Achievement Requirements By Subject and Grade
("90% Rule")
Percent of Students Enrolled for a Full Academic Year
Scoring At or Above the Proficient Level
|
Grade |
Reading |
Language Arts* |
Mathematics |
Science |
Social Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
4 |
62% |
65% |
47% |
58% |
56% |
|
8 |
58% |
64% |
27% |
50% |
62% |
|
10 |
57% |
56% |
32% |
39% |
59% |
Revised 90% Rule - Language Arts 7/8/02
In reviewing the Wisconsin accountability system, inconsistencies were noted in the area of Language in identifying schools "In Improvement." The following information reviews Wisconsin's two methods currently used to meet annual adequate yearly progress for state and federal accountability purposes.
First, each school's Continuous Progress Indicator (CPI) is calculated and compared with its baseline proficiency expectations. If a school does not meet CPI expectations, the school's proficiency on the Wisconsin Knowledge & Concepts Examinations (WKCE) subject areas are then compared with a base rate: 90% of the average state proficiency rate. If it meets or exceeds that base rate in a subject area, the school is considered to have met criteria in a subject area. This second review is called the "90% rule."
The 90% rule applies to state proficiency levels established in Fall 1997 for all subjects, except in the area of language arts when Language WKCE scores were combined with the writing composition scores. While it was logical to include writing in the language arts score, the process had unforeseen disadvantages and changes needed to occur. Thus, during the 1998-99 school year, the WKCE Language cut-points for minimal, basic, proficient and advanced performances were reset. As a result of this change, the 90% rule was based on the Spring 1999 average state proficiency rate in Language.
Since the state is transitioning to a Fall testing cycle and the 90% rules for all other subjects apply to a Fall test administration, it was decided to revise the application of the Language 90% rule to be consistent with other subject areas. The table below outlines the changes in the 90% rule requirement as a result of the standardization.
| WKCE LANGUAGE | 4th GRADE | 8th GRADE | 10th GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
| PREVIOUS 90% RULE REQUIREMENT | 65% | 64% | 56% |
| REVISED 90% RULE REQUIREMENT | 55% | 54% | 50% |
- Language 90% Rule based on statewide proficiency in Spring 1999.
- Language 90% Rule based on statewide proficiency in Fall 1997.
- The Language 90% Rule was revised to be consistent with other subject areas.
This revised Language criteria will be used to calculate the Fall "90% rule" for this year's WKCE results (February 2002 test). It will also be applied to the prior years' tests (1999-2001). Schools identified as "In Improvement" status based upon the previous "Spring 1999 Language 90% rule" will be removed from "In Improvement" status list in Language if they meet the new Standardized 90% Rule requirement (see above).