In 2024, DPI changed the labels and cut scores (the bars students need to clear on tests). The bar for being counted as “proficient” was lowered. The result? Suddenly, more students appeared to be “on track.” For example, reported reading proficiency jumped from about 39% to 48% in one year — but not because kids learned more. The definition changed.

In 2025, DPI changed the cut scores for the overall school ratings (1–5 stars). This was done because, under the new 2024 test system, almost every school would have looked like it was doing great — even schools where very few kids could actually read on grade level.

The new 2025 scoring spread schools out more evenly into the 1–5 star categories. But here’s the catch: the bar for student proficiency is still lower than before.

• DPI’s changes lowered standards, making it look like more kids are proficient when they aren’t.
• This confused parents, because year-to-year comparisons no longer make sense.
• Wealthier schools have an advantage, since their “achievement” scores are weighted more heavily than schools serving more low-income kids.
• Created a “credibility crisis”, where families don’t know whether to trust the scores at all.
• A Marquette poll in 2025 found that 60% of Wisconsinites believe our standards are too low.

Here’s the hard truth: just because a report card says a school “Meets” or “Exceeds” expectations does not guarantee that most students there can actually read at grade level.

Parents should ask schools directly:

• What percentage of kids in this school are reading at grade level?
• How does that compare to past years?
• How is the school supporting struggling readers?