There is some fascinating information in the 104-page report released a few weeks ago by the National Association of State Boards of Education. Locally, aided by Department of Education information, the data on Hawai`i’s public schools is enlightening. Absenteeism was up (not surprisingly) during the pandemic, more teachers are eligible for and considering retirement, more teachers and students are leaving Hawai`i, and there are many other interesting statistics in the report- some obviously COVID-related, some not.
The real question now is what do we (as a state) do with the data? How can we make informed decisions and provide opportunities going forward for kids and teachers? On a national level, “1 out of every 2 school leaders say their stress level is so high they are considering a career change or retirement”, according to the report. 49% of principals say that a better work-life balance or a higher salary would alleviate their concerns. And what are the odds of those requests actually coming to fruition via financially stressed, short-staffed school systems?
Locally, the recent trend of fewer kids attending public schools annually shows no signs of abating. The latest report showed that the attendance total was down by 3,000 students this past year with 80% of those leaving identifying these reasons: moving to another state, attending private school, or being home schooled. Fewer attendees invariably means fewer resources available for public schools. And lower birth rates portend that the enrollment decline will continue. Other public school systems are experiencing similar downward attendance trends. We cannot allow a diminishing quantity of students affect the quality of education.
Our Board of Education will be engaging the public as it develops its new strategic plan. That’s good. If you’re interested, read the report, attend meetings, provide input. We always hear that the “keiki are our future”. Of course they are; that’s simple logic. But what we do to give those keiki a reasonable shot at success beyond high school (however one defines “success”) is vital to this state’s future.
With 42,000 employees, our DOE is the state’s largest employer and Hawai`i is home to the 10th largest school district in America, according to the NASBE/DOE report. Unwieldy and unyielding at times? Sure. But we must make strong efforts now to promote quality teaching and innovative strategies in the quest to keep educators, as well as students, engaged in the decade(s) ahead.
Think about it…