KAPAA — Incoming ninth-graders and their parents got a surprise recently when they learned advanced classes will not be offered at Kapaa High School next year.
During a meeting last week to discuss a change in curriculum, parents were told honors English and math classes, as well as digital media, which used to be offered though an open-honors system, will not be offered to incoming freshman. The open-honors system allowed upcoming ninth-graders to sign up for classes without needing to test in or get permission.
Tuesday’s meeting left some parents wondering how their child’s needs were going to be met without the option of taking advanced classes.
“My biggest concern is that my child won’t be with peers who have the mindset,” said Missy Hoesel, a Kapaa High School parent. “The students who took honors classes in middle school are a different group of kids — they want to learn and they want to make good grades. And now they don’t have the opportunity to be in an environment that would help them excel.”
Students should at least have the opportunity to test into honors classes, she said.
Jill Weiner, another Kapaa High School parent, believes the students are being shortchanged.
“The school is lowering the playing field, and it’s not fair to the students to make them sit and twiddle their thumbs while the rest of the country is becoming competitive,” she said.
But school officials believe Kapaa High School teachers can meet the challenge of catering to different learning abilities. They also said teachers will be able to challenge honors students as well as keeping a steady pace for mainstream students.
“We have talented teachers who can reach every student and personalize learning for every child,” said Daniel Hamada, Kapaa High principal.
David Mireles, a 10th-grade English teacher, agreed.
“We’re going to keep the rigorous level in all the classes,” he said. “We really believe we have the best teaching staff, who will be able to meet the needs of all our students.”
Still, some upcoming honors students are concerned teachers won’t be able to keep the classes challenging enough for them.
“I’m worried I won’t go as in-depth as I would in honors classes,” said Weiner’s son, Hershel.
His twin sister, Loren Weiner, said she is worried about being expected to help others.
“I’m not as bothered by distractions because teachers can handle it, and can get the problem out of the classroom,” she said. “But I’m more concerned that I’d be doing most of the work on group projects and will be taking time out of focusing to help others.”
But despite concerns, both say they are going to make the most of their high school experience.
“To me, high school is more independent, and you take your education into your own hands,” Hershel said.
Loren added: “It’ll be interesting. I remember in elementary school, there weren’t honors classes, but teachers would take time to teach some kids at a higher level.”
The change in curriculum, which was supported by the teachers, was an effort to inspire a diverse classroom environment in which every child could succeed, no matter their skill set, Hamada said.
“We’re not doing away with the honors system; we’re trying to challenge every child, no matter their learning ability,” he said. “We’re trying to do what is best for all the students.”
Students thrive in a diverse setting, and being in the same classroom gives students a chance to learn from one another, said Kahele Keawe, a ninth-grade English teacher.
“Honors students may have higher test scores and are more motivated, but students in mainstream classes have other skills that may be able to influence honors students,” he said.
Just as school officials hope mainstream students will positively influence the honors students, they also believe the honor students will be role models.
“Some students in the regular classrooms have similar abilities and skills,” Kewae said.
Putting the students together may influence mainstream students to raise the bar for themselves, which better prepares them for college, he said.
“Colleges are looking for students who are resilient and have experienced setbacks,” he said.
Kapaa High also requires incoming freshman to take a “transition class,” that helps them get used to the demands of high school.
“We noticed many of our students could benefit from a class that provides them with the schools to make a successful college career,” Hamada said.
The class teaches students how to use Gmail and Google Docs, and promotes career awareness by hosting speakers and job fairs. It also stresses the importance of getting back into the community, Hamada said.
Hoesel believes the class shouldn’t be required.
“I understand some kids do need a transition class, but I don’t understand how it’s acceptable to say there’s no option for honors kids at all, but an 80-minute transition class is required,” she said.
Kapaa High School isn’t doing away with advanced classes altogether. Honors and Advanced Placement courses will be available to students starting in 10th grade.
The Weiner twins, who took honors classes in middle school, plan on taking advanced classes in high school.
But Hershel is worried taking a break from the advanced classes may deter some students from continuing with them.
“Some people may not want to because mainstream classes are easier,” he said. “So the program may lose some kids, and it will shrink to even less students than it already has now.”
If parents have questions, Hamada encourages them to contact his office.
“The parents have valid concerns, and we welcome them to come talk to us,” he said.
