The DOE's plan to redesign our middle and high schools is a promising idea that deserves consideration, with input from all stakeholders within our education community.

The redesign would break down individual schools into "small learning communities," where teachers can better identify students' needs by giving them more individualized attention.

It's a method that's been used by troubled-school-system cities, such as Chicago, to target the key ninth- and 10th-grade years, when many students begin to struggle academically.

Here's how it works: At a typical school of 500 ninth- and 10th-graders, students are divided into five groups of 100 students, with each group called a "house." Each house is led by a team of teachers solely responsible for their group of students. The teachers collaborate on instruction. Depending on their academic performance, students are given options such as vocational training or more college preparatory courses.

Educators say these options have led to fewer dropouts in ninth grade and a higher percentage of kids in AP classes.

Federal grants have funded the technology and teacher training for 13 high schools in Hawai'i. Now the DOE plans to devote what could be a minimum of $160,000 per school to bring the others in line.

The resistance has come most notably at Kalani High School, where a principal's ouster was due, at least in part, to the implementation of the small learning community concept. But interim principal Louise Wolcott said she has heard of no further complaints.

Still, the change will be difficult for some. That makes it imperative that the DOE be prepared before making any transition. That means having a system for parents, teachers and others to share their input, and also having a plan in place for teacher training and curriculum alignment.

A comprehensive, uniform curriculum throughout the state's public schools will help ensure students hit the right academic benchmarks throughout the district. That's a goal that deserves support.

In the meantime, a redesign based on increased individual attention that can lead to real achievement is worth trying.