Tougher Reading, Math Standards Mean Lower Test Scores in Hamilton

Use Patch's interactive database to see the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations scores in Hamilton and other area districts for the last three years.

Students in the Hamilton District saw lower scores in statewide math and reading tests this year, but those changes are almost entirely due to tough new standards that kicked in this year.

In Hamilton, 53.2 percent of the students who took the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations (WKCE) in November 2012 scored at proficient or advanced in reading. That's compared to 94.2 percent who hit that mark in 2011. The 2012-13 results were released last week.

In math, 75.7 percent of the Hamilton students were proficient or better this year, compared to 93 percent last year.

While this year's numbers are lower than last year, they're still significantly higher than the statewide figure of 36.2 percent proficient or better in reading and 48.1 percent in math.

Drops in reading and math scores took place throughout the state this year as Wisconsin raised the benchmark scores needed for students to reach the proficient or advanced performance levels. The new college and career readiness proficiency levels are based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

More than 430,000 public school students took the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations in November 2012.