Posted at 2:25 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2001

Teachers group: Hawai'i schools need improvement

Associated Press

Hawai'i's educational system needs major improvements in standards, curriculum, assessments and accountability measures, according to a report released today by the American Federation of Teachers.

"Hawaii has a lot of work ahead before it has a coherent standards-based system," said Heidi Glidden, author of the Marking Standards Matter 2001 report.

According to the report, English and math tests were given, but there was no evidence they are based on any standards.

AFT suggested that curriculum needs to be developed for all subjects at all grade levels.

"If we don't improve on what has been started, we run the risk of undermining support for the movement for higher standards," said AFT President Sandra Feldman.

The group also said funds are not provided for extra academic assistance for Hawaii students who are failing.

The report said states have made "tremendous progress in setting standards since the AFT first began reviewing standards in 1995, but no state has fully developed standards-based system."