What Does It Mean For The Franklin Public Schools?

In the coming weeks, you may be hearing or reading about state test score changes, and the Franklin Public Schools wants to help you understand these changes:

What

• Changes in the methods of scoring will result in lower reported test scores on the state’s required tests in basic subjects. (Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam or WKCE).
• There will be a significant decline in the number of student scores considered to be “proficient” or “advanced.” Scores could be half or lower compared to current numbers.
• All public schools in Wisconsin are experiencing these changes, so district comparisons will remain intact.
• The scoring changes do not impact students’ grades or academic standing.
• The scoring changes do not reflect a change in the abilities of students, but rather reflect the higher standards and aspirations Wisconsin has for its students and schools.

When

• Individual student WKCE reports that will be sent home in spring, 2013 will reflect the changes. (All students in grades 3 through 8 and grade10 participate in the WKCE.)

Why

• The scoring changes are part of Wisconsin’s agreement with the federal Department of Education to meet other requirements besides those of No Child Left Behind legislation. Many states have similar agreements.

For the Franklin Public Schools, the change in scoring methods means:

The Bar Has Been Raised. Achievement will look like it dropped even though it is the same because scoring systems have changed.

The Bar Needed to be Raised. The Franklin Public Schools embraces the higher expectations because they are needed for our businesses, workforce, and for our students to be successful in careers and college.

Franklin is on Track. Franklin Public Schools have been on track to meet the new challenges through rigorous curriculum, excellent teaching, and processes of continuous improvement. The new standards and high expectations are consistent with the current direction of the district.

More information is available on the Franklin Public Schools website or by contacting any Franklin Public School or the district office. Also, information about the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) federal agreement is available at the DPI Accountability Reform web page: http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/acct/accountability.html