Hawaii’s Report Card Shows Gains in Math and Reading

By Wendy Osher

Hawaii public schools celebrated improvements in both math and reading, as part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

The NAEP released the Nation’s Report Card for the Spring of 2011 with state-by-state results.

According to the report, the nation and most other state results reflected marginal or zero growth; but Hawai’i stood out as the only state to show both mathematics and reading gains in the 4th and 8th grades.

“We commend Hawaii for their performance on the 2011 NAEP assessments and are encouraged by their continued growth in student achievement,” said Jack Buckley, National Center for Education Statistics Commissioner, in a statement.

Hawaii Superintendent, Kathryn Matayoshi said Hawai’i’s 4th and 8th graders have steadily narrowed the achievement gap with their peers across the nation.

Matayoshi commended students and educators for their had work and perseverance; but also acknowledged that more work needs to be done.

“It is evident that our steadfast commitment to requiring rigorous standards-based education over the past decade is starting to pay off,” she said.

Matayoshi said she expects the positive performance to, “ignite a momentum and drive for future victories and accomplishments in our public schools.”

For the full report visit: http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/