Wisconsin ACT scores plummet

[n2doc]

MADISON – Newly released ACT scores show a steep decline in student test results. The drop in average test score from 22.2 to 20.0 coincides with an increase in the number of Wisconsin students taking the exam and comes after several years of Republican budget cuts that have impacted public education in the state. These scores dropped Wisconsin from 2nd best to 9th worst in the nation (tied with Kentucky) among states where more than half the students took the exam.

“Local school districts have really taken it on the chin these past several years and I think these test scores are a reflection of that fact,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Teachers in Wisconsin are working harder than ever, but Republican budget cuts, special interest giveaways and a misguided focus on Gov. Walker’s presidential campaign have taken a toll on our schools. This drop in ACT scores is particularly concerning given Wisconsin’s ongoing economic challenges, workforce shortages and shrinking middle class.”

In his recent presidential campaign, Gov. Walker frequently used the state’s ACT scores as a metric for his education policies. While Wisconsin has traditionally ranked above average in terms of ACT scores, these latest numbers place Wisconsin dead last in the Midwest and among the bottom ten states nationally.

“Families across Wisconsin are concerned about the direction of our state,” added Shilling. “Parents have noticed the overcrowding in classrooms, teacher shortages and increased referendums. Families I’ve heard from are concerned that Republican legislators sold out our schools to support the special interest groups behind Gov. Walker’s presidential campaign. Hopefully these ACT scores are a wake-up call to legislative leaders. As troubling as these latest numbers are, I know that we can turn things around in Wisconsin if we recommit to putting our schools and students ahead of special interests.”

more
http://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/wisconsin-act-scores-plummet/

[Ilsa]

1. Wow. The academic results of Walker's policies

weren't even marginally anticipated by his supporters when he made the changes?

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Way to go Wiscony.

This is what you got with GOP take over of your state. Keep it up,First to Worst. As a former Wisconsinite,shame on my home state. But that's okay,you can always work at Ashley Furniture or do load out at Menard's. Yup that's the ticket.

[Goblinmonger]

3. When every junior in Wisconsin has to take the ACT,

anybody who didn't see this coming is an idiot.

As a high school English teacher, it is near impossible to motivate kids who know they aren't ever going to go to college to do well on the ACT. But it is what it is.

[dragonlady]

5. This is probably the most significant reason

The recent decline in support for education would not cause this startling change in just a few years. Do you happen to know whether any other states require all students to take ACT?

[Goblinmonger]

6. This article outlines it

Wisconsin is certainly the only Midwest state (unless Missouri counts).

States that require all students to take the ACT with Writing

Alabama
Hawaii
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
North Carolina
South Carolina
Wisconsin
Wyoming


States that require all students to take the ACT (no writing)

Colorado
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Tennessee
Utah


States with other arrangements

Alaska — students pick ACT with writing, SAT, or ACT Work Keys
Arkansas — determined by district, no writing
Illinois — determined by district, with writing
North Dakota — students choose between ACT (no writing) or Work Keys

http://blog.prepscholar.com/which-states-require-the-act-full-list-and-advice

[freebrew]

4. The publican plan at work...

they must love it when their plan comes together....

Now, a new group of uneducated citizens to turn into RWNJs.