What percentage of students in Hawaii are proficient in math?
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About 42% of 4th graders and 23% of 8th graders in Hawaii were considered proficient in math in 2024, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The NAEP, also known as the Nation's Report Card, assesses 4th and 8th graders' progress in reading and math approximately every two years. Students in public, private, and charter schools are included in NAEP testing.
42%
of Hawaii 4th graders were proficient in math in 2024
23%
of Hawaii 8th graders were proficient in math in 2024
The NAEP uses a scale of 0-500 points to group 4th and 8th grade students into three achievement levels (basic, proficient, or advanced). "Proficient" is the benchmark used to describe students who demonstrate competency with challenging subject matter. However, NAEP proficiency is not the same as being on "grade level," which is often assessed by other state and district tests. More information on NAEP skill expectations at each grade level is available here.
In 2024, 10% of 4th graders in Hawaii were advanced in math and 32% were proficient, which means that about 4 out of 7 (58%) scored at basic or below. Seventy-seven percent of 8th graders scored at basic or below.
Hawaii 4th graders in 2024 were not significantly different from the US average in math proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was lower than the US.
Hawaii 4th graders in 2024 were not significantly different from the US average in math proficiency. 8th grade proficiency was lower than the US.
In 2024, the percentage of Hawaii 4th graders at a proficient or advanced math level was similar to the US average.
Percentage of students at each NAEP achievement level in 4th and 8th grade in 2024 in Hawaii and the US
How has math proficiency changed over time?
From this point onward, “proficiency” includes students who were at or above proficient in math (proficient and advanced students).
Among 4th graders, math proficiency in Hawaii was higher than the US in 1 test year (2013). It was lower in 3 years (2003, 2005, and 2007). In all other test years since 2003, there was not a significant difference between Hawaii and the US. Among 8th graders, math proficiency was lower in Hawaii than the US in every test year since 2003.
Hawaii 4th graders had a similar level of math proficiency as the US in 7 out of 11 test years
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in math in Hawaii and the US, 1992–2024
Math proficiency has also varied over time for students of varying demographics. This is often referred to as the achievement gap.
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Among 4th graders in 2024, white students had the highest rate of math proficiency. This has been the case since 1992.
In 8th grade, white students also have had the highest rate of math proficiency of all groups since 1992.
In 8th grade, white students also have had the highest rate of math proficiency of all groups since 1992.
The math proficiency rate for white students in 4th grade is 2.0 times higher than the group with the lowest (Hispanic students) in 2024.
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders who were proficient in math in Hawaii, by race/ethnicity, 1992–2024
Does math proficiency differ by gender?
In 2024, there was not a significant difference in math proficiency between male and female students in 4th grade (44% and 40%, respectively). The same was true for 8th graders.
How do Hawaii students compare to other states in math proficiency?
Hawaii had the 13th highest 4th grade math proficiency rate in the US in 2024, in between South Dakota and Wisconsin. This is 9 percentage points lower than Massachusetts, the state with the highest proficiency (51%). For 8th graders, Hawaii was 13th lowest in math proficiency.
Hawaii is 13th highest in 4th grade math proficiency and 13th lowest in 8th grade
Percentage of 4th and 8th graders in each state who were proficient in math in 2024
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
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USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
