Intertwining a For-Profit Corporation With a Public Charter School in Hawaii

• In Event: The Walmartization of Charter Schools: A Road to Failure or the Salvation of Public Education

Abstract

Educational opportunity and achievement has long been the hallmark of the nation, and key to the success of our democracy, economy and way of life. Continued success will require our educational system adopt modern methods and means to remain not only effective, but even relevant, in a 21st century marked by innovation, knowledge, technology, and global competition.
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan remarks at the National Rural Education Summit, July 21, 2010 stated it best “...Students are learning online using next- generation learning technology and strategic one-on-one tutoring. Learning opportunities are accessible all day, every day, 24/7. They study as their schedules allow. They advance as quickly as they want to and are able to. Teachers give extra time to students who need it, and they challenge those who are ready to move ahead. This is the type of individual attention and personalized instruction that are not always available in the regular classrooms. But for many students this type of learning environment is essential for their success.”
The 2010 U.S. Department of Education’s National Educational Technology Plan states, “technology supports learning by providing engaging environments and tools for understanding and remembering content.”
This is the crux of what drives our school and the growth toward graduating “technology literate 21st century global citizens from Hawaii Technology Academy.”
Hawaii Technology Academy is a new century public charter school that has grown from 250 students to over 1200 students in just 3 short years. The school constantly performs at the top of the public school system in Hawaii. The school has been recognized by Michael Horn (Disrupting Class) and formed a partnership with K12 which is a collaborative effort intertwining the for-profit corporation with a public charter school in Hawaii. The challenges from the “start-up” phase to graduating our fist class (2011) will be discussed and explored during the session. Data will be shared on development of budget, marketing and outreach as well plans for growth/expansion.
Hawaii Technology Academy is the concept of completing online highly modularized content that is much more interactive, flexible, accessible, and technology-rich than traditional content/instruction a student is exposed to in a traditional setting, HTA is an innovation on how learning currently happens in schools to prepare them for the future.

Author

• Jeff Piontek, Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School