Five public charter schools named candidates for WASC accreditation

May 23, 2011

Contributed by Thomas Yoshida

The five schools have completed the first two phases of the accreditation process which included the application and visit by a two-member team whose purpose is to understand the schools' mission and vision, its program and operations based on the WASC criteria and detailed school description. "Belief in the unlimited potential of an engaged learner underpins and unites public and private education in the school improvement process of accreditation," said Robert Witt, executive director of HAIS. "Aligned with the objectives of these charter schools is HAIS' long-standing commitment and continuing efforts to advance quality education for all children in Hawai'i."

WASC accreditation assures a school community that the school's purposes are appropriate and being accomplished through a viable education program – affirming that it's a trustworthy institution for student learning. Accreditation also offers validation of the integrity of the schools' program and transcripts, fosters ongoing improvement of the schools' programs and operations to support student learning and provides valuable insight from fellow educators that visit the school.

According to Witt, HAIS believes that private schools in Hawai'i have a public purpose. There is knowledge and expertise to be shared, successes to be celebrated, and children—whether in public or private—who deserve schools that are safe, healthy, rigorous, enriching, and responsive. The partnership that is forming between independent and charter schools through this accreditation process encourages the blurring of lines between public and private, in the best ways and for the best reasons.

"Being accepted into the accreditation process for Ke Kula Nī'ihau O Kekaha means we have the support of HAIS and Kamehameha Schools to help our school community," said Haunani Seward, director of Ke Kula Nī'ihau O Kekaha. "They will help us to look closely at our program, define our needs and work on solutions to help our bi-lingual students achieve our educational objectives. It is a huge undertaking and we are grateful for the support."

The five Hawaiian speaking schools are also part of Kamehameha Schools' Ho'olako Like program which provides funding and accreditation support to its 14 Hawaiian focused charter schools and its three conversion charters. HAIS has been actively collaborating with Ho'olako Like to provide technical assistance, professional development and coaching to Hawaiian-focused charter schools working to become accredited by WASC.

"The Kamehameha Schools' Charter School Accreditation Support program encourages schools that are creating the conditions for educational excellence," said Kalei Ka'ilihiwa, Ho'olako Like's interim director. "By offering this support we can support each school's goals of fiscal viability, operational soundness and an academic program that ensures students are prepared for success in college, careers, and the community."

Each school will now continue to seek WASC accreditation by undergoing a rigorous two-year self-assessment process followed by a three-day visit from an evaluation committee. Schools will be notified if they have been granted full accreditation by spring 2014.

"Accreditation alone is an opportunity for schools to express to the community at large that it is being accountable for its quality and student outcomes," Ka'ilihiwa added. "The public/private partnership between the network represented by HAIS and these five public charter schools has leveraged this existing opportunity to create an amazing process that evaluates the school against its stated mission, purpose and objectives that in turn preserves both the accountability and diversity that charter schools value."

HAIS is the state affiliate for the National Association of Independent Schools, and also the state liaison for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Serving over 100 private and/or independent schools and over 33,000 students in Hawai'i, HAIS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Leadership of the board is provided by heads of member schools.

Media contact:
Megan Kawatachi, Phone: (808) 973-1539 Ext. 40