Site Map

The Wisconsin Information Network for Successful Schools (WINSS) is divided into four main sections: Standards and Assessment, Data Analysis, Continuous School Improvement, and Best Practices. The Site Map below outlines the contents of the four main sections.

Quick Links

School Improvement Planning Tool Characteristics of Successful Schools Surveys, Climate Surveys for Students and Staff Curriculum Wizard, Curriculum Resource Center Standards of the Heart Assessment Planning Tool Scatterplots: WSAS Test Results, Teacher Qualifications; Similar Schools/Districts Data Download Options Tips for First-Time Users of the Data Analysis Section Data Topics A Through Z

What are our academic standards?		Letter from the State Superintendent Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards Qs & As about Academic Standards Relating Academic Standards to all students Applying the Academic Standards across the curriculum Assessment Frameworks
What are standards of the heart?		How do students develop standards of the heart? How do schools foster standards of the heart?
What indicates success in academic standards?		What are state assessments? What are local assessments? Where can we find data about academic achievement?
What indicates success in standards of the heart?		What can we tell from student behavior data? What school conditions promote standards of the heart? What can be assessed in the classroom? Where can we find data about student behavior?

How well are students performing academically?		Examining School Performance on Statewide Tests How did students perform on state tests at grades 3-8 and 10? How did performance of all students enrolled compare to continuing students only? How did students perform on the Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test? (Last administered March 2005) Reviewing Other Student Performance Indicators What percent of students did not advance to the next grade level? How did students perform on college admissions and placement tests? What are the high school completion rates? What are students' postgraduation plans?

What programs, staff, and money are available?		Reviewing School Programs and Processes What school-supported activities are offered? What are the district requirements for high school graduation? What advanced courses are offered? Examining Staffing Patterns What staff are available in this district? What are the qualifications of teachers? Examining Spending Patterns How much money is received and spent in this district? Where can I find more detailed school finance data?
What about attendance and behavior at school?		Examining Attendance Patterns What percent of students attend school each day? What percent of students are habitually truant? Examining Student Involvement Do students participate in school supported activities? What courses are students taking? Examining Disciplinary Patterns What percentage of students were suspended or expelled last year? What percentage of school days were lost due to suspension or expulsion? What types of incidents resulted in suspensions or expulsions? What happens after students are expelled? Examining Dropout Rates How many students dropped out of school last year?
What are student/school demographics?		What is the enrollment by student group? What are the primary disabilities of students in need of special education services? What are the characteristics of limited English proficient students at this school?

What are the characteristics of a successful school?		Vision Leadership High academic standards Standards of the heart Family, school, and community partnerships Professional development Evidence of success Bibliography
Where can we find needs assessment surveys?		Characteristics of Successful Schools Surveys Characteristics of Successful Schools Surveys in Spanish and Lao School Climate Surveys for Students School Climate Survey for Staff EnGauge Website Service-Learning Quality Review Self-Reflection Tool for Teachers Self-Reflection Tool for Administrators Wisconsin Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Who should be involved in improvement?		Tips for building strong school improvement teams
Where can we find improvement planning tools?		School Improvement Planning Tool CESA Data Retreat Participant's Guide & Improvement Goal Worksheet

Vision		How do we create a school vision about learning and citizenship for all students? What are sources of research about developing a common vision?
Leadership		How do we promote shared leadership in our school-community? How can leaders ensure educational equity? How can we ensure all students meet high expectations? What are sources of research about leadership?
High academic standards		Wisconsin Model Academic Standards Wisconsin Proficiency Standards and the Wisconsin Student Assessment System Curriculum Wizard WINSS Curriculum Resource Center, MarcoPolo More resources for aligning curriculum and instruction with our standards How do we ensure that there are a variety of assessment measures for all learners? What are sources of research about standards based learning?
Standards of the heart		How do we help families learn about and promote standards of the heart? How are Wisconsin schools promoting standards of the heart? What assessment tools are available to help evaluate standards of the heart? What are sources of research about building character?
Family, school, and community partnerships		How do we promote partnerships with families and the community? How can we promote learning at home? How do we promote learning for young children and community members? What are sources for research about sustaining school, family, & community partnerships?
Professional development		How do we establish professional development goals? What opportunities are available for professional development? What are standards for professional development? What are sources of research about professional development and quality teaching?
Evidence of success		How can we gather evidence from multiple sources and use it to document progress? What are sources of quality data? What are sources of research about using data to improve student achievement?

We welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions about WINSS. Email: winss@dpi.wi.gov. Copyright: State of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Phone: 1-800-441-4563 (U.S. only) / 608-266-3390 Submit questions or comments regarding this website to: webadmin@dpi.wi.gov