Graduate Student Research Symposium 2025

Hawaii’s single statewide school district structure creates a distinct educational landscape, particularly for science educators navigating curriculum mandates and policy decisions. This case study focuses on the science department at a Title 1 high school, examining how the Hawaii Department of Education’s (HIDOE) centralized governance impacts teachers’ ability to implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Through surveys and interviews, this study explores support, resources, and professional development provided by the district, and the challenges teachers face in aligning instruction with NGSS. I will share preliminary findings highlighting the complex balance between standardization and the need for localized decision-making, raising questions about resource distribution, teacher autonomy, and the effectiveness of centralized support systems. By engaging both emerging and veteran educators, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of how district policies shape science education in Hawaii and their broader implications for teacher agency and instructional effectiveness within centralized educational systems.