H.B. 244 Summary

• Establishes a career and technical education working group within the Department of Education to strengthen CTE programs in Hawaii's public schools.

• Working group shall evaluate current CTE programs, recommend ways to expand them to allow up to 12 credits toward graduation requirements, and assess opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and professional certifications.

• Working group shall analyze the CTE teaching workforce, including teacher certification levels and methods to strengthen recruitment and training of CTE educators through sabbaticals, incentives, and co-teaching with industry professionals.

• Working group shall examine facilities needs, capital improvement costs, and analyze high-performing CTE models from Massachusetts and other states for potential implementation in Hawaii.

• Requires working group to submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2024 regular legislative session and appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal year 2023-2024.