Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Examinations (WKCE)
At Grades 3-8, and 10
Beginning in the 2005-06 school year, the federal No Child Left Behind Act required all states to test all students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and once in high school (grade 10 under s.118.30 Wis Stats). These tests are referred to as the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE). Student performance on these assessments is reported in proficiency categories and used to determine the adequate yearly progress of students at the school, district and state levels.
These standardized tests are designed to measure Wisconsin academic standards. The WKCE measures achievement in reading, language applications, mathematics, science, and social studies using multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Students also provide a rough draft writing sample. Total WKCE test time varies by content area and grade.
Beginning September 1, 2002, WKCE scores are used as one of several criteria for advancing students from fourth to fifth grade and from eighth to ninth grade. The other criteria are academic performance, teacher recommendations based on academic performance, and any other academic criteria specified by the local school board.
Suggestions for parents to help students prepare for the state assessment:
- General Preparation
- Encourage students to answer all test questions
- Remind students to listen to and read all directions and to tackle the test one question at a time instead of thinking about the entire test
- When possible it is beneficial to establish a daily routine for meals, homework, chores, bedtime, and family time
- Encourage students to participate in practice sessions
- Ensure students get a good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast before taking a test
- Provide students with a study area
- Offer praise and encouragement for achievement and improvement
- Encourage students to practice good study habits and set aside time every day for homework
- Reading Test Preparation
- Read to students and encourage them to read to you.
- Encourage students to read the newspaper, magazines, recreational books and discuss what they have read
- Practice tests and sample items for reading
- Mathematics Test Preparation
- Play games that involve numbers and/or computation
- Encourage students to make connections between their everyday lives and what they are learning in math class
- Encourage the use of math everyday through measuring recipes, adding prices at the store, creating a budget, explaining graphs and charts in the newspaper or magaizine articles, and taking measurements while doing home projects or sewing.
- Practice tests and sample items for mathematics
- Science Test Preparation
- Encourage participation in science competitions, fairs and other activities
- Share your enthusiasm/interest for science
- Explore nature centers, zoos, and science museums
- Sample items for science
- Language Arts Test Preparation
- Play word games and encourage expansion of vocabulary
- Encourage your student to write letters or keep a journal
- Sample items for language arts
- Social Studies Test Preparation
- Encourage discussion around current events and how it affects human rights, governments, geography and make comparisons to similar events.
- Sample items for social studies
If you would like more information concerning the Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Examination (WKCE) please visit the DPI Website Office of Educational Accountability. You can find practice tests and sample questions for grades 3-8 and 10, in the subject areas of Mathematics, Reading, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. At the top of this web page is a link for an informational brochure for parents to better understand the WKCE.