15 public schools earn $230,000 for high achievement

Schools that earned the "Recognition" status in the Strive HI Performance System represent the top five percent of schools in the state.

News Release from Hawaii DoE, October 6, 2014

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) is awarding $230,000 to 15 elementary schools that demonstrated significant success or improvements in the 2013-14 school year. The schools reached “Recognition” status in the DOE’s Strive HI Performance System, meaning their performance placed them among the top five percent of schools in the state.

Fourteen schools received $15,000 each for High Performance; and Kaelepulu Elementary in Kailua, Oahu was awarded $20,000 for High Performance and High Progress.

The 15 schools winning Strive HI awards are:

• E.B. DeSilva Elementary
• Enchanted Lake Elementary
• Hahaione Elementary
• Helemano Elementary
• Hickam Elementary
• Hokulani Elementary
• Kaelepulu Elementary
• Kaumualii Elementary
• Kilohana Elementary
• Maunaloa Elementary
• Mokapu Elementary
• Noelani Elementary
• Pomaikai Elementary
• Puohala Elementary
• Waikiki Elementary

This year’s list features schools from five different islands, including two from the Friendly Isle of Molokai – first-time recipient Kilohana and 2013 awardee, Maunaloa. Hawaii Island is represented by 2014 National Blue Ribbon School and previous Strive HI award recipient, E.B. DeSilva of Hilo. First-time Strive HI winners include King Kaumualii on the Garden Island of Kauai and Pomaikai from Kahului, Maui.

“We are particularly excited to acknowledge this year’s Recognition Schools,” said Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe. “Their success demonstrates what’s possible when an entire school community works together toward a common goal of student success. I congratulate all of the administrators, teachers, students and parents in these schools for their dedication and commitment to success.”

The Strive HI Performance System was introduced by the DOE in the 2012-13 school year as its school accountability and improvement system. Schools are measured on a variety of performance metrics such as student achievement, growth, chronic absenteeism, and other key success indicators – with a focus on college- and career-readiness. Award funds must support initiatives to sustain success aligned with their school academic plans, such as professional development, investments in technology, musical instruments, science lab equipment and other improvement strategies.

Strive HI Awards criteria
“Recognition” schools are limited to no more than five percent of all Hawaii public schools.

High-performing school criteria:

• Meet or exceed annual targets for all student groups.
• Graduation rates in top 10 percent of all high schools.
• Current year achievement gap rate less than 30 percent.

High-progress school criteria:

• Increases of 15 percent or higher of all students’ proficiency over three years.
• Highest increases in grad rates (top 10 percent of schools with increase of 10 percent over three years).
• Reduction of achievement gap rate between high-needs and non-high needs students by 10 percent or more over three years.

Learn more about the Strive HI Performance System on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

About the Hawaii State Department of Education

The Hawaii State Department of Education is the ninth-largest U.S. school district and the only statewide educational system in the country. It is comprised of 255 schools and 34 charter schools, and serves more than 185,000 students. King Kamehameha III established Hawaii’s public school system in 1840. The DOE is in the midst of a range of historic efforts to transform its public education system to ensure graduates succeed in college or careers. Learn about our Milestones in Transformation.