STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1629

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: S.R. No. 30

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Education and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.R. No. 30 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADOPT POLICIES AND PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE SCHOOL CONNECTEDNESS AND ADDRESS BEHAVIORAL CHANGES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the adoption of policies and programs promoting school connectedness and addressing behavioral changes.

Testimony in support of the resolution was submitted by the Department of Education, Hawaii State Teachers Association, Drug Policy Action Group, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that research demonstrates zero tolerance policies have been unsuccessful in deterring student substance use and abuse. Common disciplinary approaches of suspension, expulsion, or involuntary transfer for alcohol and drug-related offenses have been ineffective in deterring students. While the department's Comprehensive Student Support System provides a framework for policies and programs to promote school connectedness and positive behavioral systems, your Committee believes that this measure is needed to encourage further movement on this issue.

It is your Committee's intention to encourage schools to provide consequences for behavioral challenges on best practices of positive behavioral support and intervention.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 30 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education and Military Affairs,

____________________________

NORMAN SAKAMOTO, Chair