DUKE AIONA UNVEILS EDUCATION POLICY

Plan detailed to reform Hawaii's public education system 

HONOLULU – Lt. Governor Duke Aiona, the leading Republican gubernatorial candidate, today unveiled his policy agenda for education reform, which details key initiatives to improve Hawai`i’s public education system.

“For Hawai`i to compete in a world continually transformed by the boundless opportunities of the 21st Century and to ensure that we develop and keep local talent and jobs, we must prepare young people for a global economy based on knowledge and innovation,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “Nothing is more important than the education of our young people.”

While education spending has increased more than 200 percent over the past 30 years, Hawai`i students continue to rank near the bottom on national standards-based tests.

If elected Governor, Duke Aiona will call for a comprehensive, independent audit of the State Department of Education (DOE), which has not been independently examined since 1973.

Following the results of the audit, Duke Aiona will direct the most effective restructuring of our public education system in a generation.

"This is a major undertaking, but working with a fully engaged and involved public, we will get the job done," Aiona added. "We cannot afford to fail our children and Hawai`i's future generations."

As Governor, Duke Aiona will:

• Call for a comprehensive, independent audit of the DOE;
• Direct effective restructuring of Hawai`i’s public education system;
• Support implementation of “Race to the Top” educational reforms;
• Encourage principals to be the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) of their schools;
• Propose a budget that directs more money to the classroom;
• Negotiate a new educator evaluation system that recognizes performance;
• Expand science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs in all schools by 2012;
• Expand pre-kindergarten opportunities;
• Support public charter schools;
• Advocate for the creation of magnet schools and expanded vocational education;
• Support home schools;
• And continue to strive for a world-class University system.

“Hawai`i has some of the best teachers in the world, but without enough money going into the classroom, they don't have the resources to achieve their goals,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “It's one thing to say that education is going to improve; it's entirely different to actually do it.”

To read the complete education policy agenda, visit www.dukeaiona.com/future/education.

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