STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

MINUTES

Queen Liliuokalani Building
1390 Miller Street, Room 404
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Thursday, May 9, 2024


PRESENT:
Bill Arakaki, Chairperson
Lauren Moriarty, Vice Chairperson
Elynne Chung
Ken Kuraya
Wesley Lo, Ex Officio
Roy Takumi, Ex Officio

EXCUSED:
Kaimana Barcarse
Kahele Dukelow

ALSO PRESENT:
Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, Department of Education
Heidi Armstrong, Deputy Superintendent of Academics, Department of Education
Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy, Department of Education
Teri Ushijima, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design, Department of Education
Sean Tajima, Complex Area Superintendent, Campbell-Kapolei, Department of Education
Wesley Shinkawa, Principal, Kapolei High School, Department of Education
Ahryanna McGuirk, Board Student Representative
Capsun Poe, Board Executive Director
Wimmie Wong Lui, Board Analyst
Lady Garrett, Secretary


I. Call to Order

Committee Chairperson Bill Arakaki called the Student Achievement Committee (“Committee”) Meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.


II. Approval of Meeting Minutes of April 11, 2024

The approval of the meeting minutes of April 11, 2024 was deferred.


III. Discussion Items
Heidi Armstrong, Deputy Superintendent of Academics, stated that the Department sought input in the areas of computer science, financial literacy and civil learning and engagement within the Department of Education (Department).

Teri Ushijima, Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Design outlined the task force report as a follow-up to the November 2, 2023, Student Achievement Committee discussion regarding Act 174, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023 (House Bill 503, Relating to Computer Science Education), and Senate Concurrent Resolution 56, 2023 (Requesting the Board of Education to Review Various Programs and Subject Matter Areas for Implementation in Public Schools). She stated that the task force reports align to strategic plan desired outcome 1.3.3. All students graduate high school with a personal plan for their future. Ushijima stated that each task force report was facilitated by an external facilitator and created opportunities for dialogue to gather perspectives from various stakeholders.

Ushijima outlined the computer science, financial literacy, and civil engagement task force recommendations. She requested support from the Board to consider information from the task force reports when reviewing the desired framework of the strategic outcomes and expressed appreciation to members of the task force for their time.

Committee Chairperson Arakaki expressed appreciation for the summary and called for public testimony on this agenda item.

David Miyashiro, HawaiikidsCAN, testified that regarding his experience as a task force member for computer science and financial literacy education. He suggested that the Board should consider making these subjects required for graduation.
Amber Davis, member of the public, testified that there are large gaps for computer science enrollment for female and Native Hawaiian students and to ensure equity for all students should be a graduation requirement.

Gerard Dierks, member of the public, testified in support of financial education and highlighted the challenges. He recommended adopting proposal one to implement a personal financial education to all grade levels.

Danson Honda, a member of the public, testified in support of financial literacy education to give student more opportunities to take financial literacy classes. He stated that students who take financial literacy courses do not need to wonder how the curriculum will be useful for the rest of their lives.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified that the task force report includes tools and perspectives from those who served. She stated that she is not advocating for adding more standards and credits rather rearranging how what is currently in place for the classrooms.

Katie Landgraf, member of the public, testified in support of financial literacy and noted that this should be required.

Ahrynna McGuirk, Student Representative, shared that she served on the financial literacy task force and making financial literacy as a graduation requirement needs to be considered. She also suggested implementing this before high school since some students may not have access to the learning and shared about the Hawaii State Student Council conference which has discussed this topic. She suggested a gradual implementation and reviewing what is already in existence to develop opportunities for students to put financial literacy into practice.

Board Member Wesley Lo, Ex Officio, asked to factor in the ability to deliver the services. Hayashi expressed appreciation for the task force members and noted that the Department will work to inform the vision of a high school graduate and work to develop the personal transition plan. Armstrong replied that as the Board determines what is best to ensure that the right systems are in place to let the direction go and drive the action.

Committee Vice Chairperson Moriarty echoed comments and expressed appreciation for the process and task force report. She expressed reluctance to make decisions in isolation and asked if a date can be set to complete work for graduation requirements.

Committee Member Kuraya stated that the process should be included at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and not be an isolated class. He noted that this is similar to setting up incentives for students. He stated that the Department should not be looking at just a class but a process to address.

Committee Chairperson Arakaki announced that the Committee is in the process of developing a process to address financial literacy education. Hayashi stated that the Department is working on the vision of a high school graduate and will present to the Board at a future time after feedback is obtained from principals and other stakeholders.


