In this case study, we explore how DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach Public Charter School, a rapidly growing institution in Kapolei, Hawai’i, leveraged the Educating All Learners Alliance School Study Tour to enhance equity, inclusion, and student engagement. By participating in this transformative experience, the school gained valuable insights into innovative educational practices and strengthened its commitment to supporting all learners.

Introduction

DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach Public Charter School, a rapidly growing educational institution in Kapolei, Hawai’i, embarked on a transformative journey to enhance equity, inclusion, and student engagement. Participating in the Educating All Learners Alliance School Study Tour in New Orleans, the school set out to discover new educational strategies and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Through this experience, DreamHouse sought to learn from other schools that have successfully implemented innovative and inclusive practices while also reflecting on their strengths and areas for growth.

Discovering the Opportunity

EALA’s School Study Tours initiative is a three-day event designed to translate knowledge into practice by showcasing equitable learning environments and student experiences. Visiting School Teams tour three selected schools, engage with educators and community members, observe EALA Promising Practices for students with disabilities and learning differences in action, and reflect on strategies to implement in their own schools or districts.

For DreamHouse ‘Ewa Beach, this experience marked a pivotal moment. Led by CEO Ryan Mandado, the school’s team joined the October 2024 tour, driven by a deep commitment to inclusivity that aligns with EALA’s mission to support all learners. Observing and engaging with schools that prioritize accessibility and innovative learning practices provided DreamHouse with valuable insights to refine its own methodologies. The tour also fostered meaningful connections with like-minded educators dedicated to advancing inclusive, student-centered education.

Challenges Identified

DreamHouse faces significant challenges in meeting the diverse needs of its student population. As a fully inclusive school admitting students via public lottery, the array of abilities posed a challenge in balancing and creating effective curricula. The school aims to explore co-teaching models and culturally responsive teaching practices that honor each student’s identity and culture.

The Tour Experience

Throughout the tour, the DreamHouse team, Kristina Viloria, Jessica Russell, and Suzanne Torres, observed the impactful implementation of the Response to Intervention (RTI) model aimed at supporting struggling learners. This approach reinforced the importance of structured, data-driven interventions that proactively address student needs. The DreamHouse team was particularly inspired by the strong culture of excellence promoted by the leadership in the schools they visited. They saw firsthand how clear expectations, high standards, and mutual accountability among educators contributed to student success. They also noted the emphasis on student voice and leadership in many of the schools, which aligned with their mission to develop homegrown leaders for their island community. The experience not only provided valuable insights into practical strategies but also served as a source of motivation and inspiration for the DreamHouse team.

Post-Tour Implementation

Inspired by the tour, DreamHouse began integrating an RTI model in 7th-grade math, with plans to extend similar frameworks to reading programs. This initiative represents a commitment to inclusive education, reaffirming the school’s dedication to providing tailored support for all students. The tour also solidified the belief that inclusive learning environments are not only possible but essential. Beyond implementing specific instructional strategies, DreamHouse has also focused on fostering a school-wide culture that prioritizes collaboration, accountability, and student engagement. Teachers have participated in additional professional development to refine their instructional practices, and the school leadership continues to explore ways to sustain and scale these efforts. By leveraging the insights gained from the tour, DreamHouse is positioning itself as a model for inclusive and equitable education in Hawai’i.

Reflections and Future Plans

Reflecting on their journey, the DreamHouse team recognized the School Study Tour as a catalyst for change. The most transformative aspect was witnessing the deep sense of community and passion within each school visited. Moving forward, DreamHouse plans to continue evolving its educational practices, driven by a vision of inclusivity and excellence.