Statewide test scores are in for public schools and they’re being hailed as a year of unprecedented improvement.
Students in every grade improved in both reading and math scores.
Nanakuli Elementary School Principal Wendy Takahashi is all smiles.
"Everyone worked hard, we worked really hard and tried to work smarter," says Takahashi.
The campus is now one of 15 schools in the state that has moved into "Good Standing" under the No Child Left Behind Law.
"The first time it’s ever happened in the history of our school, so this is a great thing," she says.
To obtain good standing, a school must achieve Adequate Yearly Progress or AYP for 2 years in a row. In that time Nanakuli Elementary improved its reading and math scores by over 30%.
"Nanakuli is looked at as not doing well and we want to really erase that stereotype, the kids can do that and we’re starting to show that," says Takahashi.
"A lot of the students were just into it now and so they felt they were capable and as soon as that mindset was throughout the whole school we started to see more success," says Nanakuli Elementary School math teacher, Jessica Breslin.
Out of 286 public schools statewide 47% met AYP up from 41% last year. 59 schools missed the cut by 1 or 2 targets.
"The common themes around really successful improvement efforts are strong leadership and a total commitment by the school community," says Ronn Nozoe, Department of Education Deputy Superintendent.
The number of students statewide proficient in reading and math this year increased by 6,000 in each subject. Mirroring a 2011 national report card where Hawaii stood out as the only state to better its scores in both areas.
"We like to focus on the success of that effort because that’s what will long term lead us to long term results that we want," says Nozoe.
Nanakuli Elementary school says its success has been a community effort.
"It’s been a community effort, the whole village working together," says Takahashi.
"Good job educators you’re doing the right thing and great job students," says Nozoe.
The 15 schools to move into "Good Standing":
Elementary: Nanakuli, Kaewai, Mililani Ike, Mauka Lani, Parker, Waiakea, Kohala, Waihee.
Middle/Intermediate: Moanalua, King, Hilo.
Combination: Waikoloa Elementary & Middle.
Charter: Waters of Life, Halau Ku Mana, Thompson Academy.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
