June 1, 2012
Contributed by ksinfo
Each of the campuses were required to do a progress report and self study in addition to an observation period by a visiting committee team representing both HAIS and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In the report by the visiting committee, recommendations and commendations were made for each of the campuses.
"In the report from WASC, we were pleased to see that they recognize KS Hawai'i's quality of educational programs," said Dr. Rod Chamberlain, Kamehameha's vice president of Campus Strategic and Academic Affairs. "The visiting committee recognized the passionate commitment by the KS Hawai'i administration, faculty and staff who ensure the mission of the Trust is realized through the development and delivery of a culturally-relevant and challenging education for the benefit of Native Hawaiian children."
The visiting committee made their observations over a three-day period at each of the campuses – February 12-15, 2012 at KS Hawai'i and March 4-7, 2012 at KS Maui.
"KS Maui students were commended for their dedication and commitment to academic success, Hawaiian values and sense of community," Dr. Chamberlain added. "The visiting committee was especially impressed with KS Maui's faculty for being such dedicated and caring educators who work tirelessly to help their students learn and support their well-being."
Both campuses were commended for their intentional efforts to become an even more Hawaiian School by enhancing and working to gain greater clarity on expectations for language use, values lived and protocols practiced. The committee commended faculty and staff for effectively integrating the mission with Hawaiian culture and values.
KS' board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff were also commended for constructing school-wide learning outcomes and standards that are highly aligned with the school's mission. The report goes on to say "these outcomes and standards not only emphasize academic development, but social, emotional, spiritual and moral development as well."
The term of accreditation is for the period between July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2018.
Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. The year 2012 marks the 125th anniversary of the opening of Kamehameha Schools, which today operates a statewide educational system enrolling over 6,900 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O'ahu, Maui and Hawai'i and 31 preschool sites statewide. Over 40,000 additional Hawaiian learners and caregivers are served each year through a range of other Kamehameha Schools' outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawai'i and across the continental United States.
Media contact: Elizabeth Ahana (808) 534-3872
Kamehameha Schools’ policy is to give preference to applicants of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.
