The Wisconsin Success Story

The public schools we have today are the result of the investments, ingenuity, and commitment of our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. Creating and maintaining great schools is a tradition in our state and something at which Wisconsin has always excelled.

But just how successful are our students?

Wisconsin students have ranked first or second in the nation on the ACT college entrance exam for 18 straight years. Year after year, they score at or near the top of national performance assessments in math, science, and reading. And they have consistently achieved some of the highest graduation rates in the nation, with nearly three-quarters going on to attend universities or technical colleges.

Consider these indicators of school excellence in Wisconsin:

First for the percentage of highly qualified teachers in the nation. In Wisconsin, 99.5% of the teachers meet the standards for being "highly qualified" under the revised Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (2004-05 DPI state performance report)
First or second on the ACT college entrance examination. For 18 consecutive years, Wisconsin high school students have scored 1st or 2nd on the exam. (ACT, Inc. "National and State Scores," 2007.)
In the top 10 for Advanced Placement scores. Of Wisconsin high school students taking Advanced Placement exams, 68% earn a score high enough to qualify for college credit. (College Board, "2007 AP National and State Summary Report Tables.")
Among the safest in the nation. Wisconsin has the second-lowest number of high school students carrying guns to school. (Center for Disease Control, "Youth Risk Behavior," 2005.)

In addition:

515 Wisconsin teachers have achieved National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession. (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 2007.)

But great schools mean more than excellent education.

The quality of public schools in a community has a direct impact on local property values. Great schools build local economies by preparing young people and attracting the jobs of the future to our communities.

Simply put: great schools benefit everyone. We believe we must maintain our traditions and keep Wisconsin at the forefront of quality and innovation in public education.