Experience a demonstration lesson using the "Building Thinking Classrooms" (BTC) pedagogy, "annotated" throughout with key insights, observations, and rationale. Attendees will be offered the opportunity to experience the lesson either as a participant ("student") or an observer. Resources for BTC implementation will be available upon request.
Discover how ʻāina-based education is transforming science instruction across Hawaiʻi by rooting learning in culture, community, and kuleana. ʻĀina partners from multiple islands will share NGSS-aligned units and lessons grounded in HĀ-based learning environments. While there are countless partners doing this important work, this session strives for a representative cross-section to show what’s possible in your community. This session will use a rotating format for participants to better engage more deeply with ʻāina partners. Gain insights into place-based strategies that drive academic excellence, cultural relevance, and student engagement. Explore the creative ways partners are working with schools to develop ʻāina units that not only align with NGSS, but also cultivate students who are globally competitive and locally committed.
Experience the Anatomage Table—an innovative platform that offers highly accurate 3D representations and simulations for students to explore and understand complex processes, bridging the gap between textbook learning and real human anatomy. Discover this all-in-one platform and its interactive learning components and explore practical ways to integrate the Anatomage Table as a powerful, engaging teaching tool into middle and high school classrooms.
Social media is one of our most powerful tools for celebrating student success, connecting with our communities and sharing the great work happening across our schools. The Communications Branch will walk you through the HIDOE Social Media Guidelines – what they are and why they matter. Test your knowledge with our interactive game, and ultimately learn to post with confidence, clarity and purpose.
Unlock the immense power of shared belief in your school's ability to drive student achievement. Discover strategic moves for cultivating collective teacher efficacy and establishing conditions that foster collective success. Gain actionable insights to empower your staff and transform your school culture, directly impacting student learning outcomes.
Engage your mind and discover the fun in mathematics! The Julia Robinson Math Festival is a dynamic and interactive experience designed to ignite curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and build confidence in mathematical thinking focusing on hands-on activities that encourage exploration, logical reasoning, and creative problem-solving.
Did you know that Time and Effort reporting is one of the most common and costly audit findings? This session will give you the essential knowledge and practical skills to stay audit-compliant. We'll cover federal requirements, provide step-by-step instructions for completing Time and Effort Certification forms, and share actionable best practices and resources.
Explore the practical strategies and initiatives that three elementary schools in LMW have implemented to foster a positive and thriving learning environment as evidenced by Staff Panorama SEL Wellness Data. Participants will gain actionable tools and insights to help promote similar success within their own school communities.
Strengthen student success by creating safe, supportive schools that students want to attend. National and Department data show that when students feel safe, supported, and engaged at school, they attend more regularly and achieve more academically. In this session, discover how to identify at-risk students, track family outreach, and implement targeted interventions that make a difference. Using research, best practices, Department examples and "talk story" opportunities with fellow leaders, you’ll learn how to turn data into action—leaving with a practical plan to improve attendance through your HMTSS system.
At ʻAiea High School, we believe a strong, supportive culture is the key to sustainable transformation. Examine how a culture rooted in integrity, grit, and ʻohana fuels sustainable academy transformation. Discover how aligned systems such as advisory, MTSS, and a college and career continuum cultivate both student and teacher efficacy while supporting the whole child. Apply lessons from ʻAiea High School’s journey to enhance culture and readiness in your own school community.
Join this dynamic cross-office session—hosted by OITS, OCID, and OSIP for an inside look at how AI is transforming education in HIDOE. Learn about updated policies, the Magic School AI pilot for teachers, purchasing pathways, the HIDOE AI Toolkit, and training opportunities designed to support staff. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed about AI in education.
Learn how one school transformed its academic plan into an actionable playbook by establishing four strategic Huis that empower teams to lead, monitor, and drive instructional progress. This session will highlight a replicable system that builds leadership capacity at every level and fosters a culture of shared accountability. Discover how intentional structure and distributed leadership can turn vision into measurable growth.
Explore the depth and diversity of ʻāina-based education across Hawaiʻi in this open gallery walk experience. ʻĀina partners across the islands will be available throughout the day to share how they are supporting schools through place-based programs, student learning experiences, and educator professional development. From cultural and environmental education to hands-on teacher workshops, these partners are helping to realize Hawaiʻi’s vision of students who are globally competitive and locally committed. Whether you're looking to build new partnerships, strengthen existing ones, or simply be inspired by the innovative work happening in our communities, this gallery walk is an opportunity to connect directly with those doing the work on the ground. Come engage at your own pace, ask questions, and discover the many ways ʻāina is being woven into the fabric of education across the state.
