Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 33, Number 1, 1 January 2016 — Education bill funds Native Hawaiian Education [ARTICLE]

Education bill funds Native Hawaiian Education

Legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Act is expected to continue support for Native Hawaiian education programs and schools. The provisions were included in the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, legislation that replaces No Child Left behind.

The bill includes support for Native Hawaiian education programs and schools. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Native Hawaiian education program. It includes a new grant initiative to establish or expand Native language immersion programs. The grants will support the revitalization of native languages, including the Hawaiian language, while increasing educational opportunities for Native Hawaiian, American Indian and native Alaskan Students. Deborah Zysman, executive director for Hawaii Children's Action Network said, "We're very thankful that this federal law has passed, and we'll be working to make sure Hawai'i laws reflect this prioritization as well."