State Students Third in Nation on SAT

Wisconsin high school seniors ranked third in the nation on the SAT college entrance exam, according to figures released Tuesday (August 27, 2002).

The results follow on the heels of a report that Wisconsin students ranked first in the country on the 2002 ACT college entrance exam.

"These results provide more proof that Wisconsin has great schools," said WEAC President Stan Johnson. "Wisconsin students consistently outscore their peers throughout the country on key measures of achievement.

"Teachers and education support professionals deserve a round of applause for helping keep Wisconsin students at the top. However, their jobs are becoming increasingly difficult due to school district revenue controls - which are forcing school districts to cut programs and services for children - and the Qualified Economic Offer law, which is undermining morale and driving some of our best educators out of the profession.

"Our continued status as one of the most successful school systems in the nation could be jeopardized if these laws are not repealed."

Wisconsin students scored 583 on the verbal portion of the SAT, compared to the national average of 504. Wisconsin scored 599 on the math portion, compared to 516 for the nation as a whole.

Seven percent of Wisconsin seniors took the SAT, and 68% took the ACT.

Johnson said that on both the SAT and ACT, students of color and students from economically disadvantaged families scored lower than other students.

"Closing the achievement gap must be a priority for Wisconsin," he said. "Great schools provide classrooms that work for all children, no matter who they are or where they live."

NEA President Bob Chase applauded the consistent improvement of American students in math achievement and college preparation as demonstrated in the 2002 SAT scores.

"More students have tackled challenging coursework, especially in math -- and it shows," Chase said.

Math scores on the college entrance exam for the high school class of 2002 rose two points to 516 -- the highest level in 32 years, the College Board reported.

A record 46%t of 2002 high school graduates took the college-entrance exam; 35% of test-takers are minority students, another record.

"We all should be proud as a greater diversity of students prepares for the rigors of college," Chase said. "The entire community of teachers, administrators, parents, and policymakers must be persistent in helping all students meet the challenges of higher education. We must do what we can to place a college education within everyone's reach."

Wisconsin students score #1 in nation on ACT

Posted August 27, 2002