Schools
Tougher Reading, Math Standards Mean Lower Test Scores in Racine Unified
Despite changes in benchmarks for Wisconsin statewide reading and math tests, Racine Unified students continue to perform significantly higher than the statewide norms.
Use Patch's interactive database to see the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations scores in Elmbrook and other area districts for the last three years.
Students in the Racine Unified School District saw lower scores in statewide math and reading tests this year, but those changes are almost entirely due to tough new standards that kicked in this year.
In Racine Unified, 21.5 percent of the students who took the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations (WKCE) in November 2012 scored at proficient or advanced in reading. That's compared to 68.8 percent who hit that mark in 2011. The 2012-13 results were released last week.
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In math, 27.8 percent of the Racine Unified students were proficient or better this year, compared to 61.2 percent last year.
Racine Unified's scores are lower than the statewide figure of 36.2 percent proficient or better in reading and 48.1 percent in math. But Racine Unified isn't alone in this drop.
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Drops in reading and math scores took place throughout the state this year as Wisconsin raised the benchmark scores needed for students to reach the proficient or advanced performance levels. The new college and career readiness proficiency levels are based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
“Our District is supportive of the state’s increased expectations for all students. The state’s recently developed accountability system, including higher standards for proficiency on the WKCE, is well-balanced between measures of student achievement, student growth, closing of gaps between demographic groups and on-track and post-secondary readiness,” said Director of Standards, Assessment and Accountability Dr. Steve Miller. “We are working to share a sense of urgency regarding current results among all RUSD staff, parents and community partners. By moving forward with increased effort on the part of all stakeholders, we can continue to improve teaching and learning for every student in RUSD.”
More than 430,000 public school students took the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations in November 2012.
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