Wisconsin Students Again Score No. 1 on the ACT
Wisconsin students again scored No. 1 in the nation on the ACT college
entrance exam — the 12th consecutive year they scored first or second
among states in which the ACT is the predominant test.
ACT composite scores |
| 1996-97 | 1997-98 |
| Wisconsin | 22.3 | 22.3 |
| Nation | 21.0 | 21.0 |
But WEAC Executive Director Don Krahn expressed concern that Wisconsin’s
continued success on the ACT will be in danger if the state doesn’t
change laws that threaten public education.
“While we are delighted with the ranking, we are concerned that
state-imposed revenue controls will slowly starve school districts and
lower student performance, especially in low-income areas or communities
losing enrollment,” Krahn said.
Krahn said the state is singling out education for harsh restrictions
while at the same time requiring higher standards for students. “Everyone
wants to improve education, but students must have support from the government
in order to meet higher expectations,” Krahn said.
“Revenue controls exact a toll on our schools. First, maintenance
is cut, then curricular offerings, then teacher time with students as
class size is increased. Sooner or later, schools will fail unless laws
like revenue controls and the Qualified Economic Offer are lifted.”
Krahn credited the hard work and dedication of teachers, staff and students
for maintaining success despite the increasing hardships of revenue controls.
But the impact of revenue controls will show up soon.
Posted August 26, 1998