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Posted: Wednesday, September 19th, 2012 9:11 AM HST

Hawaii elementary schools to be accredited by 2019

By Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — The Hawaii Board of Education has approved a plan to accredit all public elementary schools by 2019. Board Chairman Don Horner says the state department of education will use the same accreditation criteria as most private schools in Hawaii. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday the ambitious plan is aimed at providing schools with periodic, in-depth reviews. Ninety-six of Hawaii's public schools, including 13 elementary schools, have Western Association for Schools and Colleges accreditation. The department hopes to have the 159 remaining elementary schools accredited by the association over a five-year period. The program will cost about $745,000 a year, which includes providing training, extra support and guidance.