Waikiki has created an engaging schoolwide curriculum that sparks
an authentic interest in academics among all students—including special
education students. These programs (which the special education depart-
ment follows with modification and supplementation) encourage creativ-
ity, problem solving, learning that is relevant, and originality. The special
education student has a place in the mindful school and feels included
and celebrated. Special education students are willing to take risks despite
their disabilities, knowing the outcome will be protected by mindfulness.
In this environment, the special education students at Waikiki have cre-
ated plays, films, and videos and presented them to the rest of the school.
They have taken risks and have been the “stars” in front of their peers.
And they know how to be mindful—a skill that will be invaluable as they
navigate the complexities of their lives. In this way the school culture ben-
efits from the unique gifts of the special education students and their
unique contribution to the joyful expansion of consciousness that is the
by-product and, perhaps, the greatest benefit of the mindful school.
In Summary
In addition to the tests they take at school, Waikiki School students are
prepared to perform well on the tests of life. Teachers and staff don’t sim-
ply teach values; rather, they seek to model the behaviors they want to see
their students develop. Teachers are encouraged to be individuals in the
classroom and to exercise their strengths and creativity. In a sense the
whole school is on the same page, but every page is wonderfully different.
This school culture results in a dynamic learning community in
which all participants are challenged to become ever more mindful, ever
more thoughtful learners to support the collective efforts of the school.
The synergy that results from this unification of purpose promotes an envi-
ronment that both honors and challenges the intellect of all. By caring for
and learning from one another, all members of the learning community
(teachers, community members, parents, students, and staff) are encour-
aged to grow and to integrate their learnings into daily practice. The
adventure implicit in lifelong learning becomes a reality.
Waikiki School is the most functional of educational environments.
It is evident that the school is deeply committed to doing whatever it takes
360 Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind