Posted on: Thursday, November 11, 2004

Education Snapshot — Voyager Public Charter School

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Voyager Public Charter School in Kaka'ako had one of the most dramatic jumps in the state on the Hawai'i State Assessment, and principal Sue Deuber credits teachers, students and their families.

In third-grade reading this year, they have 70 percent meeting and 4 percent exceeding the standards, up from 46.4 percent meeting and none exceeding in 2003.

Fifth-grade reading: 63 percent meeting and none exceeding, up from 11.1 percent meeting and none exceeding in 2003.

Third-grade math: 41 percent meeting and 44 percent exceeding, compared with 46.4 percent meeting and 10.7 percent exceeding in 2003.

Fifth-grade math: 38 percent meeting and none exceeding, compared with 22.2 percent meeting and none exceeding in 2003.

• What made the difference: Deuber credits individual attention from teachers who are attracted to the autonomy of a charter school; families that support the school; and the students.

• How they did it: "We are combining three learning methodologies into a program that's really founded on continuous quality improvement, parent involvement and creating a learning community where kids are engaged in what's happening at school," Deuber said.

• Other factors: Because families who seek out charter schools want an alternative to their neighborhood school, "there's a different kind of buy-in on behalf of the parents and families."