Resolve, To Direct the Department of Education To Form a Study Group To Improve Public Education

Sec. 1. Department of Education to form study group to improve mathematics, reading and writing skills. Resolved: That the Department of Education shall form a study group to consider ways to improve the mathematics, reading and writing skills of elementary and secondary school students, including increasing the length of the school day and using the added time for additional instruction in mathematics, reading and writing. The study group shall also estimate the additional state, municipal and school administrative unit costs in implementing the potential improvements considered by the study; and be it further

Sec. 2. Membership; support. Resolved: That the membership of the study group in section 1 must include:

1. One member of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs;

2. One official from the Department of Education;

3. Two school administrative unit superintendents;

4. One secondary school principal;

5. One middle school principal;

6. One elementary school principal;

7. One secondary school teacher;

8. One middle school teacher;

9. One elementary school teacher;

10. One educational technician; and

11. Two members of the public.

The group shall elect a chair from its membership and hold at least 3 meetings. The Department of Education shall provide any needed staff or other support for the study group; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That, by December 6, 2017, the Department of Education shall issue its report and any recommended legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. The joint standing committee may report out a bill based upon the report to the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Education to form a study group to consider ways to improve the mathematics, reading and writing skills of elementary and secondary school students, including increasing the length of the school day to add additional instruction in mathematics, reading and writing and to estimate the cost to the State, municipalities and school administrative units of the considered improvements.