Draft Revisions to WI Model Academic Standards

English Language Arts and Mathematics

The Department of Public Instruction presents draft versions of Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards (WMAS) in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. Using the alignment process and resources of the American Diploma Project (ADP) as well as the framework of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21), writing Teams in ELA and mathematics revised and redesigned the standards for grades PK-12.

The American Diploma Project praised the strong alignment of Wisconsin’s standards to ADP’s high school exit benchmarks. This process was completed in June 2009 (press release).

Currently, the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers are leading an initiative to develop Common Core Standards. Wisconsin is one of 47 states committed to this project. The Common Core College and Career Readiness Standards are targeted to be released in a draft version for public comment in mid-September. Following the finalizing of the high school exit expectations, the Common Core K-12 standards will move through a comment period prior to their release, scheduled for December 2009.

In light of this important national initiative, the Department of Public Instruction posts these draft versions of Wisconsin’s standards in English language arts and mathematics for districts and schools. While not finalized, the trends and directions of Wisconsin’s draft standards parallel the Common Core Standards, both building on the national and state standards developed in the 1990s. As revised, Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards are fewer, clearer, and higher and support the development of local curriculum through conversations across grade bands (PK-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12).

Finalizing of Wisconsin’s standards in ELA and mathematics likely will occur later in the 2009-2010 school year. Simultaneous with the revisions of Wisconsin's standards, DPI will be transforming the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam. The national discussion of common assessments will also likely impact state level assessment.

Given the multiple state and national perspectives the writing teams considered while revising the standards, a graphic was created to illustrate these various "lenses," including ADP, P21, and the Common Core, and their relationship to this set of Wisconsin draft standards.

Questions:

English language arts standards - contact:

• Emilie Amundson, English Language Arts Consultant
• Jacque Karbon, Reading Consultant

Mathematics standards - contact:

• Diana Kasbaum, Mathematics Consultant

State assessment - contact:

• Lynette Russell, Director, Office of Educational Accountability

General issues - contact:

• Paul Sandrock, Interim Director, Content and Learning

Last updated on 9/8/2009 1:28:53 PM