A new Wisconsin Employer Survey sheds light on the education system in the state.
According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of businesses think that students graduating from public K-12 schools are not prepared for the workforce, and 56% said they have employees who struggle with the ability to read or do math.
This survey information reflects that more than 60 percent of Wisconsin students cannot read or do math at their grade level.
This matches statements made by Manitowoc Public School District Superintendent Jim Feil, who has given us the statistic that about 1 in 4 MPSD students are reading at grade level.
The survey also asked about the changing needs for higher education, and 4 in 10 companies said they have removed or lowered the college degree requirements for some jobs that had previously required a bachelor’s degree.
WMC is continuing to work with lawmakers to reform the education system in the state, their legislative agenda includes creating additional K-3 screening assessments to ensure at-risk students can get back on track, increasing access to dual enrollment and work-based learning programs, and expanding school choice and charter options to provide more students with educational opportunities.
