Wisconsin Ranks Fourth in Country on Writing Test
Wisconsin eighth graders tied for fourth in the country on the newly
released 1998 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) writing
exams.
1998 NAEP Writing Report Card |
| | Below Basic | At or Above Basic | At or Above Proficient | Advanced |
Wisconsin | 12% | 88% | 28% | 1% |
Nation | 17% | 83% | 24% | 1% |
Wisconsin’s average score was 153, compared to the national average
of 148. Virginia also scored 153.
A vast majority of students, 88%, were at or above the basic level, which
is defined as partial mastery of prerequisite knowledge and skills that
are fundamental for proficient work at each grade.
Slightly more than a quarter of the Wisconsin eighth graders taking the
writing exam were at or above the proficient level, which is defined as
solid academic performance for each grade assessed. Students reaching
this level have demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter,
including subject-matter knowledge, application of such knowledge to real-world
situations, and analytical skills appropriate to the subject matter.
“Once again, Wisconsin students are among the top handful on a major
national evaluation,” WEAC President Terry Craney said. “This
is one more fact to add to the long list of Wisconsin public education’s
accomplishments.”
Twenty-eight percent of Wisconsin eighth graders were at or above the
proficient level. “Some are claiming that is an unacceptable level,”
Craney said. “While our goal is for everyone to be proficient or
above, it is important to recognize that the proficient level was designed
to be difficult to achieve. It is unrealistic to expect all students to
perform at that level right now.”
Craney said the fact that only 1% of students in Wisconsin and throughout
the nation were at the advanced level shows how high the bar is set. Advanced
is defined as superior performance.
“We believe in achievable standards,” Craney said. “As
students and teachers come to recognize the performance needed to meet
the challenges of these new standards, we are confident we will see continued
gains in future years.”
Twelve percent of Wisconsin students were below the basic level.
“While the basic level demonstrates students are learning , we recognize
the need for additional work and improvement,” Craney said. “WEAC
and its members are committed to ensuring that all children have a quality
education and meet high standards.”
Posted October 1, 1999