Current Status Bill Number:4331 Type of Legislation:Joint Resolution JR Introducing Body:House Introduced Date:19960109 Primary Sponsor:P. Harris All Sponsors:P. Harris, Waldrop, Neilson, Inabinett, Cain, Shissias, T. Brown, J. Brown, Harvin, Carnell, Rogers, Scott, Cave, Clyburn Drafted Document Number:pfm\7650ac.96 Companion Bill Number:982 Residing Body:House Current Committee:Education and Public Works Committee 21 HEPW Subject:Aging, public school curriculum
Body Date Action Description Com Leg Involved ______ ________ _______________________________________ _______ ____________ House 19960109 Introduced, read first time, 21 HEPW referred to Committee House 19951206 Prefiled, referred to Committee 21 HEPWView additional legislative information at the LPITS web site.
TO DIRECT THE DIVISION ON AGING, OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND THE SOUTH CAROLINA AREA AGENCIES ON AGING TO EXPLORE INTEGRATING TOPICS RELATING TO AGING INTO CURRENT PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND TO PROMOTE VOLUNTEERISM WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
Whereas, the Superintendent of the South Carolina Department of Education has created the Office of Regional Services to help coordinate the multiple resources necessary to achieve the national education goals adopted by our State; and
Whereas, one of the national goals is that "every school in America will ensure that all students learn to use their minds well, so they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment"; and
Whereas, matters such as understanding Medicare, Social Security, and long-term care issues are often encountered by all citizens at some stage in life whether personal or family related; and
Whereas, expanding current social studies curriculums to incorporate these matters into the educational experience would help prepare more informed and educated citizens; and
Whereas, according to the State Department of Education, "problems of our schools cannot be solved by teachers and education officials alone and require a society-wide effort"; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Aging Network contains numerous professionals statewide who would be willing to donate time and expertise within the classrooms on aging issues; and
Whereas, older adults could be exposed to opportunities for volunteerism in the school system which would promote intergenerational cooperation. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. (A) The Division on Aging, Office of the Governor, the South Carolina Department of Education, and the South Carolina Association of Area Agencies on Aging shall explore integrating topics related to aging into appropriate public school curriculum.
(B) Teachers of classes considered most appropriate for integration of aging topics must be made aware of local aging professionals available to participate in classroom training as coordinated by the Division on Aging through the Aging Network.
(C) The South Carolina Department of Education shall provide information regarding volunteer opportunities for older adults within local school systems and coordinate these activities with local aging providers.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.