Hawaiʻi public schools see improvement in science scores, higher student attendance rates

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As Hawai'i's public schools continue to recover from the effects of pandemic-disrupted learning, students have shown improvements in science scores and attendance rates, while sustaining last year's academic gains in language arts and math. These findings are highlighted in the Hawai'i State Department of Education's 2023-24 Strive HI Performance System report, released today.

In addition to academic achievement and growth, the annual Strive HI report provides an overview on how schools are performing in such areas as on-time graduation, college enrollment, and progress toward closing achievement gaps.

Key year-over-year 2023-24 Strive HI results

• Statewide academic proficiency in science slightly increased while language arts and math proficiency remained stable.

• • Science proficiency increased by 1 point to 41%.

  • Language arts proficiency held at 52%.

  • Math proficiency held at 40%.

• Regular attendance increased 2 percentage points to 75%. (Defined as the percentage of students who attended 90% of instructional days.)

• On-time graduation increased by 1 point to 86%. (Defined as the percentage of students graduating with a high school diploma within four years of high school.)

• • Graduation rates for economically disadvantaged, special education and English learner student subgroups held steady or increased by 2-3 percentage points.

• Enrollment in postsecondary education and training was maintained at 50% for Class of 2023 graduates who enrolled in a two- or four-year postsecondary educational institution by the fall immediately after high school graduation.

• • English learner graduates enrolling in postsecondary education and training saw an increase of 4 points to 36%.

Hawai'i is one of 13 states that administer the Smarter Balanced Assessments. Among states reporting achievement results for 2023-24, as of today's report, Hawai'i's language arts proficiency rate ranks second-highest and math proficiency ranks fourth-highest. Other states similarly reported maintaining year-over-year growth or slight changes (increases or decreases) in achievement.

"Our Strive HI results show positive trends, particularly in attendance and science proficiency rates. Hawaiʻi is a national leader when it comes to pandemic recovery; however, we recognize that there is still significant work to be done to improve student outcomes," said Superintendent Keith Hayashi. "We are committed to implementing strategies that will accelerate student achievement, deliver high-quality instruction, and support our teachers and staff."

The 2-point improvement in regular attendance this year marks a year-over-year trend in increased attendance rates since the 2022-23 school year. A new attendance campaign, "Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow," emphasizes the importance of consistent school attendance. "I commend our schools, students and families for the increase in regular attendance as it is a cornerstone of successful education and correlates to academic achievement," Hayashi said. "When students are present, they build meaningful connections with peers and teachers and academic achievement improves as well."

The graduation data in this year's Strive HI report reflect the class of 2023, whose students were freshmen when the pandemic forced schools to shut down. "The strides that were made by the 2023 seniors in the equity subgroups are especially encouraging. Despite a year of online learning and shifting back to in-person learning, they persevered. Schools provided a supportive environment for these students to develop confidence to reach their full potential and aspire toward future success," Deputy Superintendent of Academics Heidi Armstrong said.

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In addition to a statewide snapshot, each HIDOE school receives a Strive HI performance report. Below are highlights of two schools that have seen growth on key metrics.

Kīpapa Elementary

Each of Kīpapa Elementary's performance categories increased by double digits from the previous year, with math proficiency going up by 20 points. Principal Jahmeel Duarte attributes Kīpapa's success to its WE>ME attitude and the school's solid foundation. Duarte built upon it with data-informed programming and stabilized it with three core pillars: pilina (relationships and connections), systems of support and closing the achievement gap.

Kīpapa's definition of "achievement gap" focuses on both sides of the classroom - from the gifted student to those in need of extra help. "We meet the needs of all students," Duarte said. "Being the only Title I school in Mililani, it is not an excuse as to why we cannot do it. It raises the bar, holding all to higher standards and expectations."

Being data-informed has sparked Kīpapa's remarkable academic growth. The school took to heart a research-based study that boiled down overall academic success, especially in the elementary years, to reading mastery. Each student is assessed and evaluated. From there, using a response to intervention (RTI) schedule, four times a week core instruction is stopped. Then, students begin working in their targeted areas of focus. Monitoring progress is a crucial aspect of RTI, so students are evaluated every two weeks. Struggling students are engaged in literacy rooms to strengthen reading skills.

The school also saw a 12-point increase in regular attendance. Creating an inclusive, safe environment for students and parents has created a culture where even parents feel supported, Duarte said. Duarte also leans on parent accountability. The school calls on parents to engage in one-on-one conversations, creating holistic plans and even knocking on doors with home visits to keep students (and parents) engaged in school.

Hilo Union Elementary School

Before the pandemic, Hilo Union enjoyed a high regular attendance rate of 95% and academic proficiency rates at or above the state average despite serving a large high-needs student population. With 85% coming from economically disadvantaged families, 21% with special needs and 13% English learners, the administration needed to think differently, and prioritize their vulnerable students' social-emotional needs in order to set them up for academic success.

According to Principal Bryan Arbles, coming to school should be likened to going to "grandma's house." Breakfast is built into the school schedule to ensure students are well-fueled to start the day. Teachers use this time to check in with their students, determine personalized goals, setting the stage for a growth mindset and perseverance. During the day, teachers greet students by name and even participate in kickball during recess.

As one big ʻohana, attendance goals were set for the entire school and down to the individual students. But the impact of the pandemic altered their trajectory. Virtual and hybrid learning saw Hilo Union's proficiency scores dip below the state average - including an 18-point decline in math and a 17-point drop in science at the height of the pandemic.

Returning to in-person learning the past two years, the home-style environment is back at Hilo Union. In this assessment cycle, students have shown a 23-point increase in science, a 13-point growth in language arts, and an 8-point increase in math proficiencies. The school is now 18 points and 12 points above the state averages for academic growth in language arts and math, respectively.

Strive HI was launched in the 2012-13 school year as the state's locally designed school improvement and accountability system that offered flexibility from the former federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. It includes multiple measures of school performance including proficiency in science, math and language arts/literacy; achievement gaps; chronic absenteeism; academic growth; and graduation rates. The system was last modified in 2017 to align with the 2017-2020 HIDOE/BOE Strategic Plan and reauthorization of federal education law under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This year's report includes measures that reflect new key performance indicators under the 2023-2029 BOE Strategic Plan.

School-level reports are posted on the ARCH database. Click here to view the 2023-24 State Snapshot of Strive HI indicators. For more information about the Strive HI performance system, click here. Please note Strive HI reports will be available on the website on Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m.