Every Student Belongs. Every Student Achieves.

Welcome to the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) Inclusive Education website. This site reinforces the work we do for children with disabilities, guided by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the conviction that all students have access to rigorous, effective instruction.

This website provides specific information for teachers and administrators on Inclusive Education Standards of Practice for students with disabilities, as well as resource materials and tools that will assist schools in realizing an inclusive school community.

These resources are designed to provide all staff with the opportunity to rethink how services are delivered to students so they all feel supported to achieve their aspirations.

Our Why

Belief Statement

The HIDOE embraces a culture of Inclusive Education where all students are accepted members of their school community, where students with disabilities have equal access to and successfully engage in the same educational environment and learning opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

Supt. Christina Kishimoto with a student.

"Inclusive education means that all students have the opportunity to be educated in the general education classroom to the greatest extent — expectations are high and instruction is standards based. Inclusive education provides general education curriculum, personalized supports as needed and occurs when a student with a disability successfully engages in the same learning environment with the same learning opportunities as his/her classmates."

— Former Superintendent Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto

WEBSITE RESOURCES

The Inclusive Education Standards of Practice tool provides a research-based foundation for inclusive education in our schools. The quality indicators outlined for each standard further define expectations and practices.

Models of Supports ensure staffing and scheduling decisions are based solely on the needs of individual students through an objective, student-centered process. Advance, In Class and Specialized Supports guide the work.

Editor's Note: This website primarily contains accessible content vetted by our team of specialists in collaboration with Stetson & Associates. However, some assets which are proprietary or licensed are linked to our staff intranet, which only authenticated staff can access. Learn more about the HIDOE's website and intranet here.