Bill Text: HI HB2146 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii House Bill 2146 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To Education.

Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 16-2)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-27 - Referred to LHE, FIN, referral sheet 5 [HB2146 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2020-HB2146-Introduced.html

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2146
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to education.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Institute of Education Sciences, the research arm of the United States Department of Education, has concluded that class-size reduction is one of only four evidence-based reforms proven to increase student achievement. Experiments in Tennessee, Wisconsin, and other states have demonstrated that students in smaller classes score better on standardized tests, receive better grades, and exhibit improved attendance.

Moreover, students who benefit the most from smaller class sizes come from poor and minority backgrounds. These students experience twice the achievement gains of the average student. A study commissioned by the United States Department of Education analyzed the achievement of students in 2,561 schools across the nation by their performance on National Assessment of Educational Progress exams. After controlling for student background, the only objective factor that correlated with higher test scores was class size.

The purpose of this Act is to reduce public school class sizes at all grade levels.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Class size. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, the size of public school classes shall be limited as follows:

(1) No elementary school class shall exceed an enrollment of twenty students; provided that:

(A) An inclusion class shall be limited to an enrollment of fifteen students;

(B) A fully self-contained class shall be limited to an enrollment of four students; and

(2) No secondary school class shall exceed an enrollment of twenty-six students; provided that:

(A) An inclusion class shall be limited to an enrollment of twenty students;

(B) A fully self-contained class shall be limited to an enrollment of six students; and

(b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

"Content-based English-language learning class" means any class providing instruction only to students with limited English-language proficiency.

"Fully self-contained class" means any class that provides instruction only to special education students.

"Inclusion class" means any class that provides instruction to general education and special education students.

"Special education" means specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.

(c) The class-size limitations set forth in this section shall not apply to charter schools or to any class that provides instruction in band, choir, orchestra, or theater."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Education; Class Size; Public Elementary and Secondary Schools

Description:

Establishes limits on class sizes for public elementary and secondary schools, excluding charter schools and classes for instruction in band, choir, orchestra, or theater.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.