HSTA enters fray
on public educationThe teachers union unveils a
wish list for better learning
The Hawaii State Teachers Association is adding its voice to the debate over the public schools with a six-point plan designed to help Hawaii's students succeed.
"The timing is perfect since everyone's talking about education," union President Roger Takabayashi said yesterday, unveiling the teachers' agenda, dubbed "Every Child Succeeds."
"In this whole debate, you're hearing politicians talk, business people talk and outside consultants talk, and you're not hearing from the teachers, who are really the ones who have to deliver," said Joan Husted, executive director of the union.
The teachers say several pieces of a puzzle need to come together to improve Hawaii's schools, and there is no magic bullet. Highlights of their wish list are to:
>> Put money for resources into the hands of schools and teachers."We know we can't implement it all, we know it's costly, but it's a guide to what we can do to improve the system," Takabayashi said.Invest more money in education, and make sure it goes directly to the schools, whose staff should have authority to determine how to spend it. A commission should recommend proper funding levels as well as new revenue sources.
>> Streamline and simplify the governance system.
Make high school complexes, which consist of a high school and its feeder elementary and intermediate schools, the focus. Create a coordinating committee for each complex to help schools work together and ensure continuity. Revitalize school/community-based management. Adopt the Board of Education's plan to restructure electoral districts so that 17 members report directly to specific geographic constituents. Give the Board of Education full fiscal control of the Department of Education.
>> End the chronic teacher shortage.
Provide college loans and grants to increase the supply of public school teachers. Increase salaries and benefits to attract and retain teachers, and include incentives for continuing education.
>> Create greater parent and community support for schools.
Develop programs to help parents and guardians prepare their children so they come to school ready to learn. Provide incentives to local businesses to encourage their workers to participate in school.
>> Ensure basic standards for every school, teacher and student.
Make universal preschool available to all children starting at age 3. Give schools flexibility in curriculum and staffing, but clarify specific outcomes expected and set strict teaching standards. Ensure that only students who have mastered basic skills are promoted from third grade. Make sure classrooms are clean, comfortable and cool. Use paraprofessionals so teachers can focus on essential tasks.
>> End classroom overcrowding, and make schools a safe and healthy place to learn.
Hawaii's schools are among the nation's largest. Move toward smaller schools and smaller class sizes. Ensure the Student Code of Conduct is fully enforced. Make repairing schools a priority. Provide nutritious food and medical support to ensure healthy, alert children.