The state says it's back on track with school reform that stands to earn tens of millions in federal funding.The U.S. Department of Education called Hawaii’s $75 million share of race to the top funds "at risk" because of slow implementation. The state DOE and governor say many factors have aligned to get Hawaii back in the race.
Hawaii is among a handful of states the federal government warned is not meeting major milestones in race to the top this after a year assessment taken last fall.
In details released Tuesday, the U.S. DOE pointed out lack of agreement on reform with the teachers union contract that has since moved toward ratification.
"Contrary to a lot of the speculation that was out there, we have been collaborating, talking, working together, been in close touch with Secretary Duncan of the department of education in Washington,” said Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
The HSTA aims to vote on a contract January 19th.
The governor says the education secretary saw this as a move in the right direction in the race.
"Obviously we have to produce for it, but he's very very happy that we've had this change in direction actually put on paper, and on the verge of agreement. I don't want to get ahead of myself. Obviously there has to be a ratification process and we expect that will be done in good order,” said Abercrombie.
The federal assessment also pointed out delays in implementing changes, including in zones of school innovation in Waianae and on the eastern side of the Big Island
"Learning to cooperate in that kind of environment is a change for us in the department,” said Ronn Nozoe, deputy superintendent. "How do we start to leverage those opportunities in those areas that are very different both of them, geographically, demographically."
But with a contract agreement ahead and key department level positions now filled, the state DOE says real reform is now well underway
"We've made a lot of strides in the last few months that we'd be excited to share with the u.s. Department of education and things are moving along at an increased trajectory,” said Stephen Schatz of the office of strategic reform. "We're going to catch up, for us it's not about how we started but how we finish."
The governor said a Hawaii team will head to Washington this week to discuss progress, and a federal review panel will be in Hawaii in March.
