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| Board of Education Committee Meetings |
APPROVED
STATE OF HAWAII
BOARD OF EDUCATION
COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL PROGRAMS
(Special Education; Special Services; Hawaiian Language Immersion;
Early Childhood Education; Adult Education; Student Discipline)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Minutes
Attendance
Board of Education
Denise Matsumoto, Chairperson
Jonathan Allen, Vice-Chairperson (Excused)
Dr. Eileen Clarke
Mary Cochran, Esq. (Excused)
Margaret Cox
Breene Harimoto
Donna Ikeda
Kim Coco Iwamoto, Esq.
John Penebacker
Garrett Toguchi
Herbert Watanabe
Milton Goto, Public Affairs Officer
Darren Ibara, Student Helper
Alison Kim, Senior Analyst
Camille Masutomi, Curriculum Specialist
Department of Education
Patricia Hamamoto, Superintendent of Education
Daniel Hamada, Assistant Superintendent, OCISS
Sandra Goya, Acting Director, Communications Office
Kara Mark, Educational Specialist II, School Community Leadership Branch
Carol Shikada, Director, School Community Leadership Branch
Steven Shiraki, Educational Specialist III, Student Support Services Branch
Gary Takaki, Principal, Community School for Adults – Windward Oahu District
Linda Unten, Educational Administrative Services Director, OCISS
Russell Yamauchi, Educational Specialist II, Student Support Services Branch
Annette Young-Ogata, Educational Specialist II, SCLB
Others
Ann Antal, Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council Appointee
Maurice Morita, Hawaii State Teachers Association
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of the Committee on Special Programs (Committee) was called to order by Chairperson Denise Matsumoto at 3:00 p.m. in the Board Room, Queen Liliuokalani Building.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Watanabe moved, and Mr. Harimoto seconded, that the Committee approve the minutes of the meeting held on May 12, 2008.
The motion carried unanimously with Dr. Clarke, Ms. Cox, Mr. Harimoto, Ms. Ikeda, Ms. Iwamoto, Ms. Matsumoto, Mr. Penebacker, and Mr. Watanabe voting aye. There were no nays and no abstentions.
III. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. BEN ACOHIDO TO THE HAWAII STATE ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ms. Annette Young-Ogata, Educational Specialist II, School Community Leadership Branch (SCLB) and Ms. Kara Mark, Educational Specialist II, SCLB, presented Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto’s recommendation memo, “Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council” (Attachment A).
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s question regarding the appointment, Ms. Young-Ogata stated that Mr. Acohido is new appointment to the council and will serve a two year term. She also stated that the council allows appointees to serve a maximum of six years.
Mr. Watanabe moved, and Mr. Penebacker seconded, that the Committee recommend to the full Board to approve the appointment of Mr. Ben Acohido to the Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council.
The motion carried unanimously with Dr. Clarke, Ms. Cox, Mr. Harimoto, Ms. Ikeda, Ms. Iwamoto, Ms. Matsumoto, Mr. Penebacker, and Mr. Watanabe voting aye. There were no nays and no abstentions.
IV. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD ACTION ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MS. ANN S. ANTAL TO THE HAWAII STATE ADULT AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ms. Young-Ogata and Ms. Mark presented Ms. Hamamoto’s recommendation memo, “Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council” (Attachment B).
Ms. Young-Ogata introduced Ms. Ann Antal and explained that she is a new appointee for a two-year appointment.
Mr. Watanabe moved, and Ms. Cox seconded, that the Committee recommend to the full Board to approve the appointment of Ms. Ann S. Antal to the Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council.
Ms. Young-Ogata introduced Mr. Ed Yee, Chair, Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council.
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s question, Mr. Yee stated he is in favor of the recommendation.
The motion carried unanimously with Dr. Clarke, Ms. Cox, Mr. Harimoto, Ms. Ikeda, Ms. Iwamoto, Ms. Matsumoto, Mr. Penebacker, and Mr. Watanabe voting aye. There were no nays and no abstentions.
V. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD ACTION ON BOARD POLICY 2408, “ADULT EDUCATION”
Ms. Mark explained the following documents.
