ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

WHAT IS A RULE?

A rule has the effect of law and is issued by an agency (DPI) to implement, interpret or make specific legislation administered by the agency.

CURRENT RULES:

Current DPI administrative rules can be obtained by going to the Wisconsin State Legislature's website. To view or print these administrative codes, users must have Adobe Acrobat reader version 3.01 or higher. Your system should prompt and assist you in downloading the netscape plug-in for the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

PROPOSED RULE MODIFICATIONS:

Phase 1 of the rule development process- The following rule modifications have been proposed and/or submitted to the Legislative Rules Clearinghouse for review:

• None.

Phase 2 of the rule development process- The following rule modifications have been scheduled for DPI public hearings:

• Grants for National Teacher Certification and Master Educator Licensure. See rule, fiscal note, and DPI hearing notice.
• State Special Education Aid for Certain Pupil Services Personnel. See rule, fiscal note, and DPI hearing notice.
• Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Grants. 2007 Wisconsin Act 20, the biennial budget bill, created s. 115.445, Stats., relating to 4-year-old kindergarten (4K) grants. Beginning in the 2008-09 school year, the Act appropriated $3 million and allows school boards to apply to the department for a 2-year grant to implement a 4K program. In the first school year of the grant, the school board may receive up to $3,000 for each 4K pupil; in the succeeding school year, $1,500 for 4K pupil. If funds are insufficient, the department may prorate the payments. The department is required to promulgate rules for the program and particularly to define "community approaches to early education" as school boards that use this approach must receive preference in receiving funds. The proposed rules establishes criteria and procedures for awarding grants to eligible school districts. See rule, fiscal note, and DPI hearing notice.
• Special Education. Modify specific learning disabilities (SLD) and significant development delay (SDD) criteria under s. 11.36 (6) and (11). The SLD rule will be modified to align with U.S. Code and will allow a four-year period for school districts to fully transition to the new evaluation procedures. The SDD rule will permit the identification of children through the age of nine as permitted under U.S. code, rather than age 6. See rule, fiscal note, and DPI hearing notice.

Phase 3 of the rule development process- The following rule modifications have been submitted to the Legislature where public hearings may be scheduled:

• Grants for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program. 2007 Wisconsin Act 20, the biennial budget bill, created a new competitive grant program under s. 115.28 (46), Stats., appropriating $61,500 annually for school districts to: 1) develop innovative instructional programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; 2) support pupils who are typically underrepresented in these subjects; and 3) increase the academic achievement of pupils in those subjects. The proposed rule establishes criteria and procedures for awarding grants to eligible school districts. See rule, fiscal note, and DPI hearing notice.

Final phase of the development process The following rule modifications have been reviewed by the legislature and will become effective soon:

• Grants for Nursing Services. 2007 Wisconsin Act 20, the biennial budget bill, created a new competitive grant program appropriating $250,000 annually for school districts, other than Milwaukee Public Schools, to employ additional school nurses or contract for additional nursing services. The proposed rule establishes criteria and procedures for awarding grants to eligible school districts. See rule and fiscal note.

EMERGENCY RULES:

Emergency rules are effective for 150 days upon publication in the Wisconsin State Journal. Emergency rules are generally used because there is not enough time to get permanent rules in place and may only be used if there is a threat to the public safety, health or welfare. The following emergency rules have been promulgated:

• Grants for Nursing Services rule, and fiscal note.
• Grants for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program rule and fiscal note.
• Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Grants rule and fiscal note.
• Grants for National Teacher Certification and Master Educator Licensure. See rule and fiscal note.
• State Special Education Aid for Certain Pupil Services Personnel. See rule and fiscal note.

For questions about this information, contact Loretta L. Slauson (608) 267-9127

Last updated on 6/12/2008 10:09:10 AM