ence connections, nature of science, science inquiry, Physical science, Earth and Space science, Life and Environmental science, science applications, and science in personal and social perspectives. (Wisconsin) In most cases the categories are equivalent with each other. The categories that fall short will just have to be propelled or altered to fit the test.The decision to have a graduation test or not met with a great deal of resistance. One of the largest problems was the parents’ perspective on the test. The parents didn’t want their kids to take the test because of the high risk of failure. Another problem group was the legislators. They didn’t want to pass the test because they fear the parents. Tommy Thompson had to push the test through many times before it was accepted. (Thompson) Other problems included the budget for the test, developing an opt- out path, and trying to erase the fear of failure.The governor of Wisconsin strongly supported the tests. Tommy Thompson said, “Wisconsin taxpayers invest a great deal of money to provide the children of this state with a quality education. So when a student graduates from high school, I want the student, their parents and the taxpayers to have something to show for that investment.” He also says: “Parents and the community will be able to examine the success of their students and compare it to other schools to assess the quality of their schools. The test will help communities determine where their schools are doing well and where they may need some improvement. From teachers to parents to taxpayers, we all want our schools to be as strong as possible and for our children to be as well educated as possible. The graduation test will serve as a tool to help us achieve that goal.” (Restore)All he is doing is trying to restore meaning to the diploma, and create a new standard for evaluation.Students are split down the middle about the test. Jaso...