Discussion/Recommendation for Board Action on Board Policy 2408, “Adult Education” and Board Policy 2409, “Content Standards for Adult Community Schools” (Attachment C)
Board Policy 2408, “Adult Education” (Attachment D)
Community School for Adults Education Policy, Ramseyer Format (Attachment E)
Community Schools for Adults Policy, Standard Format (Attachment F)
Summary, Adult Education Semester Enrollment Report, Department of Education, Adult and Early Childhood Section (Attachment G)
Mr. Toguchi walked into the Committee meeting at 3:07 p.m.
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question regarding learner access and enrollment, Ms. Mark stated that learners need to be age 16 or older. Ms. Mark also stated that all academic and special interest classes are available to those learners.
Ms. Iwamoto asked if learners could accrue high school graduation credits from the Community Schools. Ms. Mark stated that the credit recovery programs falls under a different structure; however, the Community Schools do work with the high schools on credit recovery programs. She explained that the credit recovery programs are state funded whereas the Community Schools are federally funded.
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question on location of the West Oahu Community Schools, Ms. Mark explained that the Waipahu Community School covers the geographic area from Waipahu along the Leeward coast to Waianae. She also explained that Adult Education has community-based organizations in Waianae.
In response to Dr. Clarke’s question regarding the types of courses offered, Ms. Mark explained that the English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Program has the largest number of courses offered. She stated that Adult Basic Education (ABE) and Adult Secondary Education (ASE) courses are the next largest group (Attachment G).
Dr. Clarke asked if the courses offer relevant experiences for learners. Ms. Mark stated that the Moanalua Community School has Workplace Literacy courses at Kaiser Permanente Moanalua Medical Center. She stated that the courses are geared for industry specific learning. Ms. Mark also explained that the Building Industry Association (BIA) classes use curriculum developed by Farrington Community School.
In response to Dr. Clarke’s question regarding the work force, Ms. Mark explained that the Work Force Investment Act has the Department of Education (Department) working with the Department of Labor. She stated that the Department provides the Literacy programs and the Department of Labor provides the work force entry and job training. She also stated that the Work Force Investment Boards on the different islands coordinate the work between Department and Department of Labor. Ms. Mark also stated that the Community Schools targeted retraining for laid off workers from the Frito-Lay and Del Monte companies.
In response to Dr. Clarke’s question regarding the addition of these programs to Board Policy 2408, Ms. Mark stated that the Department will return to the Committee with proposed amendments to Board Policy 2408.
Ms. Cox stated that some Community Schools offer programs at elementary schools at night. She also stated that training for substitute teachers is done at the Community Schools.
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s question on the Community School’s teacher qualifications, Principal Gary Takaki, Community Schools for Adults-Windward Oahu District, explained that the teachers instructing the ABE, ASE, and English Literacy/Civics (EL/Civics) meet the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements. He also explained that he waives the NCLB teacher requirements for the special interests courses.
Mr. Penebacker asked about tuition free courses. Mr. Takaki explained that each Community School has a waiver policy.
In response to Ms. Ikeda’s question regarding General Education Development (GED) test, Ms. Young-Ogata stated that the bulk of the GED test takers age range from 16 through 21. She explained that the majority of the participants in the Competency Based (CB) High School Diploma Program are 16 – 17 years old. She also stated that the graduation rate hangs around 2500 learners. She stated that for School Year (SY) 2008-2009, over a 1000 learners have registered for the CB High School Diploma Program or the GED course.
Ms. Young-Ogata explained that learners, age 16 or 17, need a 4140 waiver to participate.
Ms. Ikeda expressed concern that the increase in graduation requirements may impact the number of learners participating in the GED and CB High School Diploma Programs. She suggested that the GED and CB High School Diploma Programs rates be monitored.
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s question regarding the difference between a CB High School diploma and a GED diploma, Ms. Young-Ogata explained that CB High School Program is a local program. She also explained that the GED program is a national and international program. She stated that the Department wanted to offer a variety of ways for learners to receive a high school diploma.
Ms. Young-Ogata explained that the GED Program has subject core components: Language Arts, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. She also explained that the CB High School Program has the five subject core components, but also has functional living skills components such as Health, Government and Law, Occupational Knowledge, Consumer Economics, and Community Resources.
