In "The Global Achievement Gap," author Tony Wagner says that "despite the best efforts of educators, our nation's schools are dangerously obsolete. Instead of teaching students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers, we are asking them to memorize facts for multiple choice tests."

"Even the top schools," according to Wagner, "aren't teaching the skills that matter the most in the global knowledge economy. Our teens leave school equipped to work only in the kinds of jobs that are fast disappearing from the American Economy."

School leaders in Hawai'i are designing new approaches that will better prepare our students for life after high school, transforming our schools from places where teaching and learning are passive, to active learning environments where lessons are taken from real-life situations and students are encouraged to problem solve for real-life solutions.

For these fledgling efforts to continue and flourish, my colleagues and I are engaging parents, legislators and business partners in what we call "courageous conversations," aimed at creating community-wide support for a full-scale reinvention of our schools sufficient to support 21st-century teaching and learning in all classrooms.

To illustrate, here are three examples of work now under way at Kapolei High School as we strive to "close the achievement gap." We are customizing the educational experience for all students; partnering with businesses; and establishing our school as the academic and social center for the Kapolei /West O'ahu community.

Kapolei High has a student enrollment of 2,200. Nevertheless, we are dedicated to creating "small school" environments in which students become meaningfully connected to teachers and staff.

The Ho'ola Academy, new this year, is a "school within a school" for 250 students, with teaching and learning that is infused with Hawaiian cultural values and experiential learning that add relevance for students. Teachers have created a learning environment that respects and honors students for their personal talents and gifts; parent involvement is mandatory.

The initial data sources show a marked improvement in grades, attendance and behavioral referrals. Although still early, indicators point to a positive change in students' learning and behaviors. The long-term analysis will help determine the effectiveness of autonomous schools within schools.

Schools of the future should offer students choices, in an effort to make them more responsible for their learning. In collaboration with the University of Hawai'i, Kapolei High School is offering the SEED Academy, an experimental online program which offers an array of core and elective courses taught by teachers who also provide face-to-face support for students needing assistance. SEED students are also enrolled at Kapolei High School, and have access to all activities.

This new online academy is another example of a "school within a school," and magnifies the application of new technologies to enhance learning for students more inclined to be "self-directed." Ambitious students in this program are able to earn college credits while matriculating at our school.

Here in Kapolei, business partners are adding value to our efforts to create places of learning that foster and nurture students' naturally curious minds, and develop their ability to think and act in real-world situations. Businesses and organizations such as the Rotary Club of Kapolei and social service providers have answered our call to action and are actively offering their talents and expertise in our search for creative ways to apply new learning.

Our willingness to partner with business leaders in Kapolei is a "back-to-the-future" concept; communities historically have depended on churches and schools to reinforce healthy activities and values. Today church membership is down and school leaders are taking on additional responsibilities that require teachers and staff to serve as social service providers and advocates for our students.

We are having serious and productive conversations here in West O'ahu with many community service providers, and their leadership is enriching the lives of our students and families. Schools are places where the conversion of resources comes together naturally, thereby creating a catalytic force for building a healthier community.

With that concept in mind, we invited the Malama Learning Center, a not-for-profit 501(c)3, to come to the campus of Kapolei High School to build a place that brings art, science, conservation and culture together to promote sustainable living throughout Hawai'i. This is an example of a public and private partnership that is committed to lifelong education, creative expression, and active stewardship to care for the land, sea and people who make up our communities.

The Malama Learning Center is raising capital to build its "green" center and is well on its way to raising the $10.5 million for construction. It's been a labor of love for volunteers involved in the project, and the driving force that will make us succeed is the strong vision of creating a place where students, parents, and the greater community of West O'ahu will gather, collaborate, perform and learn ways to develop a healthy community.

Other schools across the state have created exemplary programs that are preparing our students for the future. We need to learn from each other and share our beliefs and insights of best practices with our business and political leaders.

Kapolei High School is becoming a "School for the Future."

Alvin Nagasako is principal of Kapolei High School. He wrote this commentary for The Advertiser.