Issue Position: Hawaii's Public School System

Issue Position

While it is easy to lay blame about test scores or what's wrong with our schools, I prefer to focus on the positives. Local youth are as bright and as talented as anyone born on the mainland. Although they may not share the same culture, backgrounds or experiences, they compete and win national scholarships, go to prestigious colleges or become proficient in a much needed trades or vocations. They become productive, contributing members of our community. We need to help our youth aspire to their full potential.

Parents and community members should look for ways to partner with school administrators and teachers. For instance, my Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise is currently participating in a program of mock interviews for students at Lahainaluna High School to better prepare them for scholarship and job interviews. The results have been phenomenal. We also sponsor an afterschool tutor program for elementary and middle school students who need a little extra help because language or other barriers have caused them to slip behind their peers. These programs, outside of the regular school hours, make a huge difference for these students. They also engage parents and motivate all of our students to succeed. It really does take a village to educate and inspire our youth.

Although money doesn't solve all problems, the solutions to issues facing our schools do cost money -- for new technology, transportation, highly qualified teachers, updating older schools ill-equipped for the 21st century -- the list goes on. I don't believe we adequately fund our schools and want to see our processes streamlined, accountable and collaborative so the funds can be efficiently and effectively used.

I've never been a fan of "No Child Left Behind" because ironically, it has left thousands behind and students and teachers, demoralized. With a standardized curriculum and core standards adopted, our students will have a better opportunity to graduate with the core skill sets that will allow them to succeed in life.

It is important that Hawai`i schools continue to strive for excellence, evaluate their performance and institute measures that will help teachers teach more effectively. When educators are student-focused, they can engage young minds to learn even in the midst of administrative challenges beyond their control.

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