DOE: Public Survey on 2016-17 School Calendar

An online public feedback survey on school calendar models is being conducted by the Hawai’i State Department of Education.

The survey is being conducted following the request of the Hawai’i State Board of Education, the public, and educators who wish to review innovative approaches to the school calendar.

“Developing a school calendar is a complex task, and we look forward to analyzing survey responses from our families and the general public,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “We highly encourage parents to take part in this opportunity.”

Calendar development for the 2016-17 school year and years following will be guided by the data gathered from the short, three-part survey. The addition of public input in the planning will ensure the calendar maximizes learning opportunities for students, as it also meets the needs of educators and families.

Prior to this new approach, the DOE has developed the school calendar based on prior models. With input from educators, the 2015-16 school calendar was approved by the BOE in December 2014.

During the 2014-15 school year, a DOE School Calendar Workgroup of complex area and school staff met to discuss the school calendar, addressing challenges and seeking opportunities. During the work session, the group was able to identify clear tenets for calendar development, including finishing the first semester by winter break and including the same number of days in each quarter.

The survey can be taken here and will be open until April 22.

Results of the survey will be reviewed by the DOE’s Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance to inform development of the 2016-17 school calendar.