In 2019, Hanahau‘oli faculty and staff visited more than 20 progressive schools across the country. This was the ambitious Hele A‘o (Learning Journey) initiative, and the purpose was to spark new ideas, inspire innovation, and plant seeds for future growth at our beloved school. Among the key takeaways from Hele Aʻo was a desire to learn more about social justice as it pertains to progressive education. At a number of schools, Hanahau‘oli faculty and staff saw teachers referring to students as “changemakers.” They also observed language related to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a fully integrated part of progressive school curricula. Above all, the students were able to articulate ways in which they were promoting social justice, and were taking action in their communities.
A Progressive Educator’s Poem, “On Doing Philosophy with Children”
This past summer, UHM Children’s Center preschool teacher, Royce Bowman learned more about p4cHI as a part of his coursework in the UHM Progressive Philosophy and Pedagogy Masters program. Excited to put the progressive pedagogy into practice, Royce experimented with p4cHI in his early childhood classroom. His reflections on the experience are captured in this poem:
Exploring the Relevance of Progressive Philosophy in Present Times: Possible Impacts on Individuals, Schools, and Society Today
On July 9, 2021 a diverse panel of thought leaders came together to explore the relevance of progressive philosophy in present times. They were: Theresa Squires Collins of the Progressive Education Network and The Francis W. Parker School in Chicago, Dr. Masato Ishida of the University of Hawaii at Manoa Department of Philosophy, Chris McNutt of the Human Restoration Project, and Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer of the University of Hawaii - West Oahu.