Six years ago, half of students at Heeia Elementary were proficient in math, and 59 percent were at grade level in reading.
Today, thanks to a schoolwide effort to boost scores, achievement is way up: 84 percent of Heeia Elementary students were proficient in reading last school year — up 25 percentage points from 2006 — and 79 percent were proficient in math.
That meteoric growth earned Heeia Elementary recognition Friday as among 269 of this year’s National Blue Ribbon award winners. Two other Hawaii schools were also honored: Enchanted Lake Elementary and Hokulani Elementary in lower Manoa.
Heeia was called an "exemplary improving" school, while Enchanted Lake and Hokulani were exemplary high performers.
Heeia Principal Alma Souki said she is constantly amazed at what her teachers, students and parents have been able to do despite some big challenges. More than half of the 468 students at Heeia come from low-income households.
"This school is absolutely amazing," Souki said. "I have wonderful teachers. It’s the daily instruction that is happening in the classroom that is making such a difference."
Enchanted Lake Elementary has also seen impressive gains in recent years. Some 91 percent of tested students at the school were proficient in reading last school year, from 73 percent in 2006. Eighty-two percent were proficient in math, from 65 percent.
Suzanne Mulcahy, complex area superintendent for Kailua-Kalaheo, said Enchanted Lake is "demonstrating with excellence that every student can learn." More than one-third of students at the school are low-income, 2010-11 school year figures show, and many are at Enchanted Lake on geographic exceptions.
Mulcahy said teachers regularly review student achievement data to tailor instruction for each child.
"What we’re seeing is empowered teacher-leaders collaboratively making decisions," she said. "They have a very collegial group."
Hokulani Elementary is a repeat Blue Ribbon winner; it was also honored in 2005.
Hokulani Principal Alan Ramos said the school, with 370 students, emphasizes growth — and making learning exciting and fun.
Last school year, 95 percent of students at Hokulani were proficient in reading, while 89 percent were proficient in math.
Many students not only met standards, but exceeded them. Seventy percent of those tested exceeded proficiency in reading, while 42 percent exceeded benchmarks in math, state data show.
"We try to provide a well-rounded education," Ramos said, adding the school provides extra support to struggling students with free tutoring before, during and after school.
The Blue Ribbon award, administered by the U.S. Department of Education, is among the greatest honors schools can receive. Schools can be recognized for performing at the highest levels in their states or for making significant improvements.
Since 1988, 63 public schools in the islands have been nominated to the national Blue Ribbon awards program, and 46 have received Blue Ribbon honors. This year all the Hawaii schools nominated for the program won. Over the history of the program, nearly 7,000 schools nationally have received Blue Ribbons.
"Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential," Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in a news release. Duncan said Blue Ribbon winners "are committed to accelerating student achievement."
