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- Pihana Na Mamo
About
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What
is Pihana Na Mamo?
Pihana Na Mamo: The Native Hawaiian Special Education project is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This federal grant is awarded to the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG) with a subcontract to the Hawai'i Department of Education (HDOE).
The mission of the Pihana Na Mamo is the delivery of educational services to children and youth of Hawaiian ancestry with special needs that results in improved outcomes.
The vision of the Pihana Na Mamo is to affirm and promote numerous positive, varied and mutually supportive opportunities, experiences, and partnerships with the school, family and community so that students are rooted in their culture, are contributing members of society, and empowered to set and pursue their goals.
What does the name Pihana Na Mamo mean?
The name Pihana Na Mamo means the "Gathering of Special Children" and was given to the project by the late Alexander Poki Kali of the University of Hawai'i, the first chair of the project's Advisory Council. The term mamo literally refers to the now-extinct black Hawaiian honey creeper (Drepanis pacifca) whose yellow feathers were prized by Hawaiians for its use in featherwork. Because each bird yielded only a few yellow feathers these were used only in the choicest featherwork items. Hence, according to Kali, mamo figuratively refers to something cherished, or our special children.
What are the major components of Pihana Na Mamo?
The project has six major components:
- Program Administration,
- Heluhelu
- Kako'o
- Makua Hanai
- Curriculum and Materials Adaptations
- Data Management and Evaluation
CRDG serves as the lead for Program Administration, Curriculum and Materials Adaptations, and Data Management and Evaluation. HDOE implements the three school-based components of Heluhelu, Kako'o, and Makua Hanai.
What are the major school-based activities of Pihana Na Mamo?
The major school-based activities of the project are Heluhelu (to read), Kako'o (to support and assist), and Makua Hanai (parent involver).
- Heluhelu supports schools in implementing researched-based reading programs. In grades K-2, schools utilize
programs that emphasize direct-instruction teaching strategies and the development of phonological awareness skills.
For older students the project supports reading programs that stress fluency and comprehension skills. Intensive
reading programs are available for students who need extra assistance.
- Kako'o is a mentoring program for secondary students that focuses on course completion and graduation
from high school by building on the rich cultural heritage and strengths of Hawaiian students. Through timely
advisement, ongoing monitoring, and transition planning, students are encouraged to pursue higher education and
employment training options.
- Makua Hanai is a parent and community partnership component that encourages the building of positive relationships between schools and the Hawaiian community and families. The project supports parent involvers who maintain contact with families and serve as a vital link between schools and the Hawaiian communities.
Where are the activities implemented? ...
Who do I contact for more information?
| Hawai'i Department of Education Gloria Kishi, Project Director |
Curriculum Research & Development Group Morris Lai, Principal Investigator |
This project is supported through Grant No. #H221A00002-01 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs.
Cover image: Hawai'i Mamo, Dick Miller
Pihana Na Mamo
The Native Hawaiian Special Education Project
from DOE brochure RS 02-0263
A partnership between the
Hawai'i Department of Education and the
University of Hawai'i at Manoa's
Curriculum Research & Development Group
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