Bill Text: HI HB2537 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Department of Education; Special Education; Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-01 - Referred to EDN, FIN, referral sheet 5 [HB2537 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-HB2537-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2537 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to special education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that special education services, including academic, speech-language, psychological, physical and occupational, and counseling accommodations, meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Governed by federal and state regulations, special education services are available to eligible students ages three to twenty-two who demonstrate a need for specially designed instruction.
The legislature further finds that based on statewide assessments, most of the State's public school students with individualized education programs are performing below grade level in reading and mathematics. In the 2013-2014 academic year, only twenty-two per cent were proficient in reading and fifteen per cent were proficient in math. Moreover, between the 2004-2005 and 2013-2014 academic years, the achievement gap between special education students and general education students increased to 48.2 per cent in reading and 48.8 per cent in math, an approximate ten per cent change in reading and twenty-seven per cent change in math.
The legislature additionally finds that a decrease in the workload of special education teachers and additional funding for classroom materials will increase learning growth and improve achievement results for special education students. The purpose of this Act is to provide support for special education teachers and students by providing special education teachers with additional preparation time and funds for instructional materials.
SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Special education; preparation hours; instructional materials and equipment. (a) In addition to planning time and preparation periods specified in any collectively bargained agreement negotiated for bargaining unit (5), special education teachers shall have at least forty hours per year to use, at the discretion of the teacher, for the completion of individualized education programs.
(b) Special education teachers shall not be required to interact with students when using additional preparation time pursuant to this section.
(c) Special education teachers shall receive a reimbursement of up to $1,690 annually to purchase, at their discretion, instructional materials and equipment that support special education student learning."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 to provide each special education teacher with a reimbursement of up to $1,690 for instructional materials and equipment to support special education student learning.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Department of Education; Special Education; Appropriation
Description:
Provides special education teachers with additional preparation time and funds for instructional materials. Makes appropriation.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
