How Are Common Core State Standards Different Than Other Wisconsin Standards?

Teachers, content experts, parents, and community leaders all weighed in to help create the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Literacy in All Content Areas, and these standards have been adopted by over 40 states. Wisconsin adopted the Common Core State Standards as Wisconsin's standards in 2010. The Common Core State Standards focus on core conceptual understandings and procedures starting in the early grades, enabling teachers to take the time needed to teach core concepts and procedures well - and to give students the opportunity to master them. With students, parents, and teachers all on the same page and working together for shared goals, we can ensure that students make progress each year and graduate from school prepared to succeed in college and in a modern workforce.

Wisconsin is also participating in two multi-state projects to develop new common standards for science and social studies. Each is following a slightly different process from the Common Core State Standards initiative.

Science: Led by the National Research Council, a framework was developed to guide the writing of science standards. Achieve, Inc., is leading the development of Next Generation Science Standards based on this framework. The Council of Chief State School Officers’ State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards (SCASS) for science, of which Wisconsin is a member, will provide review and feedback.

Social Studies: The Council of Chief State School Officers’ SCASS for Social Studies Assessment, Curriculum, and Instruction, of which Wisconsin is a member, is heading the development of common standards.

Wisconsin Assessment System

Wisconsin's state assessment is based on state standards. As Wisconsin transitions to the next generation assessment system announced last fall, DPI is supporting an assessment system built around the Common Core State