2000

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
HAWAII’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS
POLICY


The Premise. The Board of Education believes that a democratic society is dependent upon the free, full growth of individuals who will participate in the creation and development of the institutions in that society. The institution of government in this society is founded on a secular base, which allows and encourages the development of a pluralistic society that contains many cultures within that society.

The Need for Education. Individuals must develop their personal potentials to participate fully in a democratic, multi-cultural society. Education is the process which allows individuals to become citizens who have positive attitudes toward learning and inquiry, who communicate effectively, who are guided in making choices based on critically determined and commonly shared values, who are successful in the workplace, and who practice civic responsibility. The preservation, promotion, and improvement of a democratic, multi-cultural society require the formal schooling of its children, youth and adults.

Scope. The State of Hawaii shall provide a public school system with a scope of curricular, instructional and assessment programs from pre-school to high school for children, youth and adults. These programs shall include traditional programs as well as programs offered through the Department’s online and distance learning alternatives, summer school and other non-instructional time programs that support students’ learning needs.

Such programs shall be simultaneously intellectual, aesthetic, and practical, with instructional practices which insure that learners acquire the knowledge relevant to living in the present as well as the arts and skills required for living in the future. All programs shall derive from a standards-based curriculum and research-based best practices which must include the areas of knowledge of language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, fine arts, health, physical education, world languages, and career and life skills, and all other comprehensive support services necessary for implementation.

These programs and services shall enable all public school graduates to realize their goals and aspirations; possess the attitudes, knowledge, and skills to contribute positively to and compete in a global society; exercise their rights and responsibilities of citizenship; and pursue post-secondary and/or careers without the need for remediation.

Equal Educational Opportunity. Students shall have an equal educational opportunity to enroll in programs regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disabilities, or national origin.

Former Code No. 6121
Former Policy Approved: 09/52
Reviewed: 07/60
Amended: 01/68; 09/70; 03/88; 10/94; 01/99; 06/23/05; 01/24/08