HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	61
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the department of education to prioritize funding for the english learner program in public schools to address the increasing population of english learner students.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Education's English Learner Program ensures that students with limited English proficiency:

 

     (1)  Have access to educational opportunities by providing services to assist with the attainment of English language proficiency;

 

     (2)  Develop high levels of academic attainment in English; and

 

     (3)  Meet the same challenging state academic content and student achievement standards all students are expected to meet; and

 

     WHEREAS, dedicated English language development instruction, sheltered instruction throughout the curriculum, and acculturation activities are important services under the English Learner Program; and

 

     WHEREAS, the English Learner Program supports the Department of Education's mission to provide standards-based education; and

 

     WHEREAS, the services provided through the English Learner Program implement the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its regulations; and

 

     WHEREAS, Civil Beat reported on October 28, 2022, that in 2018, "41% of EL students in Hawaii public schools were on track to gaining language proficiency"; and

 

     WHEREAS, Civil Beat also reported that the number of English learners on track to gaining language proficiency dropped to twenty-eight percent in 2021 and 2022; and

 

     WHEREAS, the role of teachers play a direct impact on student success; and

 

     WHEREAS, funding for the English Learner Program should be prioritized by the Department of Education to comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2023, that the Department of Education is requested to prioritize funding for the English Learner Program in public schools to address the increasing population of English learner students in the State; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Education, and Superintendent of Education.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

Department of Education; English Learner Program; Funding