Friend,
Last week, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction released the results from standardized test scores in 2022. This is best data we have to measure the harm of school shutdowns across Wisconsin, and to the concern of every parent, the results were even worse than expected.
- Proficiency in math fell from 43% in 2019 to 39% in 2022.
- Proficiency in reading fell from 41% to 37% in the same timeframe.
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And 29% of students -- approximately 103,000 kids statewide, according to the Institute for Reforming Government -- tested at the lowest reading level.
Worse yet, it was the low-income students that were hurt the most.
- Only 13% of low-income students in Madison were college-ready in reading.
- Half of the low-income students in Racine, Kenosha, and Green Bay were testing below grade level.
- And in Milwaukee, nine schools didn't have a single student proficient in math.
These are tragic numbers that make one thing clear: the status quo is failing our kids. And while we can't go back in time to undo the damage of school closures, we can take dramatic steps to reform our school system, help students catch up, and ultimately turn Wisconsin into an education powerhouse once again.
- Returning to science-backed methods of teaching reading.
- Realigning incentives so schools can keep excellent teachers in the classroom.
- Funding all school choices equally.
- And making smart investments in rural broadband so all kids can access online resources.
This is a crisis that will impact students and our economy for a generation. The longer we wait to take action, the worse off our kids -- and our state -- will be. It's time we act with a sense of urgency and give every child in Wisconsin access to the quality education they deserve, otherwise, we will only continue to fail our kids.
Semper Fi,
