Students struggling with science proficiency

Schools' stubbornly low test scores don't truly reflect what kids know, educators say

By Mary Vorsino

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 03, 2012

~~<p>Although fourth- and eighth-graders in Hawaii's public schools saw gains in science proficiency last school year, scores remained lower than hoped, and proficiency among 10th-graders didn't budge at all.</p>
<p>New Department of Education figures show 45 percent of Hawaii fourth-graders were proficient in science in the 2011-12 school year, from 43 percent the year before. In the eighth grade, 31 percent tested proficient, from 26 percent.</p>
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Although fourth- and eighth-graders in Hawaii's public schools saw gains in science proficiency last school year, scores remained lower than hoped, and proficiency among 10th-graders didn't budge at all.

New Department of Education figures show 45 percent of Hawaii fourth-graders were proficient in science in the 2011-12 school year, from 43 percent the year before. In the eighth grade, 31 percent tested proficient, from 26 percent. Login for more...