IV. Action Items Committee Chairperson Arakaki stated that regarding the proposed action item to approve a policy draft in accordance with Board Policy 400-2, entitled Policies and Policy-setting, regarding Act 24, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, relating to student journalism, the Department’s memorandum for this agenda item, in Attachment B, page 2, under “Appeals Process,” the 3rd sentence inadvertently left out details that the Department has already agreed to. To reflect this, the sentence should read:
“The student journalist shall have the right to have their parent or legal guardian and the student media advisor and/or a third party advocate present at the hearing.”

Armstrong outlined Act 24, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, relating to student journalism, which requires that the Board create a written policy. She emphasized that student material does not have to go for review by the administrator unless it violates one of the five criteria. Ushijima recommended that the Committee adopt the proposed policy relating to student journalism.

Committee Chairperson Arakaki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

Cynthia Reeves, member of the public, testified regarding the requirements for censorship for those that are libelous or slanderous; constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy; is obscene; violates federal or state law; incites students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of an unlawful act, the violation of a lawful school district policy; or if the material and substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school.

Susan Pcola-Davis, member of the public, testified that the approval process includes administrative prior review should be rare.

Vanessa Ott, member of the public, testified about how the stakeholder feedback was acquired and asked that the amendments offered by Reeves be considered.

ACTION: Motion to approve the update Board Policy 101-9: School-Sponsored Student Publications, to a revised Board Policy 101-9: School-Sponsored Media, as proposed by the Department in its memorandum dated May 9, 2024, in accordance with Board Policy 400-2, entitled Policies and Policy-setting with the additional change in Attachment B, page 2, under “Appeals Process,” to the 3rd sentence, which should read: “The student journalist shall have the right to have their parent or legal guardian and the student media advisor and/or a third party advocate present at the hearing” (Kuraya/Moriarty). The motion carried unanimously with all members present voting aye.

Committee Vice Chairperson Moriarty asked the Department to comment on the testimonies shared. Armstrong stated that relating to censorship it is clear in the policy that the material does not have to go to the administrator for review. Committee Vice Chairperson Moriarty stated that the Board can make adjustments as needed if it is determined.

Committee Chairperson Arakaki stated that the censorship only pertains to any of the violations. He shared that the Committee held the first meeting on January 11, 2024, and one more meeting is needed to comply with policy setting procedures.


Keith Hayashi, Superintendent, and Tammi Oyadomari-Chun, Deputy Superintendent of Strategy outlined the Review of Strategic Plan Desired Outcome 1.3.1, action item 3: Expand students’ opportunities for structured work-based learning experiences, including internships for high school students, through partnerships with employers, community partners, military and higher education institutions.

Oyadomari-Chun explained that the Department has two branches Career Technology Education (CTE) and workforce development that provide opportunities to engage students in and outside of the classroom to apply skills to be globally competitive, and locally committed. She stated that the efforts are across agencies such as Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR), Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), Hawaii P-20, Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, and Healthcare Association of Hawaii.

Hayashi stated that the Department hosted 107 interns in a variety of occupations and as of May 4, there are 134 internship opportunities for summer 2024. He expressed appreciation for support from the legislature and introduced Sean Tajima, Complex Area Superintendent, Campbell-Kapolei and Wesley Shinkawa, Principal, Kapolei High School, to share about workforce development opportunities at schools in areas such as engineering, information technology, and healthcare.

Shinkawa shared about the work based learning opportunities for students who are interested in taking ownership of their learning. Tajima stated that partnering with the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce also helps the geographic region with industry partners.

Board Member Takumi, Ex Officio left the meeting at 11:57 a.m.

Committee Chairperson Arakaki called for public testimony on this agenda item.

David Miyashiro, HawaiikidsCAN, testified in support of work based learning experiences for students.

Cheri Nakamura, HE’E Coalition, testified in support of the quick movement for strategic plan 1.3.1. to transform opportunities for students who have foundational skills. She stated that as equity advocates we are worried about criteria for students to meet to even enter programs.

Julie Reyes-Oda, teacher at Nanakuli High School & Intermediate School, testified regarding work-based experiences for students and asked how the Department is going to get students to school. She shared that a student presented about low wage workers and moving to the mainland and requested that workforce opportunities benefit students to allow them to remain living in Hawaii.

Hayashi asked Armstrong to share about opportunities for students with special needs. Armstrong shared that for English language learner (ELL) and special education (SPED) students appropriate modifications will be put in place. She explained that for those students with severe disabilities there are 12 high schools participating in a pilot program with career learning opportunities such as screen printing, coffee carts, and grounds maintenance. Hayashi shared about the success of students with industry partners to get hired into positions upon graduation.

Board Member Wesley Lo, Ex Officio, stated that there are students who would have never gone to college but after participating in internships may make more money.

Committee Member Kuraya stated that this is a good opportunity for high schools to have programs for students to be able to work in schools to take pride in their campuses and is an opportunity to gain knowledge of what it will be like at a full time job.

