New test scores, released today by the state Department of Education, show 60 percent of Hawai'i schools have achieved what federal officials call adequate yearly progress.

Achieving adequate yearly progress is the key benchmark for schools, which face sanctions, or penalties, including potential takeover by outside agencies if they fail to meet the goals.

Last year, only 35 percent of the state's 283 public schools met the federal goals, and a year before that, it was 34 percent.

"Our schools can truly celebrate the higher proficiency levels achieved by their students," said Schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto today in a news release. "However, the challenge remains to reach and assist every student, and ensure there is No Child Left Behind."

Schoolwide scores on the Hawai'i State Assessment are used to determine whether schools meet their targets under the federal No Child Left Behind law.

This year, 48 Hawai'i schools are facing restructuring, down from 50 schools in that status last year.

With 170 schools achieving the yearly progress goal this year compared to 100 a year ago, there are 11 schools that have exited sanctions completely. That compares to eight that were freed of sanctions last year.

Another 21 schools that had sanctions pending a year ago have achieved unconditional good standing.