Assessment Survey – Looking At the Results – By MaryAnne Long
In the spring of 2000, the Ko`olauloa Educational Alliance Corporation (KEAC) surveyed Kahuku School Complex teachers and other personnel, parents, students, and the business community regarding their perspectives on how well the schools are doing in preparing students to eventually enter the work world. The survey information is being analyzed to help KEAC develop a strategic plan.
Statistical results give a measure of how our schools are doing. There was no overwhelming agreement that Kahuku Complex schools are doing a better than average job of preparing our students for either immediate careers or further education.
But, the anecdotal comments made by teachers, administrators, counselors, and parents help to pinpoint where the strengths and weaknesses are. Respondents made these comments regarding the most important thing a school does:
- Expose students to wide variety of experiences, cultures, ideas to create a well-rounded individual.
- Encourage students to solve problems, think critically, analyze. Learn how to learn.
- Help students master basic skills.
- Help students grow as social beings and make them aware of their responsibilities to society.
- Provide a safe, nurturing leaning environment.
In response to a question regarding their one wish for schools, these central themes emerged in the replies:
- Smaller class sizes.
- More resources.
- Better facilities.
- Upgraded technology.
- More parental and community involvement.
- Need for cooperative spirit among school personnel.
- Relevant learning.
- More stress on vocational education.
- That everyone value education.
The Kahuku Complex 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) grant proposal was approved and will be funded up to $1.4 million for 2015-2020.
The principals at Kahuku High-Intermediate, Kahuku Elementary, Hauʻula Elementary and Kaʻaʻawa Elementary are excited about having the resources to support student learning during non-school hours. Mahalo to KEAC for partnering with the Castle Complex grant writers and being the “Advisory Council” for this grant. Mahalo to Anne Workman (KEAC Chairperson) for her valuable input which helped to make the RFP a viable grant proposal.
Link to grant proposal.