In response to Ms. Ikeda’s question regarding the cost of leisure and recreational courses offered, Mr. Takaki explained course fees are determined by the Hawaii State Statutes. He further explained that the Community School may charge $2.00 per instructional hour and charge the cost of supplies. He also explained that due to the limited number of pianos, the Community School charges $3.00 per hour to break even on piano classes.
Mr. Takaki stated that the majority of his faculty is retired Department teachers.
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s question regarding follow-up on former learners of Community Schools, Ms. Mark stated that the Community Schools assist learners with goal setting using similar core outcome measures as the Department of Labor and Career and Technical Education (CTE). She explained that the Department tracks learners after three months to check if the learner secured employment or six months to check if the learner retained employment.
Dr. Clarke asked about the recidivism rate. Mr. Takaki stated that at the Community Schools for Adults-Windward Oahu District, the attrition rate is not as great as in years previous.
In response to Dr. Clarke’s question regarding teacher training, Ms. Young-Ogata explained that training sessions are offered. Ms. Mark further explained that teacher training includes strategies for special education and adult learners.
Mr. Toguchi left the Committee meeting at 3:39 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 3:50 p.m.
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question regarding reading level, Ms. Young-Ogata stated that the Community Schools screen their learners. She also stated that the learner needs to be at an 8th grade reading level to be successful in the program.
Ms. Iwamoto asked about assistance provided for learners to achieve an 8th grade reading level. Mr. Takaki explained that the Community Schools use Novanet, PLATO, Sparks 3000, and COMPASS placement test for preparation.
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question regarding the GED Program, Ms. Young-Ogata stated that a learner may choose to take the GED Test to receive test scores, but the learner must complete the GED Program to receive a GED Diploma.
Ms. Iwamoto suggested that Board Policy 2408 use the words “shall include” so that other groups can be added.
Ms. Iwamoto suggested that the Department review the last two paragraphs of Board Policy 2408 that the consultant included (Attachment F).
VI. DISCUSSION/RECOMMENDATION FOR BOARD ACTION ON BOARD POLICY 2409, “CONTENT STANDARDS FOR ADULT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS”
Ms. Mark explained Discussion/Recommendation for Board Action on Board Policy 2408, “Adult Education” and Board Policy 2409, “Content Standards for Adult Community Schools” (Attachment C) and Board Policy 2490, “Content Standards for Adult Community Schools Policy” (Attachment H).
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question regarding using specific programs instead of standards in the policy, Ms. Matsumoto stated that the Department recommends removing the specific program from the policy.
Ms. Matsumoto requested that the Department return to the Committee with proposed amendments to Board Policy 2408 and Board Policy 2409.
Ms. Matsumoto stated that any additional comments from Board members regarding Board Policy 2408 and 2409 may be submitted to Board staff to forward to the Department for consideration.
VII. DISCUSSION/PRESENTATION ON TRUANCY
Dr. Steven Shiraki, Educational Specialist III, Student Support Services Branch (SSSB), and Mr. Russell Yamauchi, Educational Specialist II, SSSB, explained Discussion/Presentation on Truancy (Attachment I).
Ms. Iwamoto suggested that the Department consider truancy as a symptom of a bigger problem.
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question regarding the causes for truancy, Mr. Yamauchi explained that the Department does not have data on the reasons or causes of truancy. He stated that the Department gathers Electronic Centralized Student Information System (eSIS) and Chapter 19, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Student Misconduct, Discipline, School Searches and Seizures, Reporting Offenses, Police Interviews and Arrests, and Restitution for Vandalism data. Dr. Shiraki explained that the Department is working with the Office of Information Technology Services (OITS) to track reasons for absence(s).
Dr. Shiraki explained the challenge of inputting attendance data by periods at the secondary level. Ms. Cox explained that attendance clerks are needed to maintain accurate data on attendance.
Dr. Shiraki stated that the High School Redesign and the Smaller Learning Communities are doing a better job at tracking student attendance and following up with student, teachers, and parents.
