Waipahu High School School Improvement Status

Summary of Progress

During SY 2021-22, Waipahu High School (WHS) continued its efforts to prepare all students for college and career through the career academy structure, Teaching and Learning Framework, and Instructional Planning Cycle (formerly known as the Data Driven Instructional Cycle). To enhance student learning experiences, WHS provided whole-child support through Choose Love (a social emotional learning curriculum), extra-/co-curricular activities, athletic programs, college/career readiness programs, and tiered systems of support in which teachers, counselors, and administrators work together to monitor student progress. In alignment with the complex area’s three-year plan to supplement existing literacy efforts, WHS teachers were provided with professional development and resources funded by the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) grant.

 In compliance with health and safety protocols, Waipahu High School’s career academies continued to collaborate with business and community partners on ways to provide students with rigorous and relevant learning opportunities. As a result, the number of students who earned industry certifications and/or Dual/Early College credit(s), completed Capstone or Senior Projects, participated in internship/externship programs, and/or received academic honors (e.g., Career & Technical Education, Seal of Biliteracy, National Honor Society, etc.) has increased. In addition, the Ohana of Excellence Academy’s Cane Bookstore & Printing made its debut with stakeholders in Spring 2022 through a grand-opening video produced by Olelo Community Media.

Throughout the pandemic, student progress in college and career readiness has varied. In SY 2020-21, there was a 3% increase in students who passed their AP exams with a score of 3 or higher and a 5% increase in students who earned six or more dual credits. Nationwide enrollment at a 2 or 4-year college increased by 5% whereas enrollment in the University of Hawai’i school system increased by 2%. Spring 2021 ACT data reveals an increase in English, Math, and Science proficiency; however, it is not an accurate reflection of schoolwide growth since student participation was optional. In SY 2021-22, the number of students who passed the EL ACCESS exam, earned a composite score of 22+ on the ACT, and/or showed proficiency in SBA Math and ELA, decreased.

According to the 2021 Panorama EES survey, WHS teachers maintained its strongest ratings in student perception of Classroom Climate, Classroom Rigorous Expectations, and Pedagogical Effectiveness. In the pre-, mid-, and post-Panorama SEL surveys, Self-management remained the most favorable category of students whereas Self-efficacy and Sense of Belonging were areas students consistently struggled in.

Despite the academic and social emotional challenges that have surfaced during the pandemic, Waipahu High School students in general have shown resilience in their pursuit of college and career readiness. WHS faculty and staff continue to work with parents and business/community partners in building opportunities for all students to demonstrate growth in knowledge, skills, talents, well-being, and citizenship.