2005

EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS
POLICY

The Board of Education finds that Hawaii's public schools need to be constantly engaged in assessment and evaluation in order to improve student learning and become effective schools. Monitoring for quality and continuous improvement is key to promoting standards-based education. It requires an ongoing, systematic change process which relies on assessment data about student achievement, curriculum, and instructional practices to make program decisions. The increased authority that has been delegated to schools to make decisions which enhance student learning require greater school accountability for quality outcomes.

A focus on learning is what most clearly distinguishes the mission of the Department of Education from that of other agencies with responsibilities for the development and well-being of children, youth, and their families. This means that effective schools take responsibility for student academic learning and achievement, particularly in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, health, physical education, world languages, and career and life skills as specified by the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards. Effective schools also demonstrate high levels of acceptable student behavior, including attendance, student satisfaction with the school experience, and parent satisfaction.

The Department of Education shall develop and make annually available to the public school-by-school reports containing indicators and results of effective schools. Each report shall include at least the following four (4) criteria: high levels of student academic achievement; acceptable student behavior; student satisfaction with school; and parent satisfaction.

The Board and Department shall acknowledge and recognize effective schools and the Department shall assist schools in need of improvement.

Approved: 06/98; Amended: 06/23/05