREAS, a review of the Hawaiian education program would assist the Department of Education in maintaining the quality and consistency of delivery of the program; now, therefore

 

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, the Senate concurring, that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to conduct a study of the Department of Education's Hawaiian education program, implemented as Hawaiian studies and language programs, to identify concerns and issues regarding the delivery and implementation of the program; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to include in the study:

 

(1)  A review of pay scales for all kupuna associated with the Hawaiian studies and language programs, with particular attention to pay equity across programs and from school to school;

 

(2)  A review of the Hawaiian studies and language programs' support for professional development for teachers in the programs;

 

(3)  A review of the effectiveness of the Hawaiian studies and language programs in complying with the mandate to promote the study of Hawaiian culture, history, and language, as required by the Constitution of the State of Hawaii, article X, section 4; and

 

(4)          A review of the Hawaiian studies and language programs' development of curriculum and materials for use in the delivery of the programs' educational goals; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, for improving the Hawaiian studies and language program not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2008; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Chairperson of the Board of Education, the Superintendent of the Department of Education, and the Chairperson of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Hawaiian Education Program; Study