Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Persons To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors And In Other Positions As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.
Impact
If enacted, SCR1 has the potential to significantly improve the hiring practices of the Department of Education regarding individuals with visual impairments. By encouraging the recruitment of NOMC (National Orientation and Mobility Certification) credentialed professionals, the resolution addresses historical barriers that have disproportionately favored non-blind instructors, thereby diminishing the opportunities for qualified blind individuals to contribute effectively in educational settings. As a result, increased employment of blind instructors could foster a more inclusive educational environment for visually impaired students.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1 (SCR1) aims to urge the Hawaii Department of Education to develop and implement a program specifically designed to recruit and employ qualified blind individuals as orientation and mobility instructors, as well as other positions for teachers of visually impaired students. The resolution emphasizes the importance of employing individuals who are blind, recognizing their unique experiences and insights in teaching methods like Structured Discovery Cane Travel, which aims to empower blind students with skills for safe mobility and independence. This resolution stems from a significant gap in employment opportunities for blind instructors in the state's educational system.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around SCR1 appears to be supportive, particularly among advocates for the blind community and their respective organizations. The resolution reflects a commitment to promoting equity and inclusion within the educational system. However, there may also be concerns regarding the practical implementation of the proposed recruitment strategies and whether they can lead to tangible changes in hiring practices. Overall, the advocacy aligns with growing recognition of the need for representation and specialized training from individuals with lived experiences.
Contention
While SCR1 seeks to make strides towards diversity in educational staffing, discussions may arise around the specific measures that need to be adopted to ensure its success. Notably, the resolution calls for the Department of Education to not only implement an affirmative action program but also to report on its progress and any potential legislative recommendations. This requirement for accountability may serve as a point of contention regarding how effectively the department can navigate recruitment practices while maintaining quality in instructional roles, ultimately affecting its implementation and reception.
Same As
Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement An Affirmative Action Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Professionals To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors And In Other Positions As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.
Same As
Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Persons To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors, And In Other Positions, As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Partner With The Hawaii State Teachers Association And Teacher Education Programs At Local Universities And Colleges To Provide Pathways For School Support Personnel To Become Full-time Teachers.
Urging The Development Of A Baccalaureate Degree Program In Education With An Online Option At Leeward Community College To Address The Educational Needs Of Working Adults In All Counties.
Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.
Urging The Development Of A Baccalaureate Degree Program In Education With An Online Option At Leeward Community College To Address The Educational Needs Of Working Adults In All Counties.
Requesting Businesses In Hawaii To Use Hawaiian Language And Requesting The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement Education Programs To Teach Employees Hawaiian And Hire Permanent Hawaiian Language Teachers.
Urging The Department Of Education, University Of Hawaii Community Colleges, And Hawaii P-20 Partnerships For Education To Develop Clear Pathways For Students In Department Of Education Career And Technical Education Academies To Seamlessly Continue Their Education In Career And Technical Education Programs At University Of Hawaii Community Colleges.
Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement A Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Persons To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors, And In Other Positions, As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.
Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement An Affirmative Action Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Professionals To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors And In Other Positions As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.
Urging The Department Of Education To Develop And Implement An Affirmative Action Program To Recruit And Employ Qualified Blind Professionals To Serve As Orientation And Mobility Instructors And In Other Positions As Teachers Of Visually Impaired Students.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations, activities, and agreements; providing a civil penalty; authorizing fees; requiring an occupational registration and an occupational license.