Dalvin Butler holds a master’s degree in educational studies from Johns Hopkins University and expects to graduate with a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Southern California in 2019. In addition to his studies, Dalvin Butler serves as a secondary teacher with the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE), where in order to better educate students, he participates in several data-related programs, including the statewide longitudinal data system.
In a May 2017 press release, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) acknowledged the longitudinal data system as one of the reasons for its selection of the HIDOE as the winner of the 2017 Frank Newman Award for State Innovation. Named for education advocate and former ECS president Frank Newman, the award is presented to a state that has improved education for students through replicable programs while also developing brave and daring polices.
Along with the longitudinal data system, the ECS noted the HIDOE’s investment in data literacy as another reason for the department garnering the award. Outside of data, the department stood out for its support of teachers and administrators and for its focus on preparing students for college and career pursuits.
In a statement, HIDOE superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi thanked the commission and applauded the efforts of the department’s educators and community partners in raising the quality of education for the state’s students. As the 2017 recipient, Hawaii joins 2016 winner Mississippi and 2015 winner Kentucky among the states that ECS has recognized with the award.
