Our current grade 10 Hawaii State Assessment (HSA) results reflect that there is still much work ahead. After two rounds of testing, results show that the percentage of students meeting proficiency are well below our targeted goals. Math data reflect that only 28% of the students have met proficiency, Reading reflects near 67%, and Science proficiency is around 34%. We all know that this is not acceptable as our students have the potential and bottom line, we will help students to succeed.
Representatives from English, Mathematics, and Science met this past week to review and discuss intervention plans for the 4th quarter in strategically helping students improve their scores. What was very evident from the discussion was that this must be a school-wide effort and not just the responsibility of the tested content areas. The importance of knowing how every content area teacher and support staff can support remains critical. Examples of focused support discussed were addressing key vocabulary words, writing responses, coordinated research, and projects, etc. all based on solid literacy strategies....we are all literacy teachers!
While the use "Common Planning time" will be available in the future per the proposed revised bell schedule, we will fully utilize the "professional administrative collaboration time" to review/share progress data both horizontally and vertically. Ask that English, math and Science departments share what types of support needed school-wide so that over the next four weeks we focus on the gaps. Plans are to administer the third and final round of the HSA in early May.
Remain confident that through our collective efforts, our students will achieve success.
Reminders:
Technology Cadre: Appreciate Calvin Paleka contacting those individuals who had previously served on the school's technology cadre. Important that this committee reconvene again in helping provide guidance where our school needs to focus on for both short and long term. Meeting will be held on Monday, April 4th @2:30 in Room I-100.
HSTA SWIM Meeting Schedule: SWIM meetings are scheduled for all HSTA members by complexes. The following are the dates and sites for the meetings:
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011 - West Complex @Waimea High School Cafeteria 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.;
Thursday, April 7, 2011 - Central Complex @Kauai High School Cafeteria 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.; and
Friday, April 8, 2011 - East Complex @Kapaa High School Cafeteria 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Kapaa High students will be released at 1:15 p.m. on Friday, April 8th. We will be on a Wednesday schedule and ask that everyone plan for a shorter 6th period. The bus companies have been informed of this schedule change.
Senior Project Presentations: Senior Project presentations are scheduled during the week of April 18 - 21, 2011. School will be on a Wednesday schedule for that week and students' release time will be at 1:35 p.m.
Inventory Folders: Reminder that "inventory folders" are due Wednesday, April 13th. Accounting for unaccounted items will continue to be a huge task especially when inventory practices hasn't been maintained. With everyone's help we can get a good accounting and please contact Leila Kaneholani for any assistance.
Have a great week!
Daniel S. Hamada
Principal
Kapaa High School
4695 Mailihuna Road
Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii 96746
PH: (808) 821- 4401 ext. 102
FAX: (808) 821- 4420
daniel_hamada@notes.k12.hi.us