Discover how Kailua High School fosters active civic engagement across all content area classrooms through inquiry-based learning, student-led projects, and inclusive practices. As a Hawaiʻi School of Democracy, Kailua High integrates civic learning into everyday instruction—empowering students of all backgrounds to think critically, take informed action, and shape the communities they live in.
Learn about the strategic messaging and implementation of AP and Pre-AP programs in Hawaii with an emphasis on mathematics. We will discuss how these programs can serve all students, address equity gaps in demographics, and enhance middle school math pathways through the introduction of AP Precalculus and strategies to better prepare students for advanced coursework. Participants will be equipped with tools to promote student success and readiness for college and career opportunities.
For students with speech disabilities, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) is a critical support—not a niche tool, but a driver of equity, access, and academic success. Educators will learn how AAC aligns with key priorities: Improving educational outcomes, fostering inclusive, high-quality learning environments, and building staff capacity. Walk away with a clear understanding of how to support your teams in creating communication-rich settings where all students can participate fully and thrive—within school and beyond.
This session highlights professional development opportunities that help teachers connect classroom learning with ʻāina—and bring students into a deeper relationship with place. ʻĀina partners from multiple islands will share models of educator workshops and leadership development grounded in local knowledge, community partnerships, and Hawaiʻi’s unique environments. These PD experiences support the design of teaching that can address school priorities, relevant frameworks such as HĀ, as well as standards such as NGSS. The session will use a rotating, giving participants the chance to engage in 20-minute conversations with presenters. Leaders will gain insights into how these professional learning models can support teacher practice, elevate student engagement, and contribute to broader school and system goals. We have endeavored to find partners in each of the major districts as a representative cross-sample, and hope the session will inspire your creativity.
Reimagine school engagement through the lenses of belonging and unbelonging: what are the explicit and implicit messages we send about school, who belongs and does not belong, and why? Explore how schools and classrooms, as well as the protocols and messages conveyed within them, might be redesigned to increase student, teacher, family, and community engagement and a greater sense of belonging for all. Session will be led by Dr. Miki Tomita Okamoto, founder and CEO of Education Incubator.
The Math Pact addresses the critical need for instructional coherence by creating consistent mathematical language, notation, and teaching practices. In this session, we explore the elimination of language and rules that expire and instead investigate developing generalizations that support algebraic thinking and problem-solving. The Math Pact ensures all educators—including content teachers, special education staff, administrators, and interventionists—work collaboratively to provide every student with mathematically sound, consistent learning experiences.
"Explore the Science Table and its bold new vision for STEM education, featuring realistic-quality visuals on an interactive 7-foot-long touchscreen table. Learn how this all-in-one platform boosts student engagement, expands instructional options, and integrates seamlessly into existing curricula. You’ll get an inside look at the educational goals behind the Science Table, see how secondary schools are already using it, and walk away with practical ideas for implementation. "
Join Kaʻahumanu's leadership team as they unpack their multi-year journey to implement innovations in their mathematics program, incorporating the "Building Thinking Classrooms" (BTC) pedagogy and Ready Math Classroom. Share in their challenges, successes, and plans for the future.
Explore the depth and diversity of ʻāina-based education across Hawaiʻi in this open gallery walk experience. ʻĀina partners across the islands will be available throughout the day to share how they are supporting schools through place-based programs, student learning experiences, and educator professional development. From cultural and environmental education to hands-on teacher workshops, these partners are helping to realize Hawaiʻi’s vision of students who are globally competitive and locally committed. Whether you're looking to build new partnerships, strengthen existing ones, or simply be inspired by the innovative work happening in our communities, this gallery walk is an opportunity to connect directly with those doing the work on the ground. Come engage at your own pace, ask questions, and discover the many ways ʻāina is being woven into the fabric of education across the state.
Learn about the Hawaii Department of Education's (HIDOE) inaugural year with the "Do the Write Thing" (DtWT) program, a national campaign focused on youth violence prevention through student expression and dialogue. This presentation will highlight the valuable insights gained from participating middle school students regarding the impact and causes of violence. School and Complex Area leaders will learn how they can participate in the program for SY 2025-2026.
Discussion on Facilities Development Branch approach a) Covered Playcourts Space Designs due to limited funding considerations; b) Transparency/Security Designs - Interior building windows and shades; c) Classroom learning space deisgns (correctly sizing classrooms) both new and renovations
Participants will learn about the department's efforts to support all students to graduate with a foundation in financial literacy. This session will include an update on the recently revised standards, currently available curriculum resources and other updates.
Working with teachers to lead from the seat they occupy, our complex area team focuses on supporting instructional leaders in developing their leadership practices through dialogue and networking opportunities. Learn how we provide teacher leaders with the technical and adaptive skills necessary to support their thinking and serve as a catalyst for change, helping individuals or teams critically and analytically examine what is working and what is not and redefine their work to improve results. We support LMW’s philosophy: Building great teachers and great leaders.
