DOE trying to devise
failing-school policy

The state must find out which
schools are failing and how
many students are affected

Failing schools listed

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By Treena Shapiro
tshapiro@starbulletin.com

The state Department of Education is scrambling to draft preliminary guidelines to comply with the federal law allowing students at failing schools to transfer to higher performing schools in their districts.

The U.S. Department of Education announced yesterday that this fall students at 8,600 failing schools nationwide will be able to choose a higher-performing school in their district, but Hawaii education officials are trying to determine how many students will be affected.

The state first must await federal regulations on how to implement the No Child Left Behind Act, which was signed into law in January by President George Bush.

The state also must wait for test scores in August to determine the failing schools before completing preliminary guidelines for transfers.

The federal law says students in schools that failed to meet academic standards for two years must be provided with other options -- such as transferring schools or tutoring -- by the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year.

The law does not mean that any parent whose child is in a failing school can opt to switch schools, Takenaka said. The students will be ranked according to their standardized test scores and the lowest-performing students will be given the highest priority, said Elaine Takenaka, director of the Department of Education special programs management section.

The state is still waiting for scores from the SAT9, due in August, and the first results from Hawaii Content and Performance Standards II, expected in November, Takenaka said.

Students will not be able to switch schools mid-year because of the state's geographic exception policy, but the Department of Education is trying to come up with a way to comply with the law so that it's meaningful to everyone, Takenaka said.

Under the state's current geographic exception policy, parents can apply to have their children attend another school with preference given to students wanting to enroll in a program of study not available at their home school, who have siblings attending the school or a parent who works there, or students who do not live with their parents but live in the district.

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85 isle schools may
face failing status

As of last school year, 85 Hawaii schools had failed to meet the state's academic standards for two consecutive years. If August scores show these schools continued to fail, then students may transfer to higher performing schools in their districts.

HONOLULU

Dole Middle
Kalihi Elementary
Kalihi-kai Elementary
Jarrett Middle
Jefferson Elementary
Palolo Elementary
Central Middle
Anuenue

CENTRAL OAHU

Aiea Elementary
Helemano Elementary
Kaala Elementary
Wahiawa Elementary
Wahiawa Middle
Haleiwa Elementary

LEEWARD OAHU

Ewa Elementary
Ewa Beach Elementary
Ilima Intermediate
Kaimiloa Elementary
Pohakea Elementary
Makakilo Elementary
Kamaile Elementary
Leihoku Elementary
Maili Elementary
Makaha Elementary
Waianae Elementary
Waianae High
Waianae Intermediate
Nanaikapono Elementary
Nanakuli Elementary
Nanakuli High and Intermediate
Pearl City Elementary
August Ahrens Elementary
Honowai Elementary
Waipahu Elementary
Waipahu Intermediate

WINDWARD OAHU

Heeia Elementary
Kahaluu Elementary
Benjamin Parker Elementary
Puohala Elementary
Waiahole Elementary
Hauula Elementary
Kaaawa Elementary
Laie Elementary
Keolu Elementary
Pope Elementary
Waimanalo Elem. and Inter.
Kailua Elementary

BIG ISLAND

Haaheo Elementary
Hilo Intermediate
Hilo Union Elementary
Kalanianaole Elem. and Inter.
Cheifess Kapiolani Elementary
Kaumana Elementary
Keaukaha Elementary
Laupahoehoe High and Elem.
Kau High and Pahala Elem.
Naalehu Elem. and Inter.
Keaau Middle
Mt. View Elementary
Keonepoko Elementary
Pahoa Elementary
Pohoa High and Intermediate
Kahakai Elementary
Kealakehe Elementary
Kealakehe Intermediate
Honokaa Elementary
Waimea Elementary
Waimea Middle
Hookena Elem. and Inter.
Honaunau Elem. and Inter.
Konawaena Elementary

MAUI

Makawao Elementary
Paia Elementary
Kahului Elementary
Kihei Elementary
Lihikai Elementary
Hana High and Elementary
Kaunakakai Elementary
Kilohana Elementary
Kualapuu Elementary
Maunaloa Elementary
Molokai High and Intermediate

KAUAI

King Kaumualii Elementary
Koloa Elementary
Waimea Canyon Elem. and Inter.

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State Department of Education