Public Input Sought on DOE/BOE Strategic Plan

DOE file photo.

Public input is being sought on a review and extension of the Hawai’i Department of Education and the Board of Education’s joint Strategic Plan.

The plan is an effort to develop strategies that focus on student success, staff success, and successful systems of support. It was last updated in 2012.

Together, the DOE and BOE are seeking input regarding revisions that will be included in the 2017-2020 extension of the plan.

“Over the past five years, we’ve experienced great progress in our public school system and our schools,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “To help all students reach their aspirations, we are taking a close look at lessons learned and ongoing challenges.”

Among the items referred to by Matayoshi is the reduction of chronic absenteeism, improvement in high school-level academic achievements, and increased college enrollment.

“The passage of the new federal education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), is a critical opportunity to reconsider our current strategies and indicators for success,” said Tammi Chun, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance.

ESSA replaces No Child Left Behind and provides more control at the state level to work flexibly to create educational strategies to support its goals.

“We plan to lead with the vision in our state’s Strategic Plan, and use the input of stakeholders across Hawai’i, and the flexibility granted by ESSA, to support that vision,” Chun stated. “The state plan for ESSA will align with this effort so the targets in the Strategic Plan and our use of federal resources meet the requirements under the new law, while taking advantage of the new flexibilities awarded to states.”

On April 14, Governor David Ige announced an ESSA team, made up of 17 individuals. That team and the DOE will work collaboratively.

The public can provide input by taking an online survey found on the Strategic Plan community conversation blog. Input can also be e-mailed directly to StrategicPlan@notes.k12.hi.us or mailed to the Office of Strategy, Innovation, and Performance, P.O. Box 2360, Honolulu, HI, 96804.