A Hawaii island school that four years ago was close to losing its charter amid financial troubles and lagging test scores was recognized Tuesday as one of the state’s top-performing public schools.
Na Wai Ola, formerly Waters of Life, was among 14 schools awarded more than $1 million in prizes for academic performance on a new accountability system the state Department of Education is calling Strive HI.
The system largely replaces federal mandates of the No Child Left Behind law that required schools to meet rising reading and math proficiency targets or face sanctions.
In addition to test scores, the new system credits schools for attendance, graduation and college-going rates, and closing the achievement gap between high-needs students — English-language learners, those economically disadvantaged or with disabilities — and their peers.
The 14 elementary schools earned spots in the top "recognition" category in the initial round of Strive HI results released last month, and represent the top 5 percent of schools. Na Wai Ola is the only charter school that placed in the category.
Na Wai Ola Principal Daniel Caluya said the Mountain View school "had more issues than Sports Illustrated" when he took the job in 2009, shortly after state officials threatened to shut it down. But under his leadership, students’ reading and math scores have hit federal targets the last three years.
Na Wai Ola earned 364 points out of a possible 400 points on the Strive HI index.
Caluya said the school’s academic rigor is intense, with the school day running until 3:30 p.m., coupled with tutoring after school and on weekends.
Students have been able to overcome extreme financial hardships — 78 percent of the school’s 140 students in kindergarten through grade six are homeless, Caluya said — and succeed in the classroom.
In the 2012-13 school year, 86 percent of its students tested proficient in reading, and 73 percent in math. That’s up from 45 percent of students reading at grade level in 2008-09, and 29 percent proficient in math that year.
"The taxpayers demand academic excellence," said Caluya, a retired master sergeant in the Air Force who was born in Hawaii and grew up on the mainland.
He told state lawmakers at a briefing Tuesday that growing up in more than two dozen foster homes in California, "I understood the cost of not having a quality education."
He said he believes the success of students ultimately lies with him, adding that he greets students every morning to inspect their homework as they get off the bus.
"I have three children in second grade not reading at proficiency — that bothers me; it’s a stone in my shoe," he said.
Lawmakers asked DOE officials whether there’s a way to replicate Caluya’s efforts.
As part of the Strive HI recognition status, Caluya and other leaders of top schools will form a working group to advise the DOE.
Caluya accepted a $95,000 reward at an event at Red Hill Elementary where Gov. Neil Abercrombie, DOE officials and lawmakers handed out ceremonial checks.
"This is for your future," Abercrombie told students.
Caluya said he hopes to make improvements at the aging building the school leases.
Red Hill and Ahuimanu Elementary also got $95,000 prizes.
Nine elementary schools each received $75,000 awards: E.B. de Silva in Hilo, Hickam, Hokulani, Lanakila, Liholiho, Manoa, Maunaloa, Palisades and Pearl Ridge.
Kalihi Uka and Konawaena each received $20,000 awards.
The DOE said the money — federal Race to the Top dollars — can go toward things like professional development, investments in technology, musical instruments, science labs and equipment.
Under Strive HI, schools are assigned a score out of a possible 400 points that determines where they place on one of five category "steps."
The bulk of the state’s 286 schools, or about 80 percent, ranked in the second-highest category, "continuous improvement." The remaining 15 percent of schools were designated as "focus" or "priority" schools. No schools were placed in the bottom category, "superintendent’s zone," for the initial ratings.
Hawaii and 39 other states have been granted waivers from No Child Left Behind provisions in exchange for adopting an alternative accountability system approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
"This is not a pass on accountability," said DOE Assistant Superintendent Ronn Nozoe.
Four out of every 5 public schools singled out for restructuring under federal standards last year earned improved standings with Strive HI.
During the 2011-12 school year, 82 schools were in restructuring mode — the most serious consequence under NCLB. Now 65 of those schools are in the new "continuous improvement" category.
