The scores, released today, reflect the hard work of teachers and students on core subjects, said June Motokawa, Hawaii State Teachers Association president.

The state Department of Education had no comment.

The SAT is the nation's leading college admissions test, used by 94 percent of all colleges. About 54 percent of Hawaii's graduating seniors took the SAT, compared with the national average of 41 percent.

Hawaii students surpassed the national average in math with an average score of 510 - up from 507 last year. The national average in math is 508, highest in nearly 25 years.

In verbal skills, Hawaii seniors this year scored 485, up from 483 last year. But they're still lagging behind the national average of 505 in that area.

Nonetheless, the figures show steady improvement, with math scores growing in the past four years and verbal scores increasing for three years, the HSTA pointed out.

Motokawa said the percentage of Hawaii students taking the SAT "is the most significant statistic of the test" and she considers it "a badge of honor."

It means more students are considering advanced education and "teachers are succeeding in instilling in their students the desire to be lifelong learners," she said.

However, more can be done, Motokawa said, "which is why we need to attract top quality teachers and provide them with conditions that support a stimulating learning environment."

The HSTA represents more than 11,000 public school teachers in Hawaii.