view post

hide post

Approximately 31% of Watertown's students who took the 2006 Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) were identified in state records as being economically disadvantaged. This percentage includes students in grades 3-8 and 10, which totaled 1780, 555 of whom were economically disadvantaged.  Approximately 36% of elementary age students (232 of 650) were identified as economically disadvantaged. 

Although too early to confirm, the current data suggests that the percentage of students identified as economically disadvantaged is growing in Watertown.  The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction publishes historical summaries each year on its WINSS site of this and other student and school variables.  What is certain is that Watertown must continue to prepare for increasingly complex challenges presented by students with diverse needs.  

Research shows that low socioeconomic status can, and often does, adversely impact student achievement in school (see blue box).  Understanding how gaps between lower and higher income households reflect varying degrees of student preparedness for school can inform educators about necessary steps needed to help raise student achievement for all students.  A major debate, of course, is whether the WKCE is a reliable and accurate measure of student achievement for those students with needs more fundamental than a high score on a multiple choice test. 

Once again, Ann Rumpf and Tammy Foerster are offering a poverty simulation and awareness training at Watertown High School.  The dates are June 19-20, 2007.  Contact Ann or Tammy for course content details or click here to register.  Optional credit will be available through Viterbo University.