Hawaii’s math standards for fourth- and eighth-graders are higher than most other states, but reading standards are far less rigorous, a new state-by-state comparison of student learning benchmarks shows.

The report, which illustrates just how different the definition of "proficiency" is from state to state, compares state standards to what America’s students must know to show either "basic" or "proficient" performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

The new data come as 44 states, including Hawaii, prepare to shift to tougher common core national standards, designed to better prepare students for college or competitive careers.

Hawaii will have the new benchmarks in place for all grades by 2014.

Jack Buckley, commissioner for the National Center for Education Statistics, said the new report "shows that whether a child is considered proficient largely depends on where he or she lives."

NCES, which conducted the study, examined state standards for fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math using 2008-09 assessments.

According to the study, Hawaii was one of 35 states whose fourth-grade reading standards were lower than the "basic" benchmark on the NAEP. Meanwhile, Hawaii was one of 16 states that set proficiency for eighth-grade reading below the "basic" standard on the NAEP.

No state’s reading standards were high enough to reach NAEP’s "proficient" levels for reading, though Massachusetts came close for fourth grade. Tennessee’s standards for fourth-grade reading were lowest in the nation. Texas came in last for eighth-grade reading.

In math, Hawaii fared much better.

Just three other states had fourth-grade math standards more rigorous than Hawaii. And Hawaii’s eighth-grade math standards were higher than 40 states and on par with seven others.

Massachusetts led the nation in math rigor, while Tennessee was dead last for the difficulty of its math standards in both grade levels.

Students from every state participate in NAEP’s fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math assessments, allowing the test to be used as a yardstick to compare states and to measure educational progress.

Robert Hillier, NAEP state coordinator, said Hawaii had a good showing in the report when compared with the other states. More important, Hawaii’s standards were near or above "basic" standards on the NAEP, which he said is a "fairer measure" than comparing proficiency levels for state benchmarks to NAEP "proficiency."

"NAEP proficient is an aspirational standard," he said.

To see the full report, go to www.nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard.