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New Math Skills Bill
There is a push at the Wisconsin Capitol to hold local schools accountable for low math scores.
State Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, and Rep. Karen Hurd, R-Withee, on Tuesday introduced a math version of the Right to Read Act.
“Foundational math skills are also critical to a child’s success in school and throughout their life,” Hutton said. “This bill provides a statewide framework for identifying if a student is falling behind and helping them catch up before those gaps become permanent.”
The Right to Read Act changes how kids in Wisconsin learn to read. It also sets new standards for local schools, requires regular reading screenings for kids between kindergarten and the third grade. There’s also some grant money to help local schools buy new reading lessons and to train teachers.
Gov. Evers signed the Right to Read Act into law in the summer of 2023.
Hutton says Wisconsin kids deserve the same kind of help in math.
“A good understanding of math is essential to a prosperous life and career, and that will become increasingly true in a future of high-skilled labor,” Hutton said. “Detecting math struggles early and responding with a plan that acknowledges a child’s unique needs can change not just educational outcomes, but it can change a person’s entire life.”
Wisconsin kids clearly need help with math.
That Nation’s Report Card shows that two-thirds of kids in the state cannot do math at grade level. But it’s worse than that when you look at the poorer school districts, majority-minority school districts, and rural school districts.
But the worst school district in the state is Milwaukee’s district. The Nation’s Report Card shows 95% of black fourth graders in Milwaukee cannot complete a simple word problem.black fourth graders in Madison are not “proficient” in math.
Hutton’s plan would require three math screenings per-year and provide tutoring to at-risk students. Students who are still behind after two consecutive assessments would get a “personal mathematics plan,” which is similar to the state’s Right to Read Act personalized reading plans.
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