HONOLULU – Lt. Governor Duke Aiona today issued the following statement regarding Hawai‘i being one of 19 finalists in the second round of federal “Race to the Top” competitive grants being offered by the U.S. Department of Education to support education reform efforts.
BY LT. GOVERNOR JAMES ‘DUKE’ AIONA – Hawaii’s Race to the Top application represents a collaborative effort among our Administration, the Hawaii Department of Education, non-profit organizations, legislators and community leaders.
I am proud that we have set specific benchmarks for high school graduation rates, teacher performance, and student test scores which will allow the public to measure whether we are meeting our public education goals.
This application demonstrates our commitment to assist struggling schools, improve school performance from kindergarten to college, and ensure that all of our students are equipped and prepared to enter both college and the working environment.
It’s one thing to say education is going to improve, and it’s entirely different to actually do it. This application is a significant step in the right direction, and we will continue to work each day to improve our schools and set a course to a brighter future for our children.”
My policy agenda for education includes his strong support for implementation of “Race to the Top” educational reforms.
HawaiI’s application for $75 million in federal funds being offered by the U.S. Department of Education focuses on four education areas: adopting standards and assessments that prepare Hawaii’s students to succeed in college and the workplace; building data systems that measure student growth and success; recruiting, developing, rewarding and retaining effective teachers and principals; and providing targeted support to struggling schools and students.
More information about Lt. Governor Duke Aiona’s policy agenda for education reform can be found online at www.DukeAiona.com/future/education