Test score changes display widening gaps
Delafield, Wis. – The Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) released the following statement following the release of Forward Exam and ACT test scores on Thursday showing mixed performance of K-12 schools in Wisconsin.
WHAT HAPPENED:
Under Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly’s leadership, Wisconsin recently lowered test score benchmarks. The changes make it difficult to know if students are recovering in Wisconsin, but low-income students appear to be falling. This matches national trends.
By lowering the standards, DPI also made it easier for wealthier suburban schools to reach proficiency than poorer urban and rural schools. As a result, the new standards have exacerbated widening achievement gaps.
THE RESULTS:
Growth is happening more among wealthier areas, increasing achievement gaps.
| STUDENTS | CHANGE, 2024 TO 2025,ELA, FORWARD EXAM | CHANGE, 2024 TO 2025,MATH, FORWARD EXAM |
| Economically Disadvantaged | -0.4% | -1.0% |
| Economically Advantaged | +0.2% | -1.0% |
| Milwaukee | +0.2% | +0.2% |
| Fox Point-Bayside Joint | +3.3% | +0.7% |
| Madison | +1.6% | +0.2% |
| Middleton-Cross Plains | +2.4% | +1.2% |
| Kenosha | -0.6% | -0.9% |
| Bristol Joint | +5.2% | +4.4% |
| Green Bay | +0.3% | -1.3% |
| Howard-Suamico | +3.6% | +0.1% |
| Racine | -0.2% | -0.1% |
| Norway Joint | +3.5% | +7.6% |
Average ACT scores stayed flat at 19.2. ACT scores for English Language Arts are 18.4. ACT scores for Math are 19.1.
DPI lowered ACT English Language Arts proficiency to 19 from 20 in 2024. DPI also lowered ACT Math proficiency to 19 from 22 in 2024.
THE QUOTE:
“Lowered standards are keeping parents in the dark on how students are actually performing, but the results we have look grim,” said Quinton Klabon, Senior Research Director at the Institute for Reforming Government. “Under Superintendent Underly, proficiency standards are lowered, reading reforms are behind schedule, and, as a result, poor kids are falling further behind.”
