Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR118

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

If enacted, HR118 would shift the criteria for selecting valedictorians within Hawaii's education system. By prioritizing students' performance in core subjects like Language Arts, Math, and Science, the bill emphasizes a more traditional view of academic excellence. This amendment could potentially alter incentives for students, encouraging them to prioritize their academic pursuits in order to be recognized for their hard work and achievements at graduation time. Ultimately, this resolution aims to send a strong message about the commitment of the Department of Education to uphold high academic standards in the state.

Summary

House Resolution 118 (HR118) presented during Hawaii's Thirty-second Legislature of 2024 calls for the Board of Education to revise its policy concerning the designation of valedictorian. The bill proposes that only students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements through their grades, academic honors, and performance in rigorous courses should be designated valedictorians. This change aims to reinforce the significance of academic excellence, ensuring that the title is awarded based on demonstrable scholarly achievements rather than other non-academic qualifications.

Contention

Notably, the discussion surrounding HR118 may engender various opinions among educational stakeholders. Proponents argue that emphasizing academic results in core subjects enhances educational rigor and rewards students’ dedication. However, opposition might arise from those advocating for a broader representation of accomplishments, which could include students excelling in career and technical education. Critics may view this approach as potentially diminishing the achievements of well-rounded students who excel outside traditional academics, highlighting a tension between traditional academic values and contemporary educational practices.

Companion Bills

HI HCR137

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 HCR137

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 HR2753

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

HI S2884

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

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 HCR137

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