Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Monday, May 2, 2016

HAWAI`I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION for the second consecutive year will issue a specialized assessment to Hawaiian immersion students. The U.S. Department of Education granted HIDOE’s request for an extended waiver that allows Hawaiian Language Immersion Program students to take a specialized assessment in lieu of the state’s English language arts and math student assessments.

      “The continued opportunity for our Hawaiian Immersion students to be tested in their language of instruction has been a highlight for the Department, and we appreciate the USDOE’s recognition of our progress in this initiative,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The work continues as we are piloting an innovative Hawaiian Language State Assessment in science and look forward to federal approval next year.”​​

      The double testing waiver response by the USDOE advised that HIDOE’s Ka Papahana Kaiapuni (Hawaiian Language Immersion) schools lack the data required for a specialized science assessment to provide student results during this pilot year of testing.
      Two years ago, HIDOE, in partnership with the University of Hawai`i-Manoa, developed a field test for HLIP students that measures progress toward mastery of academic standards given in the English language Smarter Balanced Assessments. In spring 2015, a field test in language arts and math for third- and fourth-graders enrolled in Ka Papahana Kaiapuni schools was used. This year, the pilot becomes operational, and assessment scores will be recorded in Kaiapuni students’ records. ​​​
      The field test foregoes the statewide assessment, Smarter Balanced, which is administered to students in grades 3-8 and 11.
      Last year, the Office of Hawaiian Education (was established under the Office of the Superintendent, a result of a policy audit of Hawai`i State Board of Education policies pertaining to Hawaiian Education and Hawaiian Language Immersion programs​.
      OHE is currently implementing a new policy, known as Na Hopena A`o, which provides for expansion of Hawaiian education across Hawai`i’s K-12 public education system for all students and adults. Together, this work helps HIDOE meet its obligations to both BOE policies and the Hawai`i State Constitution, Matayoshi said.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE GOVERNOR’S TEAM on ESSA – Every Student Succeeds Act – held its first introductory, organizational meeting on Thursday, April 28, during which the 19 members discussed innovation and empowerment as the team starts work to create the blueprint for public education in Hawai`i. Team members also discussed opportunities provided by the new federal law and its implications for Hawai`i.

      Team members were addressed by Gov. David Ige, Board of Education Chair Lance Mizumoto and ESSA Team Chair Darrel Galera. First Lady Dawn Amano Ige provided closing remarks and stressed the need to be student-centered, to listen to student voices and to carefully envision students’ future needs.
      “The members of the Governor’s ESSA Team hit the ground running during the team’s first meeting,” Galera said. “Team members were fully engaged in setting a strong foundation for the important work ahead to create a blueprint for public education in Hawai`i.”
      Meeting minutes can be found at governor.hawaii.gov/main/minutes-of-the-governors-essa-team-meeting-held-on-april-28-2016/.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

THE EMAIL PRIVACY ACT passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard is an original cosponsor of the bill.

      “Technology and innovation have dramatically redefined the way that we live over the past three decades,” Gabbard said. “Yet our laws governing online privacy have stayed stagnant. When the Electronic Communications Privacy Act was written 30 years ago, most Americans didn’t have an email account, let alone a smartphone, cloud storage, social media or other forms of modern-day technology. This legislation makes common sense and long overdue updates to the ECPA to protect the privacy of millions of Americans who rely on the Internet to store personal data, information and communication, and who deserve the assurance that their information is protected. I strongly supported this bill’s passage and will continue working to preserve and protect the privacy and security of the American people.”
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

      Forecasts like this one are only possible with forecasts that can look beyond the 10-day horizon and provide insight at the seasonal and inter-annual scales. The Seasonal Forecasting Improvement Act, co-introduced by Schatz and passed by the Senate, “will support science and research needed to sharpen forecasting skill and prepare better for threats such as this,” Schatz said.
      The forecast follows last week’s announcement that coastal areas from Pahala to South Point and west of Ocean View are experiencing extreme drought. The rest of Ka`u is in severe drought. Even the Hamakua Coast is listed as abnormally dry.
      To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see facebook.com/kaucalendar.

KA`U RESIDENT DICK HERSHBERGER brings Hawaiian Volcano Observatory founder Thomas Jaggar to life tomorrow. As part of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park’s centennial celebration, performances of A Walk into the Past take place every Tuesday. Meet at Kilauea Visitor Center at at10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

     Free; park entrance fees apply.

KILAUEA DRAMA & ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK presents Twain Meets Tita on Wednesday at Kilauea Military Camp Theater in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. The show celebrates the sesquicentennial of Mark Twain’s 1866 visit to Hawai`i.
      In honor of Mother’s Day, actors will also read from the Diaries of Adam & Eve.
Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. Reserve by calling 982-7344 or emailing kden73@aol.com. Park entrance fees may apply.

KA`U COFFEE CHEFS have one more week to enter the Ka`u Coffee Recipe Contest. Adult and student pupus, entrees and desserts go before the judges on Saturday, May 14 at Ka`u Coffee Mill as part of the eighth annual Ka`u Coffee Festival.
      See kaucoffeemill.com or kaucoffeefestival.com, or call Lisa at 928-0550.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AT PAHALAPLANTATIONCOTTAGES.COM AND KAUCOFFEEMILL.COM. KA`U COFFEE MILL IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

See kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.html and kaucalendar.com/TheDirectory2016.pdf.

See kaucalendar.com/KauCalendar_May2016.pdf.