Hōkūpaʻa Op-Ed: Put Focus on Transportation, Digital Literacy, Learning Gap as Students Head Back to School

This editorial was originally published in the Island Voices section of the Honolulu Star Advertiser, August 7th, 2022.

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There is no doubt Hawaii public schools — students, teachers and administrators — have been through a rough few years.

COVID-19 disrupted many aspects of our community, and schools were among the hardest hit. Prolonged closures, transitioning to remote learning, and loss of support services exposed and exacerbated preexisting challenges and inequities in our educational system.

As we transition into an era indelibly shaped by our COVID experiences, we also have a transition in the Hawaii Department of Education leadership. With Keith Hayashi selected as the new superintendent of Hawaii public schools and Gov. David Ige naming Bruce Voss as the new Board of Education chairman, the DOE has an opportunity to harness the momentum of change and address the educational needs of our students.

By stepping into these leadership positions, it is Mr. Hayashi’s and Mr. Voss’ kuleana to not only identify the needs of our schools and students, but to take action. To that end, we believe there are three key areas, if addressed effectively, that would make a real and lasting impact to education in Hawaii.

Transportation. We cannot let the simplicity of this essential need render it a throw-away. We need to figure out a better way to get all kids to school. Whether it’s a shortage of bus drivers, inadequate routes in rural communities, or lack of consistent and on-time schedules, if kids can’t get to school, then everything else that happens in the classroom doesn’t make a difference. Placing the burden of student transportation on parents and school staff members is not the solution. DOE needs to make sure it’s not only possible, but safe and reliable, for kids to get to school.

Digital literacy. The pandemic catalyzed the use and exploration of alternative forms of learning. Online connectivity tools and learning apps encourage innovation and make it possible for keiki to connect with other students and resources from not only their schools, but from around the world. The task now is to make sure these opportunities and skills are readily accessible to all of our students — including availability of a device and internet access. We must ensure all our students learn how to operate in the digital world and take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

Closing the learning gap. During COVID, students experienced learning loss across the board, and at rates even greater for those with other factors at play including socioeconomic status, health/ability status, and language proficiency. Schools need the resources and flexibility to address their students where they’re at and get them to a place where they are set to succeed. What will the DOE do to make up for lost learning in our statewide student population? How can we expand behavioral and mental health services for these kids at all grade levels? What can we as a community do to support at-risk learners in getting an even footing with their peers?

None of these issues are new. The DOE, school administrators, teachers, students, parents and the community have known and experienced what needs to be addressed for a long time. But now is the time to take action and make changes. It takes an infusion of new energy and motivation to shift the status quo. We’re hoping the DOE’s new leadership will take bold action to shift the status quo; and as community members, we are ready to help.