Why Wisconsin Schools Are Great Schools
Wisconsin public schools truly are great schools, and the quality of
our
schools is reflected in the success of our students. Our students learn.
Our students graduate. And our students go on to get jobs in Wisconsin,
keeping our state’s employment rate among the highest in the nation,
attracting new employers to Wisconsin, and growing our state’s
economy.
The investments we have historically made in our public schools have
paid significant dividends for our children and our communities.
Just how successful are our students?
Wisconsin students have ranked first or second in the nation on the
ACT college entrance exam for 15 straight years. Year after year, they
score at or near the top of national performance assessments in math,
science, and reading. And they have consistently achieved some of the
highest graduation rates in the nation, with nearly three-quarters going
on to attend universities and technical colleges.
Top 10 reasons Wisconsin public schools are Great Schools:
- Graduation rate: Ninety percent of Wisconsin public school
students complete high school — one of the nation's highest
rates.
- Experience: A typical Wisconsin public school teacher has
a master's degree and 16 years of teaching experience.
- ACT scores: For 15 consecutive years, Wisconsin high school
students have scored 1st or 2nd on the National ACT college entrance
exam.
- SAT scores: Both verbal and math SAT scores of Wisconsin
public school students are consistently higher than private and religious
school SAT scores.
- Technology: Ninety-eight percent of Wisconsin public schools
have Internet access and 91% have computers available for students
after school.
- Standardized test scores: Scores on the Wisconsin Knowledge
and Concepts Examinations (WKCE) are well above the national average
for every subject area at every grade level.
- Advanced courses: 78% of Wisconsin public high schools now
offer AP courses, through which students can earn college credit.
Just 35% of Wisconsin private high schools offer these advanced courses.
- International comparison: Wisconsin's 8th grade science students
scored 2nd in the world on an international test comparison.
- NAEP science scores: Wisconsin's 8th grade science scores
rank 4th in the nation.
- Low drop-out rate: Nationally, Wisconsin has the highest
percentage of teens who are in school or working.
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Updated August 18, 2004