As a partner in the SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids) project, CRDG continued its work with early elementary children in the Wai‘anae and Keaukaha areas in 2005. In its second year, SPARK is an initiative of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, and is implemented in Hawai‘i by INPEACE (Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture). INPEACE’s partners include Kamehameha Schools, The Good Beginnings Alliance, the Hawai‘i Department of Education, and CRDG. The project works with children ages three through seven and with elementary schools to improve the transition from home to school. Some of the activities are intended to help prepare children for school, while others focus on helping schools prepare for incoming kindergartners. CRDG’s role in the project is two-fold: First, as the internal evaluator, CRDG prepares annual reports evaluating the grant’s implementation. In addition, CRDG is conducting a longitudinal study of SPARK participants to see whether the interventions have a significant impact on children’s school readiness and subsequent success. The project will continue through 2008.
Participating Schools
Lā‘ie Elementary
Hau‘ula Elementary
Ka‘a‘awa Elementary
Kahuku Elementary
Sunset Beach Elementary
Kahuku High and Intermediate
Kamaile Elementary
Leihōkū Elementary
Mā‘ili Elementary
Mākaha Elementary
Wai‘anae Elementary
Wai‘anae Intermediate
Wai‘anae High
Ha‘ikū Elementary
Kalama Intermediate
King Kekaulike High
Kula Elementary
Makawao Elementary
Pā‘ia Elementary
Pukalani Elementary