Hawaii Prioritizes Math Readiness for Future Workforce Success

Hawaii’s education leaders are placing a renewed emphasis on math readiness as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 legislative cycle. Lawmakers and school officials view numeracy not just as a fundamental academic skill, but as a crucial component for workforce readiness and economic mobility. State Representative Justin Woodson, chair of the House Education Committee, highlighted the urgency of improving math outcomes in light of persistent gaps in proficiency as shown in statewide assessments.

Focus on Math Readiness

“We’re not where we need to be in terms of preparedness,” Woodson stated, referencing data from the Department of Education’s Strive HI report, which indicated that only 35% of eighth graders demonstrated math proficiency last school year. He emphasized that lawmakers are increasingly concentrating on the concept of readiness, which encompasses academic skills, life proficiencies, and workforce preparation.

One key proposal under consideration is the allocation of funding for math coaches stationed within each complex area. This initiative, requested by the Department of Education, aims to provide direct support to teachers and enhance student proficiency. “That’s something we’re going to be advocating for,” Woodson noted. “We think it’s just so important.”

Supporting this approach, Trish La Chica, Education Vice Chair and state representative, mentioned that research from other states indicates significant gains in math proficiency when teachers receive in-classroom coaching as opposed to additional mandates. “If we want our kids to succeed, educators should have classroom support,” La Chica said, pointing to successes in states like Alabama and Kentucky.

Superintendent Keith Hayashi of the Department of Education echoed these sentiments, stating that the focus is not solely on improving math scores, but also on transforming students’ experiences with the subject. He expressed a desire to alleviate the prevalent “math phobia” among students, encouraging them to view math as relevant to their daily lives beyond academic settings.

Addressing Challenges Beyond the Classroom

While math readiness remains a priority, education leaders stress that overall academic success hinges on various factors outside the classroom, including food security and transportation. La Chica has introduced several bills to enhance access to school meals and stabilize transportation for students. For instance, House Bill 1779 aims to provide free school meals to all DOE students starting in the 2029-2030 school year. This builds upon previous legislation that expands eligibility for free meals to families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level by the 2026-27 school year.

“Hunger directly affects focus and behavior,” La Chica explained, advocating for universal school meals to eliminate stigma and alleviate financial pressure on families. She also cited successful models from other districts, such as Colorado’s Boulder Valley School District, which utilizes a centralized kitchen system to provide locally sourced meals.

Transportation remains a pressing concern, particularly amidst a shortage of school bus drivers. La Chica’s House Bill 1780 would mandate free bus passes for students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch, while House Bill 1785 would enable the DOE to replace non-performing contractors and impose penalties for missed routes. La Chica emphasized that reliable transportation is essential for equity in education.

Efforts to improve transportation have included piloting alternative solutions, such as a school carpool program in the Mililani complex. Nevertheless, challenges persist, especially for families reliant on school buses for access to education.

Building a Sustainable Workforce

The Department of Education is prioritizing instructional support rather than large-scale restructuring. Hayashi emphasized the importance of stability in schools, noting that effective teaching relies on well-designed classroom environments and infrastructure. Recent investments focus on health, safety, and instructional facilities, aligning educational needs with facility decisions.

Teacher shortages and burnout are ongoing issues that affect education policy. To address this, the department is exploring recruitment pipelines, including the J-1 visa program, which allows international teachers to work in U.S. public schools. Since its inception in 2019, over 200 certified teachers, primarily from the Philippines, have joined Hawaii’s public school system. Hayashi underscored the significance of this initiative while also advocating for strengthening local pathways into teaching careers.

La Chica highlighted rising concerns regarding educator safety, noting that reports of threats and intimidation have increased. She is formulating legislation focused on enhancing workplace safety for school staff, emphasizing that teachers should not have to choose between their safety and their ability to work.

Looking Ahead

As Hawaii navigates potential changes in federal education policies, lawmakers remain vigilant about the impact these developments may have on local schools. La Chica pointed out that shifts in title education funding, Medicaid, and SNAP could disproportionately affect low-income families, who often struggle academically.

While uncertainty looms at the federal level, Woodson highlighted the broad support for education funding within the state legislature. “Education has access to everything,” he argued, noting that investments in public education can have widespread positive effects across various sectors.

Education leaders concluded that meaningful reform requires ongoing collaboration among the Department of Education, legislature, and communities. “Education progress is about partnership,” Woodson stated, with Hayashi affirming that consistent investment can yield significant benefits over time. “We’ve made gains over the last 20 years. We’re not going to stop now.”