DOE lists schools The state Department of Education has released a list of schools that have vacancies and can accept students under a new federal mandate allowing students to transfer out of poorly performing schools.
able to accept
transfer students
under new law
The federal law lets students
leave poorly performing schoolsBy Gregg K. Kakesako
gkakesako@starbulletin.comThe list, broken down by the state's seven school districts, can be found at the DOE's Web site at doe.k12.hi.us under the "Featured sites" and "No Child Left Behind."
Greg Knudsen, DOE spokesman, cautioned parents that the list is a tentative one and will change as more information becomes available. "However," he added, "it does show how many vacancies are available at certain grade levels at certain schools. It gives parents an idea what openings are available and where. They can start planning now."
If a parent doesn't have access to the Internet, Knudsen suggested they call his office at 586-3230. The list also should be available at the school the student is currently attending, he added.
The No Child Left Behind Act is a federal education program initiated by President Bush in January that is designed to force improvement to the nation's worst schools.
Knudsen said the DOE initially identified 85 schools for improvement or corrective action. Those schools did not meet minimum levels for standardized math and reading scores and attendance.
However, as many as 23 schools may be removed from the initial list of 85 schools by Sept. 20, when the state releases a new list based on the latest test scores, Knudsen said.
Then parents will have until Sept. 30 to request a transfer. Parents will be notified by Oct. 15 if their children have been accepted at the new school, and they will have two days to decide. The earliest a student could start at the new school is Oct. 28 -- the first day of the second quarter. Students may be eligible for DOE-sponsored transportation.
A fact sheet released by the DOE on its Web site says that priority will be given to students who scored the lowest on report cards in reading and math, and who receive free or reduced-price lunches.
State Department of Education
