All news
WEAC issues statement on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ ranking
Posted: 3/24/2010 9:47:31 AM
The Wisconsin Education Association Council, the state’s largest union of educators, today issued the following statement in response to the release of the annual National Assessment of Educational Progress. The “Nation’s Report Card” showed that Wisconsin students’ scale scores are holding steady overall, although significant achievement gaps exist between students who live in poverty.
The following statement can be attributed to WEAC President Mary Bell:
“Wisconsin’s educators are dedicated to helping every student succeed, and while the results of the NAEP scores show Wisconsin is holding steady, statistically, we know there is much work to do in order to narrow the achievement gaps, especially between students who live in poverty and those who do not.
“The growing number of students who live in poverty, coupled with severe cuts in education funding in Wisconsin have an impact in the classroom.
“Our union of educators has been a constant voice to the fact that a comprehensive solution is needed in Wisconsin, including adequate funding targeted to where it’s needed most and shared responsibility between parents, educators, legislators and the general public in supporting our schools. We will continue to advocate for solutions to improve student achievement, including high standards, small class sizes, high-quality professional development and balanced assessments that truly measure what students know and help teachers meet the needs of those students.
“Schools mirror our communities. It’s going to take a long-term, collaborative approach – including a better way to fund our schools. We stand ready to partner in that effort.”
