S.C.R. 112 Summary

• Urges the University of Hawaii to develop and implement undergraduate teacher education degree programs on each neighbor island (Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, and Kalawao).

• Addresses statewide shortage of certified teachers, with 508 emergency hires and 521 unfilled vacancies during the 2018-2019 school year, plus neighbor islands experiencing particularly high vacancy rates (35% in Lanai, 19% in Hana, 15% in Molokai).

• Notes Hawaii education program graduates declined from 544 in 2012-2013 to 380 in 2017-2018, and teacher retention has worsened with departures increasing over 70% since 2012.

• Directs University of Hawaii to gather data on K-12 teacher subject area needs, establish pathways with high school students, and expand distance learning opportunities for neighbor island teacher education.

• Requires transmission of the resolution to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, Board of Education, and Superintendent of Education.