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FACT BRIEF

Were less than 15% of Milwaukee Public Schools fourth- and eighth-grade students proficient in reading and math in 2022?

By Tom Kertscher
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YES

Following are the latest “Nation’s Report Card” results for Milwaukee Public Schools from the National Center for Education Statistics, which is part of the U.S. Education Department.

In reading, 11% of fourth-graders rated proficient (9%) or advanced (2%) in 2022; 14% of eighth-graders rated proficient (13%) or advanced (1%).

In math, 11% of fourth-graders rated proficient (9%) or advanced (2%); 7% of eighth-graders rated proficient (6%) or advanced (1%).

Alan Borsuk, a senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette University Law School and a longtime education reporter, reported in May 2023 that MPS is making changes to improve reading. They include use of curriculum materials that are in line with the phonics-oriented “science of reading” and more teacher training.

On low math and language scores, MPS officials have said they are dedicated to increasing school attendance and "assuring that teachers have strategies to increase student engagement.”

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
National Center for Education Statistics 2022 Reading Trial Urban District Snapshot Report | Milwaukee Grade 4
National Center for Education Statistics 2022 Reading Trial Urban District Snapshot Report | Milwaukee Grade 8
National Center for Education Statistics 2022 Mathematics Trial Urban District Snapshot Report | Milwaukee Grade 4
National Center for Education Statistics 2022 Mathematics Trial Urban District Snapshot Report | Milwaukee Grade 8
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The state capital of reading problems, Milwaukee Public Schools looks at how to turn things around
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Fewer than half of Wisconsin students were proficient in math, language, according to 2022 standardized tests
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Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.