Hawai'i is the only state in the nation to improve in both subjects and both grades, according to a news release issued by the state Department of Education.

The gap between Hawai'i scores and the national averages narrowed in each subject and grade. Despite across-the-board gains, Hawai'i's fourth- and eight-graders continue to trail national averages.

NAEP, known as "The Nation's Report Card," released state-by-state results for its spring 2007 assessments in reading and math. All 50 states and two jurisdictions (District of Columbia and Department of Defense schools) participated.

"The progress demonstrated in Hawai'i's NAEP scores is a testament to the hard work of our teachers and students," Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto said in the release. "Academic achievement is improving in Hawai'i, and will continue to improve."

NAEP 2007 reading results — grade 4

Hawai'i's average scale score for fourth-grade reading was 213, compared with the national average of 220.

Hawai'i's score was up three points from 2005, matching the national increase. Since 1998, Hawai'i's average scale score has increased 13 points, while the U.S. average has increased seven points.

NAEP 2007 reading results — grade 8

Hawai'i's average scale score for eighth-grade reading was 251, compared with the national average of 261.

Hawai'i's 2007 increase of two scale score points in eighth-grade reading makes up the loss of two points experienced in 2005.

NAEP 2007 mathematics results — grade 4

Hawai'i's average scale score for fourth-grade math was 234, compared with the national average of 239.

Since 1992, Hawai'i's scale score in fourth-grade math has increased by 20 points, matching the national increase. Overall, Hawai'i's strongest performance was in fourth-grade math.

NAEP 2007 mathematics results — grade 8

Hawai'i's average scale score for eighth-grade math was 269, compared with the national average of 280.