MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE), in collaboration with Chaminade University, announces the launch of a new program aimed at creating an alternative pathway to certification for school administrators.

The Alternative Certification for School Administrator Program is funded by the state’s Race to the Top initiative, and 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 this alternative path to certification were approved by the Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) in May, and signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie this month.

According to the Education Commission of the States, about 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), and will cost about $900,000.

This alternative route to certification program provides:

* Candidates with the credentials to pursue certification and a career in school administration
* Authentic job-embedded experience as a vice principal upon acceptance into the program
* Educational Leadership Program courses delivered 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

Interested candidates are encouraged to attend informational sessions, which will be conducted on the following Islands:

Community information meetings:

* Maui
5:30-7 p.m. June 26
Maui Community School for Adults Annex B
179 Kaahumanu Avenue
Kahului

* Big Island – Hilo
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 27
Hilo District Office Annex
450 Waianuenue Avenue
Hilo

* Big Island – Kona
6-7:30 p.m. June 27
Kahakai Elementary School Cafeteria
76-147 Royal Poinciana Drive
Kailua-Kona

* Oahu
5:30-7 p.m. June 28
Chaminade University
Henry Hall Rm 109
3140 Waialae Ave.
Honolulu

* Kauai
5:30-7 p.m. June 29
King Kaumualii Elementary Library
4380 Hanamaulu Road
Lihue

For program details, visit the Alternative Certification for School Administrator Program website at: www.chaminade.edu/ACSAP.

Interested applicants may email Program Director Katherine Kawaguchi at: katherine.kawaguchi@chaminade.edu, or call 808-739-8540 for more information.

Application deadline is July 27, 2012 (postmarked) to:
Katherine Kawaguchi
Chaminade University of Honolulu
3140 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816