EDITORIAL
New 'magnet' school should be only the first

An exciting partnership between the Bishop Museum and the state Department of Education may add another facet of innovation to Hawai'i's monolithic school system.

The two institutions are collaborating on what will be the state's first official "magnet" school, which attracts students from around the Islands to a particular course of study.

While this is the first formal magnet school, Hawai'i has already been moving in this direction for some time. Various charter schools appeal to particular constituencies, as do Hawaiian immersion schools.

And even "full service" schools have occasionally developed specialties that attract students from out of district. One good example is Castle High School, which has a well-known and respected theater arts program.

What magnet schools recognize is that not every student learns in the same way or is motivated by the same things.

Hawai'i has a rich inventory of resources to offer young people, from scientific and cultural organizations to business, the military and others.

Partnerships such as this with the Bishop Museum can broaden opportunities for students, encourage learning and add diversity to our education system. They should be encouraged.