HI HCR201

Urges the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Education, and Committee on Weights to collaborate and allocate OHA funds to the Weighted Student Formula to support Native Hawaiian students in public schools

Documents achievement gaps showing 28.4% of Native Hawaiian students tested proficient in math versus 46.8% of non-Hawaiian students, and 34.8% proficient in reading versus 54.3% of non-Hawaiian students in School Year 2015

Notes that Native Hawaiian students comprised 26% of K-12 public school enrollment in 2015 but only 9.9% of classroom teachers were Native Hawaiian, contributing to exposure to less experienced and unqualified instructors

Identifies that the Weighted Student Formula currently provides additional funding for students with characteristics including Gifted & Talented, Economically Disadvantaged, Limited English Proficiency, and Transiency, but does not include a Native Hawaiian student characteristic

Requires transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the Board of Education Chairperson, Superintendent, OHA Board of Trustees Chairperson, and Committee on Weights Chairperson