Senate Bill 18 proposes amendments to the educational assessment program and the school and school district accountability report in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) utilize the same cut scores, score ranges, and qualitative descriptions for school performance and improvement as were used in the 2019-20 school year for accountability reports. Specifically, it requires that for the Wisconsin Forward exam in English Language Arts and Mathematics, the DPI align its performance metrics with those established by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Additionally, for the PreACT and ACT with Writing assessments, the DPI must apply the same performance categories and scores used in the 2021-22 school year.

The bill also includes specific legal language changes, such as renumbering and amending existing statutes related to accountability ratings. It introduces a new section that outlines the requirements for examinations administered to students in grades 3 to 11, ensuring that the performance categories reflect national standards and previously established benchmarks. The terminology for pupil performance categories will include "Below Basic," "Basic," "Proficient," and "Advanced," maintaining consistency in how student achievement is reported.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 115.385(1)(c), 115.385