In Their Voices: An Exploration of the Experiences of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander Students in Special Education

Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander (NHPI) groups remain the most underrepresented children in special education, jeopardizing their access to essential academic support. NHPI groups are among the fastest-growing populations in the United States, and these increasing numbers will impact schools and special education specifically. However, there is minimal data on NHPI children in special education. This is problematic, as special educators are responsible for providing appropriate, accessible, and equitable educational opportunities to support their academic journey and to ensure NHPIs’ contributions to the economic growth of the U.S. To better understand the nuances of NHPI cultures, this qualitative exploratory multiple case study examined the schooling experiences of NHPI children in special education. The study included three male secondary students identified with a specific learning disability enrolled in an urban school district. The participants shared their experiences in the resource classroom setting and offered educators advice on teaching and learning with them. The findings indicate that the cultures among Pacific Islanders are unique and diverse and should be interpreted as such. Further research is recommended to identify more NHPI cultures to inform schools and educate policymakers on their varied educational needs.