"Children differ in degree, not in kind; some learn faster than others," says Yoshiji Asami, principal of Honolulu's William Paul Jarrett Intermediate School. Under Mr. Asami's leadership, William Paul Jarrett Intermediate School has experienced an almost complete turn around. The school had for many years the reputation of being a "rough school." Through a program of preventive discipline accompanied by counseling, Mr. Asami has been able to effect many positive changes at the school. He makes it a point to be both a highly visible presence and a highly accessible friend and interlocutor. "I don't take things for granted when it comes to the safety and security of the students and staff," says Mr. Asami. His policy of immediate response, counseling, and fair disciplinary action has gained the school recognition as an "outstanding school in the Honolulu District." Mr. Asami believes that community-wide support is essential to the future welfare of all schools. "Educators can no longer do it alone, " he says. "They need the cooperation and contribution of other state agencies, community programs, and parental support groups."
1952 University of Hawaii - Manoa, B.A.
