Keiki Deserve More — Education Rooted in Culture, Skills, and Community Control
- gcordery3
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Keiki Deserve More — Education Rooted in Culture, Skills, and Community Control
In 2023, a Hawai‘i State Department of Education report showed that only 54% of public school students met proficiency standards in English language arts and just 38% in math (Hawaii DOE Strive HI Performance System).
These numbers don’t just reflect test scores—they represent thousands of keiki entering adulthood without the practical skills and cultural grounding they need to thrive.
Hawaii Ranks Among the Worst States for Teachers
WalletHub ranking: Hawai‘i was ranked dead last among all U.S. states in terms of overall teacher-friendliness—and 49th out of 50 in annual salaries adjusted for cost of living. According to the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association (HSTA):
“Hawaii’s teachers are the lowest paid in country… resulting in high turnover rates and a shortage of more than 1,000 qualified teachers each school year.”
HSTA.Org ,
The Challenge
Standardized Test Focus
Students are often taught to “pass the test” rather than master real-world skills.
Limited Local Control
Decision-making is centralized, leaving individual islands less able to address unique needs.
Cultural Disconnect: Hawaiian language and traditions remain underrepresented in daily curriculum.
Teacher Retention Issues: Hawai‘i ranks among the worst states for teacher turnover due to cost of living and pay gaps (Hawaii State Teachers Association).
Gary Cordery’s Education Reform Plan
1. Teach Practical Life Skills
Financial literacy and problem-solving courses in every classroom starting in middle school.
Real-world readiness programs for job skills and entrepreneurship.
2. Hawaiian Language in Every School
Hawaiian language instruction starting by grade 3 to strengthen cultural connection.
3. Merit Pay for Educators
Reward outstanding teachers with performance-based pay, while ensuring accountability for underperformance.
4. Local Budget Autonomy
Give each island greater control over education budgets to meet its own community’s needs.
5. End “Test and Graduate”
Replace blanket graduation policies with proficiency-based assessments and tutoring for students who need it.
Why This Matters:
For Our Keiki: Prepares them for both modern and cultural responsibilities.
For Our Educators: Creates motivation and pride in their profession.
For Our Communities: Aligns education with local values, economies, and traditions.
Rooted in Aloha & Freedom
This housing plan aligns with the Aloha Freedom Coalition’s advocacy for policies that put local people first, protect property rights, and increase community self-reliance (AFC About Page).
By combining practical housing solutions with fairness and transparency, Gary’s plan is about more than just buildings—it’s about keeping Hawai‘i’s heart beating in the homes of its people.
Putting People First
For Gary, every policy starts with people—not politics. That’s why conversations like these guide his priorities for Hawai‘i where families can live well and businesses can succeed. Share Your Story
Join Gary in Building a Future We Can Afford
Be part of a movement that’s fighting for to Lower the Cost of Living solutions across Hawai‘i.
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