In a recent government meeting, educational leaders highlighted significant improvements in student performance on standardized assessments, particularly the ACT. Notably, the district reported an increase in the number of students scoring above 30 on the ACT, rising from 38 to over 50 in a single assessment cycle. This upward trend is expected to continue, especially for the graduating class of 2025, as they transition from junior assessments to their final ACT scores.
The meeting also addressed upcoming changes to the ACT format, set to take effect in the fall of 2025. The science section will no longer contribute to the composite score, and while the overall test will be shorter, students will have more time to answer questions. This shift may complicate future comparisons of student performance.
In terms of overall academic performance, the district's 8th graders ranked second in Waukesha County in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and social studies, demonstrating growth in these subjects. However, 7th graders ranked sixth in ELA and math, indicating a need for targeted support as they advance to 8th grade.
The district also celebrated its recognition as Gold Award winners from the AP College Board for the second consecutive year, with Eisenhower and West being among only four schools in Waukesha County to receive this honor. This achievement reflects the district's commitment to academic excellence.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance educational outcomes, the district is conducting a comprehensive review of its math curriculum and continues to analyze assessment data to identify areas for improvement. The meeting concluded with discussions on the importance of maintaining high standards in student assessments, despite changes in cut scores that may affect how student performance is evaluated.