Aloha Parents & Students,
Welcome again to the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) State Distance Learning Program for SY 2025-26. While the focus of the HIDOE is on full in-person learning, the State Distance Learning Program was designed in alignment with the BOE Resolution to partner with complex areas and schools to address distance learning as needed. This synchronous (required to log on) and asynchronous (independent time) program aims to provide a supportive learning environment that meets the needs of students.
As a reminder, the State Distance Learning Program includes a teacher assigned to students, and although some teachers in the program utilize FlexPoint (9-12) instructional materials as well as other digital platforms and assignments for certain grades, it is NOT an independent, self-paced, asynchronous program. High school instruction utilizes content specific lessons and materials that may or may not include online programs. We learned much about distance learning during pandemic and about the important role a teacher plays in a child's academic, social, and emotional development. Teachers can provide descriptive feedback, personalized intervention and support, rich learning experiences, and opportunities for age-appropriate social interaction. The advances made in artificial intelligence and computer adaptive software have helped to improve personalized learning, but it has not advanced enough in the educational field to replace the significant role a teacher plays in the education of our young scholars.
Our teachers provide synchronous learning sessions to observe student performance, provide feedback to support the child's content knowledge as well as develop life skills that serve them beyond our virtual program walls. Teachers use assessment information from these sessions as well as the FlexPoint and/or other digital platforms and assignments to grade and support each child's development.
Thus, your child’s attendance during the synchronous times are important and required, and students are expected to fully engage in their learning. Students are also expected to join in the small group assigned check-in sessions. Teachers will provide guidance and assignments for work that should be completed during the asynchronous independent designated times. The State Distance Learning Program will work with the home-base school as partners to continue to monitor your child’s progress, as the distance learning mode may not be the best for some students. In these situations, home-base schools may invite students to return to the full in-person learning at their site.
Our teachers are excited and looking forward to a terrific school year with your child. We thank you in advance for the very important role you play in your child’s distance learning success.
If you have further questions, please feel free to call Chad Nacapuy, State Distance Learning Program Director, Office of Curriculum & Instructional Design at chad.nacapuy@k12.hi.us or via phone at (808)307-7560.