Nation’s top schools
include 3 from isles

Aliiolani, Hokulani and Kahala elementary schools have been named among the 295 top schools in the nation by the U.S. Department of Education.

They were the only three to be nominated to the 2005 No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon Schools program.

"Hawaii is quite honored to have three blue-ribbon awards," said Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto.

"Aliiolani, Hokulani and Kahala elementary schools are energized schools with superb teachers and administrators who motivate their students to succeed."

State officials said they nominated the schools because:

» Aliiolani third- and fifth-graders consistently outperform their peers statewide in the Hawaii State Assessment tests. Teachers, parents and community members work together to promote student learning at the Palolo school.

» Hokulani third- and fifth-graders demonstrated marked progress in meeting proficiency in reading and math. The school, which is near the University of Hawaii-Manoa, has incorporated research-based practices, instructional strategies and a variety of assessments.

» For the past three years, Kahala Elementary's overall status has been called "exemplary" in No Child Left Behind Adequate Yearly Progress. The students consistently achieve scores in the top 5 percent of all Hawaii public schools.