Evers delivers statewide school accountability

State's NCLB waiver request holds all schools receiving public funds accountable for student outcomes

State Superintendent Tony Evers submitted Wisconsin's application for a waiver from portions of federal education law to create a better and more comprehensive accountability system that calls for increased rigor that will result in better outcomes for all students.

"Wisconsin is headed in a new direction," Evers said. "Our waiver request is a broad package of educational reforms that we need to prepare our students for college and careers. Our new accountability system is better than what we have been able to do under current federal education law; it focuses on results and reflects the work of the School and District Accountability Design Team."

The state's waiver request calls for all schools receiving public funds - both Title I and non-Title I public schools, charter schools, and parental choice program schools - to be held accountable for outcomes in four priority areas: student achievement, student growth, closing achievement gaps, and on-track to graduation and postsecondary readiness. Cut scores will be established for these outcomes along the zero to 100 accountability index, placing schools in one of six performance categories.

The internationally benchmarked Common Core State Standards are the foundation for changes in teacher training and professional development, classroom instruction, and new assessments. The waiver request also includes provisions for teacher and principal evaluations. Multiple measures of educator practice and student outcomes will be used in the evaluations, which will be tied to each educator's professional development plan. The intention is to develop a fair, valid, and reliable process that supports continuous improvement of educator practice.

The state superintendent is recommending increased graduation standards to reflect 21st century expectations. Currently, Wisconsin state law requires 13 credits for graduation, the lowest number of credits in the nation. Starting in the 2016-17 school year, graduates would need three credits in mathematics and science, an increase from two, and an additional six and one-half elective credits for total 21.5 required credits. The addition of elective credits reflects wide public and teacher comments to honor the value of art, music, world language, and technical courses as part of a robust high school education. The state superintendent is also advocating for increased competency-based and dual enrollment opportunities for students.

"Most of our school districts already require more math and more elective credits for their graduates. We need state law to match current practice and bring Wisconsin up to the national average for graduation requirements," Evers said. "In these economic times, districts must collaborate to provide multiple pathways for students to access rigorous coursework."

Additional information is available in the complete news release. The complete waiver request, appendices, and a summary of the request are on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act webpage.

Last updated on 2/21/2012 3:52:31 PM