Mar 22, 2017 11:21 AM EDT By Ava Jones, UniversityHerald Reporter

Hilo High Students are showing competency in college as more of them are taking college courses while in high school. According to the latest survey, Hawaii's students are reaching higher level of educational achievements. The survey indicates that high school graduates in Hawaii have shown improvements in college and career readiness key indicators.

The report conducted by CCRI of The College and Career Readiness Indicators Report says that the class of 2016 have made steady improvements as more of them are earning college credits before graduation, Khon 2 reported. Students from Hilo high School for example enrolled in college courses in 2014.

The research also showed that the earlier high school students engage in college level education, the more likely they will attain higher educational goals, Big Island Now reported. According to Kathryn Matayoshi, Hawaii's School Superintendent, this is a result of the collaboration initiated between Hawaii's State Department of Education and University of Hawaii with regards to the early college programs. She adds that it's a result of the commitment of the school leaders and teachers.

The collaboration is making an impact and that impact is now felt. The research indicates that students who exposed themselves to college courses make them confident to pursue post-high school opportunities. If they graduate with college credits, they're more likely to enroll and succeed in higher education.

Stephen Schatz, Hawaii P-20 Partnership for Education executive director says that the CCRI report is a key indicator that will quantify college readiness among public high school students. It also gives leaders the data needed to make adjustments. Schatz further emphasized that people need to understand that there are fewer job opportunities for high school graduates who were not trained in school.

The CCRI reports are made specifically to assess public high school students' readiness to enter college. It's a collaboration between HIDOE and UH and in coordination with Hawaii P-20 Partnerships for Education.

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