Middle/Intermediate: Grades 6-8
During these crucial developmental years, our students are growing academically, emotionally and socially. Middle school expands breadth of experiences by offering students expanded class choices in Career and Technical Education, visual arts, drama, dance, music, athletics and afterschool programs. College readiness efforts begin along with strengthening critical social skills.
Learning Standards
Teachers have the flexibility to design lesson plans that incorporate the arts, social and cultural values, health and wellness principles and more. The foundation is in a standards-based education that includes Common Core, Hawai‘i Content and Performance Standards III, and other Hawai‘i-based and national standards in all other subjects.
- Learning Design site: The HIDOE’s Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design initiated this resource with the feedback of HIDOE educators.
Assessments
- All students take the annual State Assessment on the Smarter Balanced Assessments, and eighth graders take an additional state science assessment.
- A representative sample of eighth graders are assessed on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in reading, writing, math and science.
- Eighth graders can opt to take the ACT Explore exam to begin a review of their future educational and career plans based on skills, interests and aspirations.
Additional Programs and Services
Expansion of Arts, Athletics
Most secondary schools offer programs in the visual arts, drama, dance and/or music. A pilot program is expanding athletic sports to middle schools.
Personalized Learning
Schools use the Comprehensive Student Support System (CSSS) to provide proactive, positive, customized and timely interventions, services and support—compassionately—so all students will succeed to their greatest potential. The major components of CSSS are:
- High quality instructional leadership
- Curriculum, instruction and assessment
- Comprehensive student supports continuum.
It is the skillful integration and the implementation integrity and fidelity of these components that ensures success for the whole child, their family and the school community. The electronic Comprehensive Student Support System (eCSSS) serves as the database system that allows schools and complexes to identify, monitor and track student concerns over time.
High School: Grades 9-12
We envision all public school graduates being globally competitive and locally committed, and prepared for successful futures aligned to their passions and skills.
Graduation Requirements
Students shall:
- Realize their individual goals and aspirations;
- Possess the attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary to contribute positively and compete in a global society;
- Exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship; and
- Pursue post-secondary education and/or careers without need for remediation.
Learn more about the Department’s requirements for graduation. Additional questions should be directed to the school counselor or principal.
Learning Standards
Teachers have the flexibility to design lesson plans that incorporate the arts, social and cultural values, health and wellness principles and more. The foundation is in a standards-based education that includes Common Core, Hawai‘i Content and Performance Standards III, and other Hawai‘i-based and national standards in all other subjects.
- Learning Design site: The HIDOE’s Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design initiated this resource with the feedback of HIDOE educators.
Assessments
- Students in grade 11 take the Smarter Balanced exam in English language arts (ELA)/literacy and mathematics. Meeting or exceeding proficiency levels on the assessment will allow students to enroll in college credit-bearing courses.
- Students in grade 11 take the ACT exam to hone their future educational and career plans based on their own skills, interests and aspirations. This is a free (for students) college entrance exam.
- Students taking Biology I will take the End of Course exam.
- Students planning to attend college are strongly encouraged to take Advanced Placement exams for college credit, and may additionally want to take the SAT college entrance exam.
Additional Programs and Services
College Readiness
Now is the time for students to put their college-going plans into high gear. Review our College & Career Readiness section, with resources for students who are on their way.
Expanded Learning/Life Opportunities
- Students can enroll in Learning Centers that dovetail multiple disciplines and skills.
- Extracurricular activities include an array of athletics or serving on student leadership.
Personalized Learning
Schools use the Comprehensive Student Support System (CSSS) to provide proactive, positive, customized and timely interventions, services and support – compassionately – so all students will succeed to their greatest potential. The major components of CSSS are:
- High quality instructional leadership
- Curriculum, instruction and assessment
- Comprehensive student supports continuum.
It is the skillful integration and the implementation integrity and fidelity of these components that ensures success for the whole child, their family and the school community. The electronic Comprehensive Student Support System (eCSSS) serves as the database system that allows schools and complexes to identify, monitor and track student concerns over time.