Wisconsin DPI test scores; Republicans push new bill undoing benchmarks
Changes to Wisconsin DPI test scores, benchmarks
Republicans are pushing a bill that would undo changes the state Department of Public Instruction made to the way achievement is measured on students' tests.
MILWAUKEE - Standardized tests like the Wisconsin Forward Exam measure student performance. That data helps teachers identify who to help and in what areas. It also shows parents how effective their district is in preparing their child for college or a career.
What we know:
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction said its changes modernize the state’s standards with a "growth mindset," but Republicans aren’t buying it.
The next time your student takes the Wisconsin Forward Exam, ACT or PreACT, their scores will fall into one of these four categories from best to worst.
Why you should care:
The terms are different from what’s been used in the last 10 years.
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Most of the benchmark numbers assigned to those categories, known as "cut scores," are new, too.
Rep. Robert Wittke (R-WI), a former school board president at Racine Unified, said the words don't just sound better. They paint a better picture too.
That's why he's co-authored a bill to revert those standards.
What they're saying:
"The cut scores and everything — yeah, they have some impact on how people view a community, but it's really about the kids," Wittke said. "... how are you going to compare anything if you've lowered the standards and said that, now all of a sudden we're doing well when before, we weren't?"
State Superintendent Jill Underly said she didn't lower the standards. In a statement, Underly wrote that the updated assessment is actually more accurate and reflective of student performance.
Sen. Chris Larson (D-W) told FOX6 he thinks the bill is a political play to weaken Underly's re-election campaign.
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Her two opponents, Sauk Prairie Superintendent Jeff Wright and education consultant Brittany Kinser, both support the bill.
"Superintendent Underly went through the course of what she's supposed to do," Larson said. "She listened to educators."
What's next:
The benchmarks that DPI would revert to were those in place during the 2021-22 school year, which means the standards Republicans want to reinstate are those enacted by the previous DPI Superintendent: Tony Evers.
The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News.