Department of Public Instruction Seeks Input on Academic Standards

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is seeking public input to start the review process for academic standards in information and technology, literacy, music and science.

“Clear and relevant standards help us improve access and equity in education,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “We welcome public input on the best way to ensure our kids have a foundation in a variety of subjects that prepare them to be college and career ready.”

Academic standards are written goals for what students should know and be able to do at a specific grade level or within a grand band. Standards in a subject area help ensure that schools offer students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for success in that academic area. In Wisconsin, academic standards serve as a guide for planning curriculum and lessons. Public schools may adopt the state standards or develop their own.

The public is invited to provide input on whether the DPI should revise standards in information and technology literacy, music and science. The standards for these three subjects are among the oldest of the state’s academic standards. Comments will be taken over a 30-day period, after which the State Superintendent’s Standards Review Council will examine the public comments and submit a recommendation to the state superintendent. Should a formal rewrite of any of these standards move forward, a draft of each new set of standards will undergo additional public review before adoption.

Comments about the standards or standards review process can be made online through at surveymonkey.com/r/WIscience2017, surveymonkey.com/r /ITLpublicSurvey2017, and surveymonkey.com/r/WImusic2017. Comments can also be sent via email to: [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected].