Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB370

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/27/23
• Refer: 7/27/23
• Report Pass: 11/2/23
• Refer: 11/2/23
• Engrossed: 11/7/23
• Refer: 11/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Guaranteed admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges and requiring high schools to prepare class rankings for certain pupils. (FE)

Impact

The implications of AB370 are significant for state educational policies. It mandates that high schools, including public, private, charter, and tribal schools, implement a standardized method for ranking students based on academic performance factors, such as grade point average and ACT scores. Schools are required to notify students who qualify for the top rankings, which may enhance motivation among students to perform well in school. Furthermore, the bill specifies that this program is set to impact applications for the 2025-26 academic year and requires the establishment of a consistent admissions policy across institutions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 370, also known as the Guaranteed Admission Act, aims to facilitate access to higher education by allowing guaranteed admission to institutions within the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges for students who excel academically. Specifically, the bill stipulates that students ranked in the top 5 percent of their high school graduating class are eligible for guaranteed admission to their chosen institution, providing certain conditions are met. This initiative is designed to encourage high academic achievement and streamline the college admission process for deserving students.

Contention

While the bill presents several benefits, it is not without controversy. Critics argue that the focus on class rankings can create undue pressure on students and may overlook other important aspects of student achievement. Additionally, there are concerns about schools being able to implement a fair and consistent ranking system, particularly in small schools where class sizes are limited. The bill's requirement for guaranteed admission tied to class rank may also unintentionally disadvantage students who excel in non-traditional or alternative educational paths.