Student Scores Rise on 1998-99 WSAS Tests

Fourth, 8th and 10th graders taking the Wisconsin Student Assessment System tests showed substantial improvement in nearly all categories, according to new test scores released by the Department of Public Instruction.

Results of the 1998-99 tests show:

• The percentage of students earning scores in the proficient and advanced levels improved from 1997-98 to 1998-99 in every grade and every subject area except 10th-grade science.
• Wisconsin students scored well above students nationally in every subject.
• Results show improvement across all groups, and dramatic improvements were recorded by black, disabled, and economically disadvantaged students.
• Scores in mathematics, science, and writing show the greatest need for improvement. Average writing scores on a six-point scale were 3.6 at grade four, 3.7 at grade eight, and 3.8 at grade 10.

“This just reflects the high quality of education that we have in this state, with teachers, students, the community and parents all coming together to provide a good education," said WEAC President Terry Craney. "It’s apparent that teachers have put great effort into helping students achieve at higher levels."

State Superintendent John Benson echoed that sentiment.

“The gains made virtually across subject areas in the fourth and eighth grades are remarkable,” Benson said. “While some of this improvement can be attributed to testing in the spring instead of the fall, the overwhelming majority of the gain represents improved teaching and learning.”

“Looking at these proficiency scores, I’m proud of our students’ achievements,” Benson said. “Educators have worked hard to make our state academic standards the foundation for classroom instruction. Parents, particularly in the elementary grades, have become more involved in their children’s education. There’s always room for improvement, but let’s not lose sight of this fine accomplishment.”

Benson expressed concern in three areas.

• The most significant decline was for students who spent less than a full academic year in the same school. “Student and family mobility is as closely related to failure in school as any indicator in these test results,” said the state superintendent.
• The gap in mathematics achievement between white and minority students continues to grow.
• The gap in science achievement between boys and girls has returned.

“Educators understand the importance of these results and will no doubt use them to determine where they need to focus their resources, time, and effort,” Benson said. “The scores provide us with an opportunity to improve classroom teaching and student learning."

The tests use multiple-choice and short-answer questions that require students to demonstrate their knowledge in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Approximately 190,000 of 201,942 students enrolled in grades four, eight, and 10 took the tests in February and March. Scores are reported in proficiency categories that indicate the percentage of students who demonstrated advanced, proficient, basic, or minimal performance.

• Understanding the new proficiency scores

Posted June 11, 1999