Easing Transitions of Military Dependents into Hawaii Public Schools

Abstract

Over 15,000 military dependent students attend Hawaii public schools, about 8% of the total studentpopulation. The transition to Hawaii schools has been identified by many military familiesas a challenge and one more difficult than other transitions their families have made. A generallyacknowledged negative perception of Hawaii public schools among the military communityworldwide does nothing to ease this transition, especially when schooling ranks near the top ofmilitary families’ quality-of-life issues. Other factors that have made the transition difficult includecultural differences and some local school policies. This study draws on the following: federallyfunded research and programs to ease school transitions for military dependent students,five years of customer satisfaction surveys done with military families in Hawaii, and descriptionsof the numerous programs and activities underway in the state. These programs and activitiesare sponsored jointly by the military and the Department of Education to welcome militarydependent students into the public schools and provide them with a quality education. From abroad overview of the situation for military dependent students worldwide, this study hones in onefforts in Hawaii and the connections to the research literature including Invitational Education(IE). The study includes a description of the prevalence of IE at the University of Hawaii and itscongruence with Hawaiian values as well as with the research on school connectedness that underliesmuch of the national-level effort at easing military student transitions.