STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1403

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

 

RE:   S.B. No. 1933

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Labor & Public Employment, to which was referred S.B. No. 1933, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this bill is to provide comprehensive support for public education initiatives by:

 

     (1)  Appropriating funds for various teacher preparation, professional development, research, and assistance programs;

 

     (2)  Making loans provided under the Hawaii Educator Loan Program eligible for loan forgiveness; and

 

     (3)  Appropriating funds to improve the academic achievement of students in math and science.

 

     The Department of Education, University of Hawaii (UH), State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Faculty Senate of the UH College of Education, Center on Disability Studies, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and a concerned individual supported this bill.


 

     Your Committee finds that the comprehensive funding measures contained in this bill will help to ensure that our students receive the highest-quality education during their formative years.  Our schools are completely dependent on the skills and abilities of the teachers who form the core of Hawaii's school system.  To improve teacher education, retention, and recruitment, this bill contains funding to increase teacher education capacity, support the Center on Disability Studies, increase mentor teachers, and support special education faculty.  This measure also reinforces the importance of math and science through funding for critical math textbooks and materials and professional development for math teachers.

 

     Your Committee finds that the funding provided in this bill will help students fulfill the highest expectations and provide a foundation for the future leaders of our state.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Public Employment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1933, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor & Public Employment,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

ALEX M. SONSON, Chair