UH plan to aid isle schools
gets $500,000 grant
An effort to improve education in Hawaii, from preschool through the university, has received a boost with a $500,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the University of Hawaii announced yesterday.
The year-long planning grant to the UH Foundation will support the "P-20 initiative" launched last year by the Good Beginnings Alliance, the Department of Education and UH.
The initiative is designed to raise achievement by aligning curricula and standards at different levels of education and ensuring smooth student transitions from one level to the next. It also hopes to boost access to preschool and recruit top teachers and administrators.
"Right now there are many gaps in the three major educational systems," said Gail McClure, Kellogg Foundation vice president for programs. "We believe this partnership can work together so that no child falls through the gaps."
In announcing the grant, the foundation called the P-20 initiative "groundbreaking." The brainchild of UH President Evan Dobelle, the effort brings together stakeholders in education from preschool through university. The grant will be administered by the P-20 Council, which is made up of members of business, government, and educators at all grade levels, both public and private.
"The impact of this initial grant will be substantial in terms of developing the necessary infrastructure, energizing the project and securing future support," said Schools Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto.
