March 6, 2006	Volume 5, Number 7

On the Road

On February 27, State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster met with David Glisch-Sanchez, Academic Affairs Director of the United Council of UW Students, and student representatives from several UW campuses including Cedric Lawson and Katrina Flores, UW-Madison; Courtney Ryan, UW-Stevens Point; and Chee Moua, UW-River Falls, for a conversation in which the students shared their perspectives on higher education.

On February 28, the state superintendent participated in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) board meeting in Madison. On their agenda was a request by Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids to establish a program for Paper and Chemical Technology, to prepare students for entry level jobs as production employees in the paper and allied process industries. The board also discussed adopting a new system-wide strategic direction for under-prepared learners by developing a new category of general college courses to provide additional academic preparation for students. The new courses would use assessments administered at the time of admission, to place students in courses that best suit their level of readiness, and work with high schools to close curricula and achievement gaps and develop strategies that improve student success. The WTCS board also heard a legislative update on state and federal issues affecting education.

That afternoon, Burmaster visited Muir Middle School in Milwaukee where she met with the eighth grade learning team, toured the school, and talked with students in a music class about the importance of music and the arts to their overall education. Dr. Rose Coppins is the principal. She has been a leader in the Alliance for Attendance, an initiative started by Superintendent Burmaster in Milwaukee.

On March 5, Burmaster traveled to Peshtigo and spoke at the dedication ceremony of their newly remodeled Elementary Learning Center. The facility has a new cafeteria, new band, choir and art rooms, and new, technologically state-of-the art classrooms.

“Your success, as reflected by this beautiful renewed and expanded building, is the result of a lot of work and collaboration on the part of a lot of people,” Burmaster told the audience. “You are to be congratulated on the high level of parent and student involvement, excellent teaching and leadership, and the commitment of your community to its schools. In these difficult economic times, you put your children and their futures first. For that you are to be commended.

“Students who attend the new Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center, now and in the future, must realize that this wonderful facility is evidence that their community wants them to have the best resources available to help them learn. But always remember, ‘To whom much has been given, much is expected.’ Students, we expect great things from you, and have no doubt that you will meet and surpass our high expectations.”

Last updated on 3/6/2006