If enacted, HB 658 is expected to amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes by introducing new provisions to accommodate students who have faced educational disruptions. It will allow public high schools to award students credit for previously completed coursework, even if traditional attendance requirements are not met. This will enable a more inclusive approach to graduation where students can earn credits through various means, including alternative programs, which can be vital for their return to education and eventual graduation.
House Bill 658 aims to assist students in Hawaii who experience significant educational disruptions caused by factors such as homelessness or foster care by allowing them to graduate high school through enrollment in accepted alternative education programs. The legislation recognizes the challenges faced by these at-risk youth, noting that they often encounter barriers that hinder their ability to complete traditional high school requirements due to instability in their living situations. The bill seeks to provide a more flexible and supportive pathway to graduation for these vulnerable populations.
Notably, the bill acknowledges the pronounced disparity in graduation rates for students facing homelessness or in foster care. Currently, these students have significantly lower completion rates compared to their peers. By addressing these issues, the bill aims to remedy the educational inequities exacerbated by recent challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, potential points of contention may arise concerning the adequacy of alternative education programs and the resources required to support students effectively in these environments.