Shiro Amioka Lecture
Keiki First: Hawaii`s Sustainable Resource or Moral Imperative?
Event ID: EV009635T
Info: Jul 23 • Wed • 7:00pm • Yukiyoshi Room, Krauss Hall 012 • Free • For more information, call 956-8246.
With: Robert G. Peters
State-sponsored, publicly funded Pre-K systems have gained currency in many of our states across the nation. While Hawaii is looking at an early learning system, it is one of only 10 states which do not currently sponsor one. The pre-school movement has been fueled through the efforts of pioneer early childhood advocates, politicians, neuroscientists, early education researchers and economists. Much of the argument on the mainland and here in Hawaii for investing in early learning revolves around the potential `payoff` that results from quality early learning opportunities. That payoff is often defined in terms of productivity, an investment in `human capital` that promises big returns and underpins America`s competitive position in the world market. This talk examines those claims and moves the conversation beyond them. It explores the unique characteristics of Hawaii and asks if the issue of expanding access to quality early learning is one of sustainability for Hawaii or a moral imperative.
Robert G. Peters has been Head of School at Hanahau`oli School since 1982. Hanahau`oli is a multi age school in the progressive education tradition. Peters is past president of the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and continues to serve on its board. Chair of the Education Committee for the Honolulu Symphony, he also serves on the boards of Holy Nativity School and Academy of the Pacific. Peters earned a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and has been an instructor in the UH College of Education and the UH-HAIS Masters Degree program in Private School Leadership. Currently a member of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation Commission, Peters has also served on the board of the National Association of Independent Schools. In 2000, he was a Visiting Scholar at the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University. Peters is currently serving as co-chair of the Early Childhood Legislative Task Force, whose report “Keiki First” was recently published; he is also a member of the PK - 3 Advisory Group.
A University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Education and Outreach College presentation with funding provided by the Shiro Amioka Lecture Endowment.