Governor Doyle Pushes Reforms to Help Wisconsin Students Achieve Success

MADISON, MILWUAKEE, WAUSAU - Governor Jim Doyle today announced major improvements to reform Wisconsin ’s education system.

“ Wisconsin has much to be proud of in our public schools,” Governor Doyle said. “We have outstanding teachers and principals, good facilities, solid community and parental involvement, and most of all – great students. We have high levels of proficiency on our own test, and recently released results of the NAEP test show our students do well compared to those across the country. We now have the chance to make Wisconsin the state where every student, regardless of circumstance, is learning from an effective teacher and supported by effective leaders. This fall, we are going to take education in Wisconsin to a new level. We are going to take real action to help students achieve and make Wisconsin ’s approach the best there is.”

The Governor said that Wisconsin must seize this moment of opportunity to improve its already great school system and support teachers and students across the state.

Under Governor Doyle’s leadership, the state will move forward to:

· Change the testing system to move Wisconsin toward consistent, tough, internationally recognized standards comparing student successes to other students across the country and around the world and continue working on smart set of standards with other states.

· Develop new data systems to track student and teacher performance that:

o Create better way of getting data to teachers on effective programs to improve student’s ability to learn; and

o Develop and test teacher evaluations that rely on a well-rounded picture including student engagement, the ability to collaborate with other teachers and parents’ views of the classroom.

· Create a mayor-appointed superintendent in the Milwaukee Public School District to set a clear line of accountability.

· Allow districts to increase their spending if they meet specific guidelines to improve education.

· Raise standards by making a third year of math and a third year of science mandatory for high school graduation.

· Create Milwaukee Children Zones to coordinate a comprehensive set of services to support children and learning in Milwaukee .

· Provide financial incentives to teachers and principals that improve student learning within their school.

· Create efficient paths to teacher licensure for mid-career professionals, while ensuring individuals are prepared for the classroom.

· Extend the time of instruction through longer days and school years.

The steps outlined by Governor Doyle will also put Wisconsin in a stronger position to compete for federal Race to the Top Funding. The program will provide $5 billion to selected states that act to improve student performance, especially in the schools that need it most. Race to the Top will allow Wisconsin and other states that are competing for the funding to focus on one fundamental relationship that’s behind every success story in education: Getting an effective teacher in front of a student who is ready to learn.