SFUSD updates Fa Samoa initiative for Hawaiian Pacific Islander student support

In a recent San Francisco government meeting, significant strides were made towards enhancing educational equity for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. The discussion centered around the FA'S AMO initiative, aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities within the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

Superintendent Matthews introduced the initiative, highlighting its focus on equitable services and staffing for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. Ursula Ann Siatana, the new policy analyst for the initiative, provided an overview of its goals and progress. Siatana, a San Francisco native and SFUSD alumna, emphasized the importance of community involvement in educational success, quoting a Samoan proverb to illustrate the collective effort required for meaningful change.

The FA'S AMO initiative was established following a resolution passed in April 2018, which aimed to support equitable services for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. This initiative has evolved, particularly during the pandemic, to address academic disparities through a pre-K to 14 pathway rooted in Samoan indigenous practices. Recent data presented by Dr. Ritu Khanna revealed alarming trends, including increased chronic absenteeism among Pacific Islander students, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.

Minu Yashar, Chief of the Early Education Department, discussed the successful launch of a Samoan dual language preschool classroom, which grew from two to 18 students in just three months. This initiative reflects a strong partnership with the Samoan community, showcasing the importance of culturally relevant education and community support in fostering student engagement.

The meeting also outlined specific goals for the initiative's first year, including improving student attendance and literacy skills by 10%, and stabilizing the dual language program. A new cultural practice, Asi Singha, was introduced to assess the needs of families and provide support, particularly in mental health following community challenges.

Overall, the discussions highlighted a commitment to addressing educational disparities and fostering a supportive environment for Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students in San Francisco. As the initiative progresses, the SFUSD aims to create a more inclusive educational landscape that honors and integrates the cultural heritage of its diverse student body.