Education

I know firsthand how a quality education opens the doors of opportunity. When my mother brought me to Hawaii from Japan as a small child, I did not speak a word of English but my mother enrolled me in Hawaii’s public schools. If it were not for my teachers and my mother’s high expectations, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

In order for all students to achieve, our schools must have essential resources, support English Language learners and students with disabilities, and use multiple measures to gauge success. We must also give greater focus to our youngest learners. Decades of research have shown that investing in quality early education helps kids enter school ready to succeed, complete school, earn more and avoid the need for other social services later in life.

Our nation’s global competitiveness relies on skilled workers and entrepreneurs. A recent study found that by 2018, nearly two-thirds of jobs in Hawaii will require some type of post-secondary education or career training. Meanwhile, tuition is rising and student loan debt is a serious problem. I am fighting to help Hawaii students afford and complete college and workforce training programs, so Hawaii’s economy can prepare for the jobs of the future.

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