For the past decade the national No Child Left Behind Act has required all students to reach the same benchmarks in learning. But that could change as Hawaii applies for flexibility from the federal government in crafting its own benchmarks.

Hawaii schools are failing to meet national benchmarks under the No Child left Behind Act. But they are not alone.

"No state was expected to meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind; the act required 100 percent of students to be proficient in reading and math at the levels designated," said School Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.

But now states are allowed to apply for some flexibility in determining what proves students are learning. Instead of national standardized tests, Matayoshi wants to focus on individual student growth.

"Where are they at the beginning of the year? Where are they at the end of the year? We want to see students growing," said Matayoshi.

That growth could be measured by an increase in high school students taking advanced placement classes or an increase in attendance at elementary school, according to Matayoshi.

But not everyone feels the national standards should be changed.

"I don't think we should have an exemption. I think the federal law has set down guidelines that need to be adhered to statewide and nationwide," said Nuuanu resident Joe Sunderland.

Sunderland, who has a number of children in public schools, worries that those who need the help the most like special needs students, may not get it -- if the requirements are changed.

"We have children here that are special needs children that should get every right that every child on the mainland gets. Why should children who have a special need in California be any different from those in Hawaii?" said Sunderland.