Are you ready to empower your students and staff with the ABCs of Healthy Relationships? This interactive session dives into the crucial elements of agency, boundaries, and consent, equipping you to cultivate a thriving, safe, and supportive school environment. Learn actionable insights to lead your school towards a future built on healthy relationships, where every person feels physically, emotionally and psychologically safe.
Learn about how schools and ʻāina-based organizations are partnering to make ʻāina-based education more accessible, relevant, and impactful for Hawaiʻi’s keiki. This session showcases a few of the many bright spots emerging across the state, where innovative collaborations between educators and ʻāina partners are transforming the learning experience through culture, environment, and community connection. Participants will hear stories from schools and partners who are co-creating curriculum, redesigning learning environments, and embedding ʻāina into the heart of teaching and learning. These exemplars demonstrate what is possible when schools embrace community expertise and commit to grounding education in Hawaiʻi’s unique sense of place. Designed for school and system leaders, this session will spark ideas and inspire action toward building or strengthening your own ʻāina-based partnerships.
Discover how Ka‘a‘awa and Kahalu‘u Elementary is building a vibrant school culture of leaders through the 8 Habits of Leader In Me. This exploration will uncover their strategies and processes for nurturing leadership and a strong school community. This session will equip you with practical approaches to empower everyone in your school community to develop a leadership mindset.
Implementation of the Math Pact creates coherence and consistency across grade levels by establishing shared language, notation, representations, and teaching practices to support all students’ mathematical success. We explore the elimination of language and rules that expire and instead investigate developing generalizations through high-quality, standards-aligned instruction. The Math Pact engages all stakeholders—including teachers, coaches, administrators, families, and paraprofessionals—in building a unified mathematical foundation ensuring every student develops deep conceptual understanding.
In this session, we will explore the domains of child development, focusing on the long-standing research that supports the whole-child developmental perspective for early learning. This will be connected to the concept of play-based, nature-based learning as an intentional, developmentally appropriate practice with strong evidence for effectiveness for supporting young children’s learning and development.
The Kalāheo Math Task Force was established with administrators and teacher representatives from the K-12 pipeline in order to develop key recommendations, implement common Focused Interim Assessment Blocks (FIABs), and analyze data together. As a result of this collaborative effort, they were recently awarded the Teaching and Learning Innovation Award through the Smarter Balanced Consortium.
When Tier One instruction in reading isn’t enough, Multi-tiered Systems of Support for Reading (MTSS-R) offers a clear, strategic framework for identifying and supporting struggling learners through targeted, data-driven interventions. This session provides an overview of MTSS-R, including how to use appropriate assessments to diagnose student needs and ensure interventions are precisely aligned. Learn the nuts and bolts of effective intervention and get a preview of next year’s MTSS-R training designed to help educators respond with confidence when students struggle.
Transitioning elementary school students into middle school can be a significant step. Prepare students for new academic challenges and increased independence. Encourage open communication and equip them with strategies for success in a new environment.
Explore the depth and diversity of ʻāina-based education across Hawaiʻi in this open gallery walk experience. ʻĀina partners across the islands will be available throughout the day to share how they are supporting schools through place-based programs, student learning experiences, and educator professional development. From cultural and environmental education to hands-on teacher workshops, these partners are helping to realize Hawaiʻi’s vision of students who are globally competitive and locally committed. Whether you're looking to build new partnerships, strengthen existing ones, or simply be inspired by the innovative work happening in our communities, this gallery walk is an opportunity to connect directly with those doing the work on the ground. Come engage at your own pace, ask questions, and discover the many ways ʻāina is being woven into the fabric of education across the state.
It’s not just Social Studies! Learn how your school can become a Hawaii School of Democracy by exploring program goals, schoolwide benefits, and the clear path to HISOD recognition. Hear directly from principals and leaders at current HISOD schools and gain ready-to-use strategies to promote civic participation, student voice, and the shared values of Nā Hopena A‘o—whether you’re in an elementary, middle, or high school setting.
Discussion and updates on the process and expectations on: a)School Funded Project Reuqests b) School Directed AC and c) School CIP requests and Deferred Maintenance
Explore how the Digital Design Team’s monthly ʻEnehana | Technology magazine supports HIDOE staff and teachers with timely insights and practical tools. Gain strategies to enhance digital learning, foster technology literacy, and integrate emerging tools like AI into workflows. Leave with ready-to-use resources and forward-thinking ideas to inform, inspire, and empower innovation across classrooms, schools, and systems. To learn more about ʻEnehana and to subscribe, visit bit.ly/enehana
