Wisconsin is transforming its education system

"It's an exciting time to be in public education," said State Superintendent Tony Evers in his annual state of education address. "We're changing what children learn, how they're taught and tested, and how schools and teachers are evaluated. The scope and pace of change is unprecedented, and we're blessed to start from a position of strength."

Evers highlighted accomplishments that place Wisconsin as a national leader in library usage and resource sharing. Student achievements include top-level ACT scores, "Best in the Midwest" performance on Advanced Placement exams, and graduation rates that are the highest in the nation. "We should celebrate our accomplishments," he said. "But, we've got a long way to go."

Data shows that nearly 6,000 students drop out each year and graduation gaps persist for students from racial and ethnic minority groups, students with disabilities, English learners, and students in poverty. Too many of Wisconsin's youngest students struggle to read. Child poverty and homelessness have reached the highest levels in recent memory, and schools and libraries are dealing with the largest budget cuts in state history.

"Wisconsin faces many challenges and is transforming its education system to help our students prepare for the future," Evers said. His 2013-15 budget will include expansion of early literacy and will recommend new investments in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), career and technical education (CTE), and industry certifications. "One of the surest pathways to the middle class in Wisconsin is career and technical education," Evers said. "Forecasts show that job openings in manufacturing, health care, IT, and service industries will continue to grow."

Evers noted that reinvigorating CTE hinges on students and parents believing it is a viable route to lifetime success after high school graduation. "A bachelor's degree will always be an important path to a family-supporting career. But it's not the only one, and it's not the path that most kids take," he said. "Expanding CTE does not mean devaluing academics. Today's machinists, welders, and nursing assistants need high-level math and reading skills, as well as problem solving, creativity, and collaboration skills, as much as anybody seeking a four-year degree. Students, parents, and schools need to know all of the opportunities available."

The Department of Public Instruction's 2013-15 budget advances the state superintendent's 2017 Agenda, a broad plan for transforming education. Agenda 2017 calls for implementing the Common Core State Standards into instruction and assessments. It also will enhance technology and data systems to support personalized learning for students, implement supports for schools, and continue piloting and adapting robust and fair educator evaluations.

Additional information, including highlights from the State of Education speech, is available in the complete news release. The full State of Education address is available on the Department of Public Instruction newsroom website.

Last updated on 9/20/2012 10:27:56 AM