Standardized Test Prep in Hawaii
Every year, public school students in Hawaii take comprehensive state tests in a variety of skills and subjects. Keeping up to date with the tests offered in your state will help you better assist your child in their education.
On this page, you will discover information about Hawaii standardized testing specifics, including the types of tests required, testing dates, and the grade levels targeted. You’ll also learn how you can help your child with Hawaii state assessment practice.
What State Tests Are Available in Hawaii?
- Smarter Balanced Assessments – For grades 3-8, and 11, Hawaii uses this test to gauge student progress toward college/career readiness. Assessments are digitally adjusted based on student performance. The summative assessments evaluate skills in English language arts and math, and interim tests allow teachers to check student progress throughout the year.
- Hawaii State Assessment in Science – Hawaii assesses students in grades 4 and 8 for proficiency in basic science knowledge. The goal is to measure a student’s proficiency in relation to current scientific research and the best in science teaching. Students are asked to analyze information, think critically, and solve complex scientific problems.
- Hawaii Statewide Alternate Assessment (HSA-Alt) – Students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3-8 and 11 are given alternate assessments, if necessary to “promote, improve access to, and measure the attainment of standards”.
- ACCESS for ELLs Online 2.0 – This assessment monitors progress of newly-enrolled students, who speak a primary language other than English in four areas: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This assessment is administered online to English learners in Kindergarten through grade 12.
- Kaiapuni Assessment of Educational Outcomes – The Kaiapuni is the Hawaiian language assessment for Hawaiian immersion students in grades 3-4. This assessment tests students in English language arts/literacy, math and science, but written in the Hawaiian language. In 2017, the state sought federal approval for an expansion of this assessment to grades 5-8.
Public school students in Hawaii are not able to opt out of standardized testing and are all expected to participate in the required tests.
When is Standardized Testing in Hawaii?
Standardized testing dates in Hawaii vary. For approximate dates around Hawaii’s standardized testing, see below. Contact your local school district for specific dates.
- Smarter Balanced Assessments – The testing window is February-June. Interim assessments occur throughout the school year.
- Hawaii State Assessment in Science – January through June.
- Hawaii Statewide Alternate Assessment (HSA-Alt) – February through May
- ACCESS for ELLs Online 2.0 – The testing window is January-February
- Kaiapuni Assessment of Educational Outcomes – Spring
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Hawaii?
Hawaii homeschool laws require homeschoolers to participate in some sort of educational assessment in grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. Homeschooled students are eligible, by state law, to participate in the assessments described above at their local public school. Homeschooling parents may also arrange for private testing using an equivalent standardized test. The state, however, will not pay for these equivalent tests.
Scores on these tests must show the student is performing at his/her grade level on a nationally-normed standardized achievement test. If these scores don’t reflect the student’s age or grade level the Hawaii State Department of Education may request an evaluation given to the student by a Hawaiian certified teacher. The teacher will provide a written evaluation to the state. The state may also request an annual review of the homeschooler’s portfolio to monitor progress. Contact your local school district to register for testing at a local school.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Hawaii Test Prep
Time4Learning’s online PreK-12th grade curriculum is a great solution in helping prepare your child for standardized tests in Hawaii. Here are just some of the ways that Time4Learning can help your child.
- Our award-winning online curriculum promotes independent learning and critical thinking skills, both essential for college readiness and beyond!
- Our math curriculum provides a solid math foundation that can help boost performance in the Smarter Balanced Assessments.
- Our language arts curriculum is designed to further enhance student literacy (including reading, writing, speaking, and listening) skills.
- To help your child prepare for the Hawaii state assessment, practice test simulations are available in Time4Learning’s curriculum in grades 3-8.
- Ability to redo lessons and retake tests and quizzes at any time help students nail down challenging test subjects and topics with no time constraint. This leads to increased test taking confidence.
- Elementary students can prepare for math testing by practicing crucial math facts with Time4MathFacts, included with the Time4Learning membership.
- Interactive, engaging format allows students to have fun as they master new skills.
- As an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, Time4Learning is ideal for students with special needs who need to practice for Hawaii’s assessments.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results when taking standardized tests in Hawaii. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their confidence before they walk in the door.
The software is a game changer!
By Regina
“…she leaped ahead of her peers on her state test when returned to public school, we used it during homebound when there was a mismedication, and use it now as a supplement for a teacher that refuses to teach.”
