My personal STEMS^2 research is going rather well as far as finding information on topics of indigenous teaching frameworks. There is a lot of information out there related to Native American and other indigenous people throughout America and literary works coming out from Aotearoa as well. There isnʻt as much Hawaiian education framework discussion available as I thought there would be.
Itʻs not to say that there arenʻt a good source of information on various frameworks that people are looking at in Hawaiʻi. However, I do feel that in some cases frameworks that exist to utilize Hawaiian indigenous knowledge tend to have more of a “Hawaiiana” feel than being deeply rooted in traditional Hawaiian cultural knowledge or ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge) as the catalyst for education. I feel like the Hawaiian cultural knowledge part in existing frameworks (not all) is used like salt on poke...sprinkled. An additive to a larger existence of stuff rather than the bulk of the learning or the foundation of the learning experience be the Hawaiian values, perspectives etc. Hawaiian cultural knowledge is in no means surface or without the ability to bring about solid education if it is conducted and vetted properly. I am really trying to get to point where I can create effective and powerful curriculum for students to explore, learn and grow and become their own powerful, kind, grounded and contributing individuals.
The challenge for me at this point in my STEMS^2 research is that the way I'm thinking and what I'm envisioning as far as lesson plans and education isn't lining up with what is available. The question and comments that have come up is that the framework might not exist and like others Iʻll have to create it. I honestly think thatʻs a great way to move forward and I want to do that, but I feel like I need more practice in that arena. I am going to try my best to embody and embrace what I am thinking and feeling is important to produce out and have it line up in a way that highlights Hawaiian indigenous teaching practices.
The success I had is believing in the process of this STEMS^2 journey and the immense changes in my mind about education that has happened. I feel unlike others I have less of a formal education in EDUCATION and so I'm constantly learning and reading what word means what and if I even am making sense when I'm talking. The inquiry and second guessing into things was making me uncomfortable but then I had a good conversation with my advisor. I was assured that seeing that certain tools wouldn't suffice for my curriculum design or not allow me to be dynamic in my teaching style was a sign of growth education wise. I showcased that I can't force things to mold to each other if it doesn't and therefore, I do need to be observant and real and make the necessary changes so that I can truly honor my work I'm trying to create. So YAY!
My lesson plans are the kicker for me and should be as this is why I chose to do it because I want to increase that skillset and become effective at it. I need to utilize my advisor for feedback on my lessons and other curriculum development friends too so I can make sure I'm heading in a good direction. 
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