HONOLULU - An alternative pathway to certification for public school administrators in Hawaii has been developed by the state Department of Education, and an informational meeting on the process is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Maui Community School for Adults Annex B.
The program is a collaboration with Chaminade University and is funded with federal Race to the Top funds. It provides exceptional applicants with high leadership potential the chance to earn certification as a school administrator.
While employed by the DOE, candidates will gain experience as a vice principal during their residency period. The new rules that allow for this alternative path to certification were approved by the state Board of Education in May and signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie this month.
According to the Education Commission of the States, 16 other states are offering alternative certifications for principals.
"This program is a new approach to addressing the potential shortage of school administrators in the future," said Douglas Murata, assistant superintendent for the DOE Office of Human Resources. "While we value our traditional process and pathway to administration, we need to find additional creative and alternate ways to fill our leadership positions as we move forward."
The ideal candidate holds a master's degree and has successfully served in a leadership, supervisory or managerial position for three or more years. The program will be limited to 24 candidates for the first two years, 12 candidates each year.
The cost of the program is about $900,000.
This alternative route to certification provides:
* Candidates with the credentials to pursue certification and a career in school administration.
* Job experience as a vice principal upon acceptance into the program.
* Educational Leadership Program courses by faculty from Chaminade University and School Turnaround, with a specific focus on managing change and leading school turnaround.
* Coaching by skilled mentors throughout the first year to help candidates apply the learned concepts and skills.
For program details, go to the Alternative Certification for School Administrator Program website at www.chaminade.edu/ACSAP. Interested applicants may send email to program director Katherine Kawaguchi at katherine.kawaguchi@chaminade.edu or call (808) 739-8540.
The applications must be postmarked by July 27 and sent to Katherine Kawaguchi, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Ave, Honolulu 96816.
