Posted on: Thursday, May 17, 2007
In Kaimuki, computers are key
By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
|
|
|
Teacher Fae Peredo stands ready to help as fifth-grader Carlos Chen checks his work on a computer. Learning about technology now "is going to be so beneficial to them, all the way into adulthood," Peredo said. Every Ali'iolani fifth-grader has a laptop computer to use in class.
BRUCE ASATO | The Honolulu Advertiser
|
|
 |
|
|
AT A GLANCE
Ali'iolani Elementary School Where: 1240 7th Ave. in Kaimuki Phone: 733-4750 Web address: http://aliiolani.k12.hi.us Principal: Len Miyamoto, who's been at the school for two years. School nickname: Na Ali'i School colors: Purple and white History: Ali'iolani was built in 1925 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2000. The school sits in an established community, and up to three generations of families have attended. During World War II, Ali'iolani was an elementary school in the mornings and an intermediate school in the afternoons. In 2005, it earned a National Blue Ribbon award. Testing: Here's how Ali'iolani Elementary students fared on the most recent standardized tests. Stanford Achievement Test: Listed is the combined percentage of students scoring average and above average, compared with the national combined average of 77 percent. Third-grade reading, 84 percent; math, 94 percent. Fourth-grade reading, 86 percent; math, 91 percent. Fifth-grade reading, 96 percent; math, 89 percent. Hawai'i Content and Performance Standards tests: Listed is the combined percentage of students meeting or exceeding state standards, and a comparison with the state average. Third-grade reading, 58 percent, compared with the state average of 50.2 percent; math, 35 percent, compared with state average of 30 percent. Fourth-grade reading, 72 percent, (state average: 58.1 percent); math, 44 percent, (state average: 32.5 percent). Fifth-grade reading: 67 percent, (state average: 43.5 percent); math, 22 percent, (state average: 27.6 percent). Computers: The school has 160 computers, including 29 in a computer lab, 30 in the school library, and two to four more in every classroom. All fifth-graders and teachers have laptops. Enrollment: There are about 280 students, 45 percent of whom qualify for free or reduced meals.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KAIMUKI — Fifth-grade teacher Fae Peredo tries to incorporate computer use into every subject she teaches at Ali'iolani Elementary School.
Last week she had her students create quadrangles on their iBooks to teach them about area and perimeter.
It can be challenging, but Peredo said the extra effort is worthwhile.
"I think it's so important they learn about technology now," she said. "(The experience) is going to be so beneficial to them all the way into adulthood."
Four years ago, Ali'iolani Elementary, along with several other schools in its complex, participated in a pilot program with Apple Inc. to get laptops to all fifth-graders.
With the help of some capital improvement funding, the school was able to upgrade its electrical and telecommunication apparatus to support the growth of technology on the campus.
Now every fifth-grader at Ali'iolani Elementary has an iBook to use in class.
The school's computer lab, which opened in May 2004, has 29 desktop computers; the school library has another 30.
With these computers, students write and edit essays, take online reading comprehension quizzes, do research and use programs to build their vocabulary.
"We live in a world where technology is very important," said principal Len Miyamoto. "We want to make sure our children are exposed to these tools."
What are you most proud of? The dedication of teachers and staff to support and nurture the students. "There is a true sense of pride to say you work at Ali'iolani," Miyamoto said. "Our teachers are willing to reflect and improve upon their instructional practices, which have a huge impact on student achievement."
Best-kept secret: The school has received financial support from the Nee Chang Wong Foundation, which funded the school's computer lab and software. The late Wong was a teacher at Ali'iolani from 1958 to 1966.
Everybody at our school knows: Dianne Pang, the school's librarian and technology coordinator. "She goes well beyond her normal library duties and gets involved with our curriculum, instruction and assessment," Miyamoto said. "The children, teachers and parents all love and appreciate (her effort)."
Our biggest challenge: Balancing the demands of the federal No Child Left Behind, which focuses on reading and math, with the importance of teaching to the whole child. "It continues to be a challenge to provide a well-rounded education," he said.
What we need: "We need to continue to be flexible and adaptive to the needs of our students and teachers," Miyamoto said.
Special events: Every year the school hosts several events that bring families and the surrounding community together. Family Reading Night brings local authors, community leaders or University of Hawai'i student-athletes to the school to read their favorite stories to the students. The Friends of Ali'iolani puts on a Family Fun Fair and Movie Night at the school. Volunteers drop down a white sheet from the second floor of the main building and project a movie onto it. And every year, to raise money for school technology, students participate in a Tech Fun Run that involves collecting pledges for running through an obstacle course.
Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.
| | |
|
|
