HI HB1781

Establishes the Hawaii Numeracy Act, creating a statewide numeracy coaching program within the Department of Education to strengthen mathematics instruction and improve student outcomes

Prioritizes placement of numeracy coaches at elementary schools (K-5), schools with the lowest math proficiency rates, and middle/intermediate schools serving 8th grade, where only 23% of Hawaii students scored proficient on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress

Requires numeracy coaches to hold valid Hawaii teacher licenses, have at least 3 years of math teaching experience, and demonstrate expertise through specialist endorsement, approved assessment, or coaching preparation program

Mandates coaches provide job-embedded support including lesson modeling, co-teaching, observation with feedback, teacher professional development, and assistance identifying students with dyscalculia

Requires annual reporting to the governor and legislature on student proficiency data, number of teachers coached, coach recruitment and retention, teacher feedback, and program recommendations