4-person federal education team visits Hawaii

HONOLULU (AP) - A four-person review team from the U.S. Department of Education is in Hawaii to meet with state education officials about progress island schools are making under the Race to the Top program.

The federal review team will be conducting visits Tuesday through Friday to examine the state's progress on promised reforms that won Hawaii a $75 million grant that is now in jeopardy of being taken away because of unsatisfactory progress.

The team will meet with state leaders, teachers and principals from two complex areas. There will also be a meeting with leaders from the Hawaii State Teachers Association.

State officials say they plan to show off successes, including a recent agreement on extended learning time and professional development days for teachers in zones targeted by reforms.