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Table Two
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Madison students at each of three grade levels tested surpassed their state peers in the highest performance category - "advanced proficiency" - on the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) tests given last fall. In addition, test participation rates were at the highest levels ever.
Also of interest is that the gap between low-income and non-low-income students is declining over recent years in reading and math at the elementary level, and in reading at the middle school level.
Wisconsin students in 4th, 8th and 10th grades were given the test in reading, language arts, math, science and social studies. In 13 of the 15 tests, a larger percentage of Madison School District students scored advanced than students across the state, thus continuing a long-standing trend. Only in 4th grade social studies did Wisconsin peers outscore Madison students, and on one test (4th grade reading) they were equal (see table 1.)
The percentage of Madison students taking either the WKCE or the Wisconsin Alternate Assessments for Students with Disabilities and Limited-English Proficient students increased this year to the highest levels ever. On average, all but only 1 percent of 4th graders, 2 percent of 8th graders and 3 percent of 10th graders participated in the testing.
The gap reduction between low-income students and non-low-income students scoring proficient or advanced (the two highest categories) has been significant. Since 1997-98 (6 years,) low-income 4th graders have reduced the gap by 16 percentage points in reading and 12 percentage points in mathematics. Comparing 8th graders over the same 6 years, the gap has gone down 19 percentage points in reading, while essentially remaining the same in math (see table 2.)
These improvements mirror the assessment results of Madison students over recent years in the state-administered 3rd grade reading test, where significant gains are being made by low-income students.
The WKCE test consists of short-answer and multiple-choice questions. Students also write an essay. According to test creators, advanced proficiency means a student demonstrates, "in-depth understanding of academic knowledge and skills" in the subject. Proficient, basic and minimal are the remaining proficiency standards.
Public Information Office
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email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 2004-05-25
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