To better understand student math outcomes within our state, Hawai’i P-20 is pleased to announce a newly released Math Achievement Data Story, which illustrates the math journey of Hawai’i public school students through high school and into postsecondary within the University of Hawai’i System. Data shows that math preparedness continues to be a challenge for students whether they are pursuing a skilled trades degree or apprenticeship, or a bachelor’s degree. This data story was a collaborative effort among subject matter experts from Hawai’i State Department of Education (HIDOE), University of Hawai’i (UH) and Hawai’i P-20 Partnerships for Education (Hawai’i P-20) to best advocate for and guide our students throughout their educational pathway based on the data collected.

Recognizing that math skills are critically important to college and career readiness, HIDOE continues to focus on the historic challenges that are seen both locally and nationally with low proficiency in math at the elementary and secondary grades. In an effort to further prepare students for long-term math success, the HIDOE 2023-2029 Strategic Plan includes a targeted desired outcome that “All students are proficient in mathematics by the end of eighth grade, and those who are not proficient receive necessary and timely support to become proficient.” With this focus, students will be prepared to complete the HIDOE math requirements necessary for graduation and beyond.

Key Math Achievement Data Story Key Takeaways:

Waiting until college to address equity in math achievement among students is too late. By targeting interventions at key points along the educational pipeline we can reduce demographic differences in math and use data to address inequities in elementary and secondary math preparation. For example, data shows that while Grade 4 students have recovered to pre-pandemic HIDOE Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) math scores, Grade 8 students have not.

1. Students who are successful in early math courses have access and opportunity to take more, and higher-level math courses along the pipeline. We know that high school students who took Algebra 3 or higher were more likely to enroll in and complete college-level math before the end of their first year of college.
2. Math course data from K12 to postsecondary shows that students who are ready to enroll in and complete college level math are more likely to succeed at their college goals.
3. Approximately 71% of students who completed college-level math by the end of their first year earn a college certificate or degree within 6 years, which is more than double the rate for students who did not complete college-level math by their first year.

To view the outcomes in their entirety for the Math Achievement Data Story or to see additional resources such as data dashboards and publications, visit hawaiidxp.org.