2022-23 Standardized Testing Results Show Continued Recovery in Proficiency Rates for Students

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 -- 11:01 AM

Standardized testing results for the 2022-23 school year show Wisconsin public school students are continuing to recover in proficiency rates after the learning disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data released by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Public school student proficiency rates in English language arts and mathematics were at 38.9 percent and 37.4 percent, respectively, for 2022-23. This data represents an overall improvement in public school student achievement in comparison to the previous two school years (2020-21 and 2021-22), though testing data indicates proficiency rates are not yet back to pre-pandemic levels, with the exception of an increase in proficiency in the ELA section of the ACT.

Public-school student subgroups also experienced increases in proficiency when compared to 2021-22. Students participating in the state’s Private School Choice Programs had proficiency rates of 22.1 percent (ELA) and 17.9 percent (mathematics) in 2022-23.

A 2021 study by the U.S. Department of Education found performance level expectations in Wisconsin are among the highest in the nation compared to proficiency standards of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

Statewide participation rates for public school students increased about 1 percentage point from 2021-22 to approximately 95 percent of eligible students being tested, while PSCP student participation declined 2 percentage points from the previous school year to approximately 80 percent for 2022-23.

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