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question regarding middle school truancy, Dr. Shiraki stated that the Department is hopeful that the Middle School Projects will be helpful in reducing truancy. He explained that the program involves parents earlier and holds them accountable as well as responsible for their child’s attendance in school.
Mr. Penebacker asked about other states data systems. Dr. Shiraki explained that most states are not able to capture the reasons surrounding truancy.
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s question regarding the daily absentee rate, Dr. Shiraki stated 7% to 10% absentee rate for high schools. Dr. Shiraki also stated that a portion of the 7% to 10% is truant. Mr. Yamauchi explained the Truancy Rate chart (Attachment J).
Dr. Shiraki explained that the school may program absentee phone notification calls to go out when parents are mostly at home.
Mr. Penebacker suggested that students be asked why they are truant. He explained that students reported that the curriculum was junk or that the teacher strategies were poor. He also explained that some students are fearful of bullies.
Ms. Cox stated that one of the four indicators that a student will not graduate from high school is poor attendance by the fifth grade. She suggested that intervention programs begin prior to middle school and that they need to address the problem before the student leaves middle school.
In response to Mr. Harimoto’s question regarding parent involvement, Dr. Shiraki stated parent knowledge of unauthorized absence and joint responsibility helps to reduce truancy.
Mr. Harimoto expressed disappointment about the School Attendance Program. He explained that program success was linked to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) presence.
Ms. Iwamoto suggested providing materials regarding parent involvement to parents. Dr. Shiraki stated that the Department provides parent brochures on attendance.
Mr. Penebacker left the Committee meeting at 4:19 p.m. and returned to the meeting at 4:20 p.m.
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s questions on the Truancy Reduction Project, Mr. Yamauchi explained that the Department is currently compiling the data from SY 2007-2008.
Mr. Penebacker asked about longitudinal studies. Dr. Shiraki explained that the Department is not able to provide longitudinal study data on truancy.
In response to Mr. Penebacker’s question regarding funding, Dr. Shiraki stated that the Department of Human Services Office of Youth Services funds the Truancy Reduction Project.
Ms Ikeda asked about Department enforcement of the compulsory school attendance law. Dr. Shiraki explained that the schools refer truancy cases to family court. Mr. Yamauchi stated that the compulsory attendance law penalty is a misdemeanor and parents may be fined up to $1,000.00. Mr. Yamauchi also stated that according to HPD, the compulsory attendance law is not enforced.
In response to Ms. Matsumoto’s question on patterns of behavior, Dr. Shiraki explained that Electronic Comprehensive Student Support System (eCSSS) will be able to track attendance patterns of behavior.
Mr. Penebacker left the Committee meeting at 4:29 p.m.
In response to Ms. Ikeda’s question regarding student removal from school, Dr. Shiraki stated that the 4140 process allows an exception to the compulsory attendance law. He explained that the 4140 process allows a student to withdraw from high school at age 16 or older.
Ms. Cox suggested that Student Support Services work wit OITS to collect attendance data to track students who have attendance problems and implement interventions to fix the attendance problem and flag the next school.
In response to Mr. Watanabe’s question regarding 18 year old truants, Dr. Shiraki stated that 18 year olds can determine for themselves whether they want to attend school because they have reached the age of maturity.
In response to Ms. Iwamoto’s question on attendance, Dr. Shiraki stated that the school attendance procedures require parent notification on absences.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:36 p.m.
June 16, 2008
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A Recommendation memo titled “Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council”
Attachment B Recommendation memo titled “Hawaii State Adult and Community Education Advisory Council”
Attachment C Discussion/Recommendation for Board Action on Board Policy 2408, “Adult Education” and Board Policy 2409, “Content Standards for Adult Community Schools”
Attachment D Board Policy 2408, “Adult Education Policy”
Attachment E Community School for Adults Education Policy, Ramseyer Format
Attachment F Community Schools for Adults Policy, Standard Format
Attachment G Summary, Adult Education Semester Enrollment Report, Department of Education, Adult and Early Childhood Section
Attachment H Board Policy 2409, “Content Standards for Adult Community Schools Policy”
Attachment I Discussion/Presentation on Truancy
Attachment J Truancy Rate