In the Honolulu Star-Advertiser article published on Oct. 20, 2014, “Gubernatorial candidates weigh in on Common Core,” the various views of Gov.-elect David Ige and the candidates for governor and multiple perspectives of the families and educators in our state were explored.

However, what I found most critical was how it revealed the importance of the collective voice of teachers in helping to shape education policy.

Ige supported teacher voice in the creation of education policy. Teacher voice is particularly important to me because I saw the challenges of having my voice heard from the neighbor island, Lanai.

Teachers protesting at the Hawaii State Capitol

Courtesy: Hawaii Teachers Work To The Rules

We live in a state that faces unique geographic challenges because we are composed of different islands, each with similar and yet its own set of challenges. To reach the teachers across the state requires a unified effort from all stakeholders.

In my role as a Hope Street Group State Teacher Fellow, I’m working to elevate the voices of my fellow teachers across the state of Hawaii to express the real challenges of the Hawaii Common Core Standards. One of our goals is to use teacher voice to inform policymakers at HIDOE about improving the implementation process.

Since we are in the first year of implementing these new standards in Hawaii, it is simply too early to tell if the shift will create the intended level playing field for students across the nation. It’s worth pointing out that the uncertainty of the Common Core State Standards creates plenty of room for debate surrounding the implementation and that is the conversation we should be having.

To adequately prepare teachers to teach the Common Core State Standards, all teachers should receive high-quality training. Parents should also be properly informed so that they understand what these standards mean for their kids.

I’ve seen many posts on social media expressing both sides of the debate regarding the Common Core State Standards and I have resisted the urge to engage in these heated debates because I realize my role as an educator is not to add fuel to the fire, but to find solutions and common ground before presenting my personal views.

I believe we can only answer the question about whether or not the Common Core State Standards are good for kids when teachers receive adequate training, there is open communication about academic expectations with parents, and students who have been taught using the new standards provide testament to the Common Core State Standards intended value.

This article reminded me that we must look at issues from all points of views. Once we identify and acknowledge that there are challenges with implementing the Common Core State Standards in Hawaii, then we can begin to move forward and begin to address the concerns in order to create solutions for all stakeholders — teachers, parents, and students.