This grant has been one component in the Kula Kaiapuni Hawaiÿi o Keaukaha vision to create experiential and relevant curriculum for our students. By enhancing the curriculum with modern technology, children can learn how to coexist with new and old traditions to better find their place in this world. The level of performance through project-based studies that integrate technology in appropriate and meaningful ways will translate into an increase in student achievement that we expect will be evident through our involvement with our community as well as our Title 1 indicators.

Students are surveyed on previous knowledge of environmental issues based on Hawaii Content and Performance Standards. Their experiential units will guide them toward mastery of these standards. The technology utilized within these units is relevant to the student and acts as a tool to achieving their goals for their project. Much of the project outcomes rely on higher ordered thinking skills that technology, as a tool, is helping to achieve in ways that would otherwise not be available to students. Scoring guides, post survey, and self evaluation will determine if mastery occurred.

TLCF funds allow Keaukaha Kaiapuni classes to update considerably old and nonfunctioning hardware. With the newer computers, teachers are learning how to allow students to be more self-directed in project-based learning and achieve to higher standards. Kula Kaiapuni Site-Based Teacher Training funds enable teachers to develop their skills through professional development in performance-based learning and assessment, technology management in the classroom, and proficiency training on hardware and software issues. Unit plan design follows the format used in the Experiential-Based Action Model (EBAM) developed by Dr. Christopher Moersch of the National Business Education Alliance (NBEA).