Hawaii ranks no. 31 in 2024 Parent Power index, empowering families in education choices

from Aloha State News, May 28, 2024

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Hawaii secured the thirty-first position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 65.1%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Hawaii scored a 50% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 72%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Hawaii earned an 88%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"Parent power in the land of Aloha is limited, with little growth among charter schools and no other choice options. However, the climate for personalized learning is sunny, with many students able to access place-based learning opportunities and dual enrollment options in traditional public schools, which gave the state a small boost in the 2024 PPI ranking," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Josh Green, elected in 2022, picked up where Governor David Ige left off and not much has changed for families opportunity wise. While he did increase funding for Pre-K facilities, it may be time to take a more serious review of innovative approaches and introduce them to the Paradise of the Pacific," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”