Wisconsin placed 33rd of 38 states in math recovery and 30th of 35 in reading, with students still 0.35 grade levels behind 2019 in math and about half a grade level behind in reading.
The Education Scorecard says the setback reflects a broader U.S. “learning recession” that began around 2013, with math rebounding after 2022 but reading only showing its first signs of recovery last year.
17% of Wisconsin students were chronically absent in 2025, down from 22% in 2022 but still above pre-pandemic levels, while several districts remain a full grade level behind 2019 scores in either math or reading.
Fond du Lac, Cedarburg and Waukesha outperformed averages in both subjects, Racine stood out in reading, and Fond du Lac was named a district on the rise.
The report argues middle-income districts have been hit hardest as federal relief expired, and recommends more targeted investment, lower absenteeism, more research on literacy and social media, and pairing improving districts with peers.
As Mississippi's reading scores soar, why is Wisconsin avoiding the reforms that could reverse its own decline?
Why is Wisconsin lagging in learning when some of its own school districts have found a formula for success?
Is America’s 13-year learning slide an education crisis or a reflection of a deeper societal problem?