From the DOE:
Reducing chronic absenteeism is a strong predictor of academic success. Science proficiency also rose to 40 percent from 34 percent. As public schools transition to new standards and an aligned assessment, new baseline scores for reading and math proficiency are being set.
Hawaii’s public elementary schools have made significant headway in reducing the number of students chronically absent, a strong predictor of academic success, according to the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) 2013-14 Strive HI Performance System results.
Chronic absenteeism is one of the most powerful predictors of student success, even accounting for other factors such as poverty and disability. Curbing chronic absenteeism is a key focus of the Strive HI Performance System, which supports schools’ progress based on multiple, research-based indicators.
The percentage of students absent 15 days or more in the 2013-14 school year dropped to 11 percent from 18 percent a year ago. The seven-point drop boosts the prospect for achievement in other performance areas — including proficiency and graduation — for more than 5,500 students statewide.
“During a year of tremendous change in our public schools, it is clear that our students and staff continue to answer the call to strive higher at every level,” said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “The data shows some clear bright spots, as well as some things we need to continue to work on. I want to thank our principals, teachers, staff, and students for all of the efforts put forward to raise awareness about the importance of attendance. It’s not just about showing up for class, it’s about laying the educational foundation for student success.”