FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 1999
In each subject area and at each grade level, Madison had a larger proportion of students scoring in the highest performance category – "advanced" proficiency – than the state as a whole on the Wisconsin Student Assessment System Knowledge and Concepts administered in February. Over 4,500 Madison students in 4th, 8th and 10th grades were tested in reading, language arts, math, science and social studies.
Madison students far out-paced their national peers. For example, 39 percent of the district's 10th graders performed at the "advanced" level on the test, compared with 31 percent statewide and 17 percent nationally. One-third of the district's 8th graders scored at the "advanced" proficiency level for language arts (18%, US), and nearly 40% were "advanced" in social studies (25%, US).
In comparison to one year ago, the most noteworthy change occurred in the battery of tests given to 4th graders. Scores for students in the "proficient" and "advanced" categories increased on all tests. Last year the language arts portion of the test factored in the writing assessment; this year it does not, so no comparison is available.
Subject 1997-98 1998-99 Percentage Improvement Social Studies 62% 77% 15% Science 66% 79% 13% Math 56% 69% 13% Reading 70% 72% 2%
Madison had a higher number of students not tested compared with the state average. District students with certain disabilities or in the English as a Second Language program are not required to take the tests under state guidelines. All proficiency percentages in this release are based on the district's total enrollment, even though about 13 percent of MMSD students did not take the test. Statewide, about 6 percent of the students enrolled did not take the test.
The test includes multiple-choice and short-answer questions and a writing assessment. Students in the 8th and 10th grades also participated in a career interest survey to help them with educational and career planning.
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-6270
email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 1999-06-08
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