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.
