Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

Data from the Wisconsin Forward Exam is showing significant growth and improvements in academic performance for the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD).

The 2024-25 school year marks the district’s third year of implementing a new math curriculum and the second year focusing on new literacy instructional approaches rooted in Science of Reading research. Preliminary Forward testing data is reflecting notable gains. In grades 3-5 in Math, 35% of students were at or above proficiency at the beginning of the curriculum and instruction changes and now 49.7% of students are at or above grade-level proficiency in Math. In grades 3-5 in English Language Arts (ELA), scores have increased from 26% of students reading at or above grade level to 42% of students at or above grade level in ELA in 2024.

The WUSD focus on literacy and outcomes did not stop in grades 3-5. Secondary teachers, coaches, and leaders focused intensely this year on interventions that would support all students. The MS and HS implemented interventions for reading and math that support Equitable Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (EMLSS) and ensured students were required to attend; improvement was not optional. Additionally, the schools included incentive plans for their outcomes. This work resulted in moving from 31.7% of students in grades 6-8 performing at or above grade level proficiency in ELA to 37.6% in 2024 performing at or above grade level proficiency. On the Forward Assessment in Math for grades 6-8, WMS moved from 27.8% of students at or above grade level proficiency to 42.5% at or above grade level. Whitewater High School implemented intentional interventions and incentives and also saw tremendous growth! Our students showed the highest ACT scores since 2018 and showed an 11% increase in our composite ACT from their Pre-ACT.

“The improvement we are seeing in Math and ELA outcomes is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire school community,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent. “Our teachers and staff have embraced the challenges of new curricula and teaching methods, and our students are rising to the occasion. We are particularly proud of the strides made in math and reading; this opens so many doors for our students. These achievements underscore our commitment to providing the best possible education for every student attending our schools.”

Additionally, WUSD took on chronic absenteeism to improve students access to education. An
Attendance Task Force strategically addressed absenteeism, consistent attendance procedures, a
district-wide attendance campaign, and targeted intervention plans for students and families struggling with attendance. This decreased chronic absenteeism by 10.4% district wide last year thanks to the efforts of the Attendance Task Force, established in the 2023-24 school year.