Stats and Facts About Wisconsin's Great Schools

Wisconsin public schools are among the best in the nation, according to objective measures of educational accomplishment. Wisconsin's great schools are ranked:

First for the percentage of highly qualified teachers in the nation. In Wisconsin, 99.5% of the teachers meet the standards for being "highly qualified" under the revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (2004-05 DPI state performance report)

First or second on the ACT college entrance examination. For 18 consecutive years, Wisconsin high school students have scored 1st or 2nd on the exam. (ACT, Inc. "National and State Scores," 2007.)

In the top 10 for Advanced Placement scores. Of Wisconsin high school students taking Advanced Placement exams, 68% earn a score high enough to qualify for college credit. (College Board, "2007 AP National and State Summary Report Tables.")

Among the safest in the nation. Wisconsin has the second-lowest number of high school students carrying guns to school. (Center for Disease Control, "Youth Risk Behavior," 2005.)

In addition:

515 Wisconsin teachers have achieved National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession. (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 2007.)

Updated December 4, 2007