Posted on: Saturday, November 6, 2004

Three schools honored for superior gains

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer

Three Honolulu schools were recognized yesterday as Hawai'i Distinguished Schools for their superior test scores or dramatic gains in student achievement.

The three elementary schools — Ali'iolani, Hokulani and Kahala — each received $3,000 from Frito-Lay of Hawai'i and will represent the state in the federal No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools program.

The three schools were selected from a field of 32 across the state that made "Adequate Yearly Progress" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act and showed enough growth in test scores to indicate they will meet the benchmarks again next year.

This is the second year these awards have been linked to the federal law, which requires schools to demonstrate greater proficiency each year until 2014, when all students are expected to be proficient in both reading and math.

All 32 nominees were recognized at a luncheon yesterday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. "The schools have been nominated by their complex areas because they have been making strides in providing quality education for their students," said mistress of ceremonies Linda Coble. "

Principals at all three winning schools credited their teachers, staff and community support with their success. "We have the programs that we have because of the strong commitment of the school community itself," said Gerald Teramae, principal at Ali'iolani.

The Kaimuki school was recognized because its students have met the standards for the past three years.

The school provides support for teachers and time for professional development. In return, Teramae said, "The faculty and staff and the teachers are willing to try new things, innovative things, to improve student achievement and learning."

Hokulani principal Donna Lum said programs at her school, such as a Japanese Cultural Exchange program, set her school apart. "We have support programs that entail everything from three world languages — we have Hawaiian, Japanese and Mandarin — we have music, creative movement, ceramics, just a multitude of good experiences," she said.

The Manoa school's third- and fifth-graders have demonstrated marked progress in meeting proficiency in reading and math.

Kahala Elementary was recognized for its test scores, which consistently rank in the top 5 percent in the state. The school has been recognized as "exemplary" for the past three years, as students have met the targets in math and reading.

Kahala principal Steven Hirahara said: "We have real strong parent involvement in our school. They support us throughout whether it's tutoring or money for (part-time teachers) or music, the parents provide all those things. We also provide workshops to support our teachers."

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.