frequently asked ?

What about students in grades 11 & 12 next year? What if they want to participate?

1. As students progress through high school, the Academy program will extend to grades 11 & 12. Eventually, the Academy program will become the school design model for all students across all high school grade levels. A second “Academy of Health & Education” is being planned for School Year 2022 - 2023.

2. Students who are entering grades 11 & 12 during School Year 2021-2022 will take part in the traditional high school program and continue their current progress toward graduation. Students who want to participate in the Academy program can request a meeting with Principal Beck by email (sharon.beck@k12.hi.us) or phone 808-313-4100. All students who are interested will be considered.

3. There is limited student capacity in the Global Learning Lab for School Year 2021 - 2022. Capacity is based upon teacher readiness to work collaboratively across the various content areas and disciplines to design learning experiences that improve student success. Teachers in grades 9 & 10 are ready and excited to implement this new school design in School Year 2021 - 2022. Other high school teachers will teach students in our traditional high school program in grades 11 & 12, and assist students in completing their high school graduation requirements and meeting their college and career goals.

4. As Teacher Collaboration becomes a key component of our School Design, Student Voice will help shape how teachers will be expected to work cooperatively utilizing project-based learning and real world connection in support of student success and engagement. Implementing innovative approaches to learning and education will take some time to transition into and become fully integrated into our school culture.

What if students do not want to participate in this type of school design?

1. All students are required to attend high school. The school’s design is expected to provide a highly-engaging and innovative curriculum through powerful, applied learning opportunities. The Global Learning Lab does just that - utilizing the principles of Student Voice and Teacher Collaboration.

2. According to our School Quality Survey, the majority of students in high school are bored and don’t see the real-world relevance of their learning. The Global Learning Lab emerges from the School Design process to create more meaningful learning, engagement and success for students, and will be implemented by teachers across grades 9-10 during School Year 2021 - 2022.

Students and/or parents/guardians who have questions about their child's participation in our Grade 9 & 10 program may request a meeting with Principal Beck by email (sharon.beck@k12.hi.us) or phone 808-313-4100 to discuss their learning goals and options.

Are students going to be on track to graduate from high school on time?

1. Yes, students will earn all of their required credits for high school graduation within 4 years. Some students will be able to complete all high school requirements within 3 years by taking summer courses and college courses. Students who require additional academic support will be provided with the services needed to ensure successful achievement of all goals and objectives.

What about higher-level classes such as Advanced Placement (AP) Math, Science, or US History?

1. Through our partnership with Hawaiʻi Community College, students will be able to take college courses concurrently through their high school studies as part of the Early College or Running Start programs. Early College dual-credit courses are offered only to high school students at a particular high school, and are taught at that school or online. Running Start dual-credit courses are regular college courses that are open to any student at the college, and students in the course may be of any age and from anywhere in the world.

2. All courses taken that are college level 100 courses or higher are considered the same as “AP” courses in high school, and are treated the same in calculating grade point averages.

3. HWST 100 and IS101 are the first college-level (100 or above) courses that are offered to students. These courses are taught at Kaʻū High School for only Kaʻū High School students. After these courses, students can consult with teachers, counselors and parents to decide what further college courses to take. Courses taken in the correct sequence will earn students various college certificates or degree.

4. Students who seek to take other higher-level college courses offered by Hawaiʻi Community College will be able to do so through the Running Start program. However, these students must first enroll as an Early College student, and take the “introductory” college courses HWST 100 and IS101 before taking Running Start college courses.

What is the plan for students in the Global Learning Lab when they move to Grades 11 & 12?

1. Students in grades 11 & 12 will have a variety of course options that will enable them to pursue learning in various interest areas, including Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, Business, Finance, Marketing, Culinary Arts, Creative Media, Film and Media Production. Many of these high school elective courses will be aligned to dual-credit course options through Hawaiʻi Community College, enabling students to earn credits towards a college certificate or degree. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in Work-Based Learning with the support of various community partners.

2. The projected Program of Study for Grades 11 & 12 continues to evolve and is subject to change based on student interest, school collaborations with higher education and community partners, and school and community needs.