KES Happenings

The Kamehameha Schools Strategic Plan launched in 2000 is the guiding document describing the goals and priorities of the school. Over the next five- to ten-year period, educational programs and services will address the following goals:

• Goal 1: Kamehameha Schools will provide and facilitate a wide range of integrated, quality education programs and services to serve more people of Hawaiian ancestry.
• Goal 2: Kamehameha Schools will work with families and communities in their efforts to meet the educational needs of people of Hawaiian ancestry.
• Goal 3: Kamehameha Schools will cultivate, nurture, perpetuate, and practice ‘Ike Hawai‘i (which includes Hawaiian culture, values, language, oral traditions, literature, and wahi pana – significant cultural or historical places – etc.).
• Goal 4: Kamehameha Schools will foster the development of leaders who focus on service to others.
• Goal 5: Kamehameha Schools will optimize the value and use of current financial and non-financial resources and actively seek and develop new resources.
• Goal 6: Kamehameha Schools will mālama i ka ‘āina: practice ethical, prudent, and culturally appropriate stewardship of lands and resources.
• Goal 7: Kamehameha Schools will continue to develop as a dynamic, nurturing, learning community.

The Kapālama Elementary School goals are directly linked to the Kamehameha School Strategic Plan. Admissions Policy 211 has led to an increase in educational opportunities for more orphaned and indigent children on the campuses. In addressing the change in student population and improving the quality of education provided to all students, KES faculty has come together to discuss curriculum, instruction, and assessment through the Standards Based Change Process (SBCP). This process, pioneered by Dr. Kathryn Au from the University of Hawai‘i, is a system for improving achievement through the establishment of clear goals for student learning. SBCP fosters ongoing, school-wide discussions about teaching and learning in order to develop a staircase curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. As curriculum is developed, it is documented and analyzed through Atlas Curriculum Mapping software. This process has lead to increased student achievement in writing and enhanced classroom instruction based on best practices (see page 20).

In addition, the Kūlia i ka Nu‘u (Hawaiian Language and Cultural Competencies) ensure that literacy in the Hawaiian language and culture extends throughout the elementary school. Each grade level incorporates cultural values into the curriculum. The Waiwai Hawai‘i Committee, a volunteer group of twelve (12) KES faculty members shares mo‘ōlelo and ‘ōlelo no‘eau throughout the school year. The committee also develops monthly staff development workshops called Home Ho‘ona‘auao, which provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to come together as an ‘ōhana to continue their language and cultural education. Integrating the language and culture into all that we do is important in achieving our mission.

Kamehameha Schools is in the process of executing and monitoring the implementation of its strategic plan. Through additional resources, continued professional development, and a strong cultural foundation, KES is poised to fulfill Pauahi’s desire to create educational opportunities to improve the capability and well-being of Native Hawaiians.