New Test Scores Highlight Need for Commitment to Disadvantages Children
The new proficiency scores for standardized tests taken by Wisconsin
4th, 8th and 10th grade students spotlight areas to improve student learning
in Wisconsin, according to the president of the Wisconsin Education Association
Council.
While Wisconsin leads the nation on the pre-college ACT examination,
newly released scores reveal underlying challenges for the state’s
public schools.
“The proficiency scoring system for these tests defines success
at a higher level than ever before in Wisconsin or the U.S.,” WEAC
President Terry Craney said. “Proficiency standards were set by teachers,
parents and business people from Wisconsin. Because the standards are
so high, it is no surprise that many students did not achieve at the top
level.”
Approximately 15 percent of all students who took the test scored below
basic expectations.
“What is surprising - and alarming - is the disparity between economically
disadvantaged students and other children,” Craney said.
Data from the Department of Public Instruction show that at the 4th grade
level, approximately 19 percent of economically disadvantaged students
scored at the minimal performance level in one or more subjects, compared
to 5 percent of students defined as not economically disadvantaged.
The Wisconsin Student Assessment System scored students as Advanced,
Proficient, Basic and Minimal Performance. Students in the Basic category
have more strengths than weaknesses in a subject.
“We support a world-class education system in Wisconsin,” Craney
said. “We cannot accomplish that goal unless our most needy children
have the programs and resources to bring them up to the level of all other
children.”
Craney emphasized the need for programs to lower class sizes, create
smaller schools and provide alternative education for children with special
needs.
“Society cannot afford to allow even one child to fail,” Craney
said. “Wisconsin must make a commitment to create and support programs
to raise all children’s performance to acceptable levels.”
Posted The new proficiency scores for standardized tests taken
by Wisconsin 4th, 8th and 10th grade students spotlight areas to improve
student learning in Wisconsin, according to the president of the Wisconsin
Education Association Council.
While Wisconsin leads the nation on the pre-college ACT examination,
newly released scores reveal underlying challenges for the state’s
public schools.
“The proficiency scoring system for these tests defines success
at a higher level than ever before in Wisconsin or the U.S.,” WEAC
President Terry Craney said. “Proficiency standards were set by teachers,
parents and business people from Wisconsin. Because the standards are
so high, it is no surprise that many students did not achieve at the top
level.”
Approximately 15 percent of all students who took the test scored below
basic expectations.
“What is surprising - and alarming - is the disparity between economically
disadvantaged students and other children,” Craney said.
Data from the Department of Public Instruction show that at the 4th grade
level, approximately 19 percent of economically disadvantaged students
scored at the minimal performance level in one or more subjects, compared
to 5 percent of students defined as not economically disadvantaged.
The Wisconsin Student Assessment System scored students as Advanced,
Proficient, Basic and Minimal Performance. Students in the Basic category
have more strengths than weaknesses in a subject.
“We support a world-class education system in Wisconsin,” Craney
said. “We cannot accomplish that goal unless our most needy children
have the programs and resources to bring them up to the level of all other
children.”
Craney emphasized the need for programs to lower class sizes, create
smaller schools and provide alternative education for children with special
needs.
“Society cannot afford to allow even one child to fail,” Craney
said. “Wisconsin must make a commitment to create and support programs
to raise all children’s performance to acceptable levels.”
Posted March 5, 1998