HONOLULU — Hawai‘i’s public school students rank among the top in the nation for post-pandemic academic recovery, according to a new report from researchers at Harvard University and Stanford University. Between 2019 and 2024, Hawai‘i’s academic performance was fourth highest in math recovery and second highest in reading recovery.
The latest findings come from the Education Recovery Scorecard, a collaboration between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University. The study analyzed post-pandemic academic performance in more than 100 school districts nationwide, using data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and state assessments.
Nationally, the report found that 85% of students are in districts where math achievement has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, and 89% of students are in districts still below 2019 levels in reading. In contrast, Hawai‘i has made significant strides in both subjects, ranking among the top-performing states in returning to pre-pandemic levels of achievement.
According to the latest NAEP results, Hawai‘i was one of only 15 states to achieve a statistically significant improvement in fourth-grade math scores, surpassing the national average by 2 points for the second consecutive NAEP assessment.
Over the past 20 years, the state has demonstrated some of the most substantial improvements in academic recoveries across the country. In reading, Hawai‘i’s fourth-graders have moved from ranking among the bottom 10 states in 2003 to surpassing the national average and securing a position in the top 10.
“Our students’ strong academic recovery reflects a strategic, research-based approach. By using a guaranteed and viable curriculum, universal screening, and targeted interventions, we’ve identified and closed learning gaps early,” Deputy Superintendent of Academics Heidi Armstrong said. “This progress isn’t just about test scores – it’s about ensuring every student receives a high-quality education. While we celebrate these gains, we remain committed to expanding math and literacy support and investing in programs that help all learners succeed.”
Superintendent Keith Hayashi credited the progress to the dedication of students, educators and school staff. “This national recognition is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students, educators and school communities. Overcoming the challenges of the pandemic required a strong focus on academic recovery, and these results affirm that our collective efforts are making an impact for all of our students to be globally competitive and locally committed,” Superintendent Hayashi said.
Read the full Education Recovery Scorecard. See Hawai‘i’s results on the NAEP assessment.