Committee Vice Chairperson Moriarty expressed appreciation to Tajima and Shinkawa and asked how targets will be measured. She also asked what support the Board could provide for these efforts. Hayashi replied that the target is to see that all students have some sort of internship which requires coordinated effort with partners who are committed to helping. He emphasized that this will allow the Department to find out what students are passionate about and the actions that are needed to support.

Board Member Wesley Lo left the meeting at 12:11 p.m.

Committee Vice Chairperson Moriarty asked if a desired goal is to have every student have an internship experience. Hayashi replied that it is a high goal to achieve but the Department will make gains.

Oyadomari-Chun stated that the framework and policies will take a lot of capacity building and funding to determine what schools and students can do. She stated that post-high school tracking outcomes are challenging. With some of the funding coming from ESSER and since a lot of current funding is soft money, the Department started to request funding from the Legislature and received $2 million in non-recurring funds this year but this is not enough to bring to scale.

Committee Member Takumi returned to the meeting at 12:20 p.m.

Oyadomari-Chun referenced vacancies and shared that the Department is posting internships as a recruitment mechanism to fill vacancies. Hayashi clarified that the Department is committed to having students participate in internships.

Student Representative McGuirk asked how many internships are filled and how recruitment is happening. Oyadomari-Chun shared that school level internships are being handled by the schools and all positions are posted online.

Committee Chairperson Arakaki expressed appreciation for the Kapolei High School students who shared about what is happening in schools.


V. Adjournment

Committee Chairperson Arakaki adjourned the meeting at 12:31 p.m.

List of the people who submitted written testimony before the meeting


NAME
Organization
Agenda Item
David MiyashiroHawaiikidsCAN, Executive DirectorIII.A. Task force reports as a follow-up to the November 2, 2023, Student Achievement Committee discussion regarding Act 174, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023 (House Bill 503, Relating to Computer Science Education), and Senate Concurrent Resolution 56, 2023 (Requesting the Board of Education to Review Various Programs and Subject Matter Areas for Implementation in Public Schools); IV.B. Review of Strategic Plan Desired Outcome 1.3.1, Action Item 3: Expand students’ opportunities for structured work-based learning experiences, including internships for high school students, through partnerships with employers, community partners, military and higher education institutions
Cynthia ReevesIV.A. Committee action to approve policy draft in accordance with Board Policy 400-2, entitled Policies and Policy-setting, regarding Act 24, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, relating to student journalism
Cheri Nakamura IV.B. Review of Strategic Plan Desired Outcome 1.3.1, Action Item 3: Expand students’ opportunities for structured work-based learning experiences, including internships for high school students, through partnerships with employers, community partners, military and higher education institutions
Amber DavisIII.A. Task force reports as a follow-up to the November 2, 2023, Student Achievement Committee discussion regarding Act 174, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023 (House Bill 503, Relating to Computer Science Education), and Senate Concurrent Resolution 56, 2023 (Requesting the Board of Education to Review Various Programs and Subject Matter Areas for Implementation in Public Schools)
Stephen SchatzHawaii P-20, Executive Director IV.B. Review of Strategic Plan Desired Outcome 1.3.1, Action Item 3: Expand students’ opportunities for structured work-based learning experiences, including internships for high school students, through partnerships with employers, community partners, military and higher education institutions
Sherry Menor-McNamaraHawaii Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO IV.B. Review of Strategic Plan Desired Outcome 1.3.1, Action Item 3: Expand students’ opportunities for structured work-based learning experiences, including internships for high school students, through partnerships with employers, community partners, military and higher education institutions
Alex HarrisHarold K.L. Castle Foundation, Vice President for Programs IV.B. Review of Strategic Plan Desired Outcome 1.3.1, Action Item 3: Expand students’ opportunities for structured work-based learning experiences, including internships for high school students, through partnerships with employers, community partners, military and higher education institutions
Dr. Gerard DericksCenter for Entrepreneurship and Economic Education on, Hawaii Pacific University, DirectorIII.A. Task force reports as a follow-up to the November 2, 2023, Student Achievement Committee discussion regarding Act 174, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023 (House Bill 503, Relating to Computer Science Education), and Senate Concurrent Resolution 56, 2023 (Requesting the Board of Education to Review Various Programs and Subject Matter Areas for Implementation in Public Schools)
Katie LandgrafAssistant Professor of Accounting, University of Hawaii – West OahuIII.A. Task force reports as a follow-up to the November 2, 2023, Student Achievement Committee discussion regarding Act 174, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023 (House Bill 503, Relating to Computer Science Education), and Senate Concurrent Resolution 56, 2023 (Requesting the Board of Education to Review Various Programs and Subject Matter Areas for Implementation in Public Schools)