Lynda Arakawa Advertiser Capitol Bureau Legislators say education reform is a priority this session, but opinions of what that reform should be range from modest to radical. House Education Committee Chairman Ken Ito said the House majority will support state schools Superintendent Paul LeMahieu's ideas for more accountability and authority and will back his request for more money for the new Hawaii Content and Performance Standards. Senate President Norman Mizuguchi and Senate Education Committee Chairman David Ige support Le-Mahieu's concepts but lean toward more radical reforms, including governance changes. Mizuguchi also hinted at a proposal for a system in which schools would compete for resources, or even students.
Competition breeds champions, so public schools have to be more competitive.
Mizuguchi said more details would be unveiled in his opening speech Wednesday when the session begins. Hawaii's school students continue to lag the national average in test scores, particularly reading, and critics question whether the school system is adequately educating students. Despite differences in approach, some legislators are optimistic that education reform efforts will make some strides this year. LeMahieu wants an accountability system of rewards and consequences based on performance. Teachers, administrators and schools could receive rewards for meeting or exceeding goals, assistance when they fall short, and sanctions if, after receiving assistance, they continue to fail.