MEDIA RELEASE

Kanu o ka Aina (KANU) New Century Public Charter School is launching a Blended Learning Hui. This expansion of KANU is an addition to traditional, classroom-based education and is available to students in grades 6 to 11.

The educational components of the hui are online learning for core subject classes and Hawaiian language coupled with integrated, self-directed, independent, place-based projects.

“We are excited to bring this free and flexible additional learning option to the public,” Allyson Tamura, KANU co-administrator said. “Whether a homeschooled student seeking additional support or an enriched program, someone whose learning style fits this educational experience, or a simple desire for online education within KANU’s educational philosophy, our new Blended Learning Hui can be an ideal solution.”

Core subjects offered online through K12/Aventa Learning will include English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Hawaiian language classes will be offered through Niuolahiki from Aha Punana Leo. Independent projects will incorporate Hawaiian culture, history, traditions and practice with 21st century technology.

All students’ paths will be charted by a college preparatory Individualized Learning Plan authored and maintained in a partnership of student, ohana (family) and KANU. Two to three hour long, weekly face-to-face sessions with a KANU instructor/advisor are required and will help students stay on target to complete classes and projects.

The schedule, to the maximum allowable degree, is flexible and uses a 12 month calendar. The program began Sept. 1 but KANU will be accepting students until Oct. 1 or until all spaces are taken, whichever comes first.

As a free public K-12 school, KANU, which integrates Hawaiian culture, language, traditions, community and the natural environment in a curriculum that is project-based and place-based, is held to the same performance expectations and same assessment testing that all schools throughout the state must follow.

The school achieved Annual Yearly Progress Safe Harbor status for the 2012-13 school year and has received six full years of accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Applications for KANU Blended Learning Hui can be picked up at the KANU office or downloaded from the Hui’s website at http://bit.ly/kanublendedlearning