Hawaiʻi officials visit Washington D.C. for National Forum on Education Policy

A delegation of education officials from Hawaiʻi traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the National Forum on Education Policy, a premier event that brings together education leaders from across the country to share best practices and discuss the latest trends in education policy.

The delegation, led by Hawaiʻi State Board of Education Chair Catherine N. Pisu, included representatives from the Department of Education, the University of Hawaiʻi system, and the Hawaii State Legislature. The group was accompanied by State Senator Lorraine Inouye, who has been a long-time advocate for education reform in Hawaiʻi.

During the three-day forum, the delegation had the opportunity to engage with other education officials from 49 states, as well as representatives from federal education agencies, non-profit organizations, and think tanks. The event was hosted by the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE).

The focus of the forum was on tackling some of the most pressing issues in education, including improving student achievement, closing the graduation gap, and increasing teacher development and support. The delegation from Hawaiʻi was instrumental in sharing the state’s innovative approaches to these challenges, including the implementation of personalized learning, the expansion of early childhood education, and the development of a statewide teacher pipeline.

“We are proud to share our unique approaches to education with our national colleagues and learn from the experiences of other states,” said Chair Pisu. “Hawaiʻi is committed to being a leader in education and is always looking for ways to improve student outcomes. This forum has provided us with valuable insights and resources to help us achieve our goals.”

The delegation also had the opportunity to meet with federal officials from the U.S. Department of Education, including Assistant Secretary Miguel Cardona, who emphasized the importance of partnerships between state and federal governments to drive education reform.

During the forum, the Hawaiʻi delegation also participated in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions with other education leaders from around the country. They shared their expertise and gained valuable insights on topics such as identifying and supporting students with disabilities, improving college and career readiness, and promoting equity in education.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with our national counterparts and share our story of education innovation in Hawaiʻi,” said Senator Inouye. “These partnerships will help us build a stronger, more effective education system for our students and families.”

The National Forum on Education Policy is a biennial event that brings together education leaders from across the country to discuss the latest trends and best practices in education policy. The event aims to provide a platform for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to share ideas, collaborate, and drive education reform at the state and national level.