Wisconsin State Teacher Policy Yearbook

Abstract:

This evaluation is broken down into six areas that include a total of 27 goals. These goals examine the impact of state policy on the preparation, certification, licensure, compensation and effectiveness of teachers across the elementary, secondary and special education spectra.

It finds that Wisconsin has met some goals, but overall it lags behind most other states in implementing teacher-related policy. Wisconsin completely missed 14 goals, met a small portion of five, partially met five, nearly met one and fully met two.

The report finds that the state has a sound policy requiring undergraduate teacher preparation programs to administer a basic skills test as a criterion for admission. However, it needs to do more to ensure that new teachers know the science of reading instruction, and it should also consider offering at least one genuine alternate route to certification.

The study concludes that Wisconsin’s overall performance is “languishing.”