Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR137

Introduced
3/8/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Introduced
3/8/24  

Caption

Requesting The Board Of Education To Amend Its Policy On Valedictorian Designation To Exclusively Recognize Students With Exceptional Academic Achievements, As Demonstrated By Their Academic Honors, Grade Point Average, And Performance In Rigorous Academic Courses.

Impact

The proposal seeks to reinforce academic excellence in Hawaii's schools by redefining what it means to be a valedictorian. By focusing solely on core academic subjects, the resolution aims to restore the significance of the title and provide a clear incentive for students to achieve high academic standards. Such an amendment could impact state laws governing educational recognition and student awards, leading to a re-evaluation of how academic accomplishments are celebrated across educational institutions in Hawaii.

Summary

HCR137 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-Second Legislature of Hawaii, aimed at reforming the criteria for valedictorian designation within the state's educational system. The resolution requests the Board of Education to amend its existing policy, which currently allows students to attain the valedictorian title through a combination of criteria, including a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 and completion of specific honor recognition certificates. The bill emphasizes the need to limit this designation exclusively to students demonstrating exceptional academic achievements, particularly in core subjects such as Language Arts, Social Studies, Math, and Science.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HCR137 include debates over the previous recognition practices that included non-academic achievements as criteria for valedictorian designation. Critics of the existing policy argue that it dilutes the value of the title and fails to prioritize academic success. By proposing that only academic achievements should be considered, HCR137 sparks discussions on the broader implications for student motivation and recognition within the educational framework, and whether such a narrowed focus may exclude deserving candidates who excel in areas beyond traditional academics.

Companion Bills

HI HR118

Same As Requesting The Board Of Education To Amend Its Policy On Valedictorian Designation To Exclusively Recognize Students With Exceptional Academic Achievements, As Demonstrated By Their Academic Honors, Grade Point Average, And Performance In Rigorous Academic Courses.

Previously Filed As

HI HR118

Requesting The Board Of Education To Amend Its Policy On Valedictorian Designation To Exclusively Recognize Students With Exceptional Academic Achievements, As Demonstrated By Their Academic Honors, Grade Point Average, And Performance In Rigorous Academic Courses.

HI HR135

Designating the month of May 2023 as "Academic Achievement Month" in Pennsylvania and honoring those who have exemplified academic success in their courses of study.

HI HB2244

Standards of Quality; measurement of student educational performance and academic achievement.

HI S2884

Prohibits twice exceptional students from being denied special education and related services due to average academic performance.

HI HR2753

Congratulating the members of the Buna High School UIL academic team on their performance at the District 23-3A academics meet.

HI SR173

Commends and recognizes Elijah Hogan for his academic achievements and resilience.

HI A1277

Prohibits twice exceptional students from being denied special education and related services due to average academic performance.

HI S2198

Prohibits twice exceptional students from being denied special education and related services due to average academic performance.

HI SB2778

Program for gifted education; require school districts to provide for academically gifted students in Grades 6 through 12.

HI SJR1469

A RESOLUTION to honor and recognize Cooper Wirth, 2024 Valedictorian of L&N STEM Academy.

Similar Bills

HI HR118

Requesting The Board Of Education To Amend Its Policy On Valedictorian Designation To Exclusively Recognize Students With Exceptional Academic Achievements, As Demonstrated By Their Academic Honors, Grade Point Average, And Performance In Rigorous Academic Courses.

NY K00500

Commending Class of 2025 Valedictorian Lily Cook of Mount St. Mary Academy, in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments

LA HR209

Commends the valedictorians of the 2025 graduating class of Chalmette High School

MA H1273

Relative to the expansion of the valedictorian tuition waiver program

MA H1442

Relative to the expansion of the valedictorian tuition waiver program

NY J01101

Commending Class of 2025 Valedictorian Deantaye Levy of Brooklyn Democracy Academy, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments

NY J01103

Commending Class of 2025 Valedictorian Jasen Ramdass and Salutatorian Victor Lantigua of Transit Tech CTE High School, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments

NY J01109

Commending Class of 2025 Valedictorian Benedicta Agoke of The Performing Arts & Technology High School, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments