HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hawai‘i’s Keiki are having trouble in school, especially with reading and math. This makes it hard for them to be ready for good jobs when they grow up.
A big report called the 2024 KIDS COUNT® Data Book looked at how kids are doing in all 50 states, and it shows that Hawai‘i needs to help kids learn better.
Low test scores
Reading: In 2022, only 35 out of 100 fourth graders in Hawai‘i could read at their grade level. This is just a tiny bit better than 2019, when 34 out of 100 could read well. But, because other states did worse, Hawai‘i’s rank improved from 28th to 8th in the nation.
Math: In 2022, only 22 out of 100 eighth graders in Hawai‘i were good at math. This is worse than 2019, when 28 out of 100 were good at math. Hawai‘i’s rank improved from 42nd to 38th because the national average dropped.
“This year’s data suggests a concerning trend for Hawai‘i’s youth and that is they will continue to be the population who suffers when our state’s policies do not support the economic well-being of working families,” said Deborah Zysman, executive director of Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network.
Attendance problems
Kids can’t learn if they don’t go to school. In 2022, almost 4 out of 10 students in Hawai‘i missed a lot of school. This is more than double the number from 2019. Especially concerning is that 59 out of 100 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students missed a lot of school.
“It is concerning that too many children are living in families where parents lack secure employment,” said Ivette Rodriguez Stern from the UH Center on the Family.
Why it matters
The report indicates keiki have been struggling with reading and math for a long time, even before the pandemic. Without these skills, it’s hard for them to get good jobs in the future. Many jobs today need people who are good at reading, math and problem-solving.
Rankings and issues
- Overall ranking: Hawai‘i is 25th in the nation.
- Education: 20th place.
- Health: 15th place.
- Family and community: 18th place.
- Economic well-being: 38th place. This is because nearly 38 out of 100 children live in homes where over 30% of the income is spent on housing. Also, 28 out of 100 children have parents who do not have full-time, year-round jobs.
The report stresses that helping kids improve their skills is crucial for their future and the nation’s economy. It’s not just about bouncing back from the pandemic; it's about making sure kids are ready for the world’s competitive job market.