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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

July 20, 2020

Honorable Christina M. Kishimoto

State Superintendent

Hawaii Department of Education

P.O. Box 2360

Honolulu, Hawaii 96804

Dear Superintendent Kishimoto,

This letter addresses the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) November 18, 2019 and 

April 1, 2020 submissions to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), in response to 

OSEP’s September 12, 2019 Differentiated Monitoring and Support (DMS) letter. 

OSEP’s September 12, 2019 letter required HIDOE to: 

1. Report FFY 2018 data for the State-identified Measurable Result (SiMR). Additionally, the 

State must, consistent with its evaluation plan described in Phase II, assess and report on its 

progress in implementing the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). Specifically, the State 

must provide:

a. A narrative or graphic representation of the principal activities implemented in Phase 

III, Year 4

b. Measures and outcomes that were implemented and achieved since the State's last 

SSIP submission (i.e., April 1, 2019)

c. A summary of the SSIP’s coherent improvement strategies, including infrastructure 

improvement strategies, and evidence-based practices that were implemented by the State 

and progress toward short- and long-term outcomes that are intended to impact the SiMR

d. Any supporting data that demonstrates that implementation of these activities is 

impacting the State’s capacity to improve its SiMR data. If, in its FFY 2018 SPP/APR 

due in February 2020, the State is not able demonstrate progress in implementing its 

coherent improvement strategies, including progress in the areas of infrastructure 

improvement strategies or the implementation of evidence-based practices with fidelity, 

the State must provide its root cause analysis for each of these challenges.

2. The State must summarize the specific evidence-based practices that were implemented and 

the strategies or activities that supported their selection and ensured their use with fidelity
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3. The State must describe how the evidence-based practices, and activities or strategies that 

support their use, are intended to impact the SiMR by changing program/district policies, 

procedures, and/or practices, teacher/provider practices (e.g., behaviors), parent/caregiver 

outcomes, and/or child outcomes.

4. Within 90 days, the State must provide a written update on the progress and effectiveness of 

activities currently underway, specific to data, evidence-based practices, evaluation planning, 

stakeholder engagement and other State-specific needs.

Upon review of the State’s submissions, OSEP has determined that HIDOE has provided all the 

required information and no further action is required. 

OSEP appreciates the time and attention provided by your State’s staff in addressing the required 

actions related to the DMS letter. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to 

call your OSEP State Lead, Jennifer Barrett-Zitkus, at (202)245-6049. 

 Sincerely,

 

 Laurie VanderPloeg

 Director 

 Office of Special Education Program

cc: Annie Kalama 

 Special Education Director