Sun Prairie students surpass state averages in college readiness ACT scores

Sun Prairie School District is making significant strides in academic performance, particularly in college readiness assessments. During the recent School Board meeting, Superintendent highlighted that 9th and 10th graders in the district achieved a remarkable 40% proficiency rate on the preACT, surpassing the state average of 32%. Specifically, 42% of 10th graders met or exceeded college and career readiness benchmarks, compared to just 31% statewide.

In terms of reading ACT results, Sun Prairie students are also performing well, scoring an average of 20.5, placing them near the top among comparable districts. However, when compared to Dane County peers, the district's performance is more mixed, indicating room for improvement.

The Superintendent noted a concerning trend since 2015, when Wisconsin mandated that all 11th graders take the ACT. This change led to a decline in scores as the test included a broader range of students. Despite this, Sun Prairie has maintained a competitive edge, outpacing the state average by 6% over the past three years and coming close to the highest performer, Utah.

In mathematics, the district is seeing positive growth, with 61% of 8th graders meeting or exceeding benchmarks. However, achievement gaps persist among racial and demographic groups, particularly for Black students and those with disabilities. The district is currently undergoing a curriculum renewal to address these disparities and enhance overall student performance.

Overall, while Sun Prairie is performing well in many areas, the district acknowledges the need for continued focus on improving outcomes, particularly in math, to keep pace with peers and ensure all students are prepared for future academic challenges.