SPARK Hawaii believes that children do better when taught in ways that are compatible with their learning styles. Making great strides in this regard is Ka ‘Umeke Kā‘eo, the public charter school located on the Keaukaha Elementary School in Hilo, Hawaii, one of the two target communities of SPARK. Kahu ‘Alapaki Nahalea has built the foundation of this school on Aloha.
Research on culturally appropriate environments is also used by SPARK Hawaii. Research by INPEACE founder, Dr. Kathryn Au has shown also that Native Hawaiian families value the well-being of the entire extended family or ‘ohana over individual well being. This is in contrast to typical schools that value personal achievement. Small group activities provide the opportunity for children to use peer teaching and learning as is typical in their ‘ohana environment. As SPARK Hawaii strives to have Ready Schools it is attempting to identify teachers who have success with children and have them demonstrate their skills to their peers.
