But Wisconsin students remain behind years after the public health emergency disrupted learning, according to a national study on academic recovery this month.
The average Wisconsin student is over a third of a grade level behind in math and half of a grade level behind in reading compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to results from the Education Recovery Scorecard. Average U.S. students are nearly half a grade level behind in both subjects, the report shows.
The study, produced by Harvard University researchers, scored how states progressed in math and reading since 2019. Researchers combined federal test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress with statewide assessments, including Wisconsin’s Forward Exam.
Wisconsin ranked 16th among 43 states in math recovery and 30th in reading between 2019 and 2024. In Madison, students are 72% behind grade level in reading and 84% behind in math compared with pre-pandemic levels, according to the report.
“We have to do everything we can to help catch our students up,” Underly said on the campaign trail four years ago. “As state superintendent, I’ll be a champion of our public schools, students, their families and our educators to help us recover from this pandemic.”
Underly, who is now campaigning for a second term, advanced to a runoff election this April after Wisconsin voters narrowed the candidates for state superintendent in a Feb. 18 primary election.
Backed by Democrats, Underly will face Milwaukee education consultant Brittany Kinser, who is backed by Republicans. Kinser’s campaign has focused on restoring high academic standards for students and improving children’s skills in math and literacy.
——-
Parents overestimate student achievement, underestimate spending
Related: Act 10
Did taxpayer funded Wisconsin DPI Superintendent Underly Juice Test Scores for Reelection?
The taxpayer funded Madison School District long used Reading Recovery…
The data clearly indicate that being able to read is not a requirement for graduation at (Madison) East, especially if you are black or Hispanic”
My Question to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Teacher Mulligans and our Disastrous Reading Results
2017: West High Reading Interventionist Teacher’s Remarks to the School Board on Madison’s Disastrous Reading Results
Madison’s taxpayer supported K-12 school district, despite spending far more than most, has long tolerated disastrous reading results.
“An emphasis on adult employment”
Wisconsin Public Policy Forum Madison School District Report[PDF]
WEAC: $1.57 million for Four Wisconsin Senators
Friday Afternoon Veto: Governor Evers Rejects AB446/SB454; an effort to address our long term, disastrous reading results
Booked, but can’t read (Madison): functional literacy, National citizenship and the new face of Dred Scott in the age of mass incarceration.
When A Stands for Average: Students at the UW-Madison School of Education Receive Sky-High Grades. How Smart is That?
