Test scores up, trend good in math

Overall scores increased or held steady on Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations (WKCE) administered in fall 2006, with positive gains in mathematics at almost all grades.

"We are on the right track," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster in announcing WKCE results. "Despite increased poverty in Wisconsin, we saw gains at nearly every grade level in mathematics and rising or stable scores for reading on our statewide testing."

The percentage of students scoring proficient or advanced in reading and mathematics increased or held steady from the previous year for the "all student" group across all grades. When reviewed by subgroups, mathematics performance showed the largest improvements from last year in grades four through seven.

A comparison of the percentages of students scoring proficient and advanced by racial/ethnic group and by English proficiency and economic and disability status showed improvement in math achievement from fall 2005 to fall 2006 at many grade levels. Reading scores posted some gains, with African-American students showing the most progress. The percentage of African-American students scoring proficient or advanced in mathematics and reading increased from last year at all grade levels except 10th grade, which stayed the same for reading and dropped 3 percentage points in math.

"We are pleased with the results, but statewide, achievement gaps between economically disadvantaged students, students of color, and their peers are still apparent. We must continue our efforts to provide a quality education for every child," Burmaster stressed. "Our school districts need stable funding that allows them to provide early learning opportunities, smaller class sizes, support for quality educators, and innovative programming, all part of our New Wisconsin Promise."

More information: http://www.dpi.wi.gov/eis/pdf/dpi2007_48.pdf

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Last updated on 5/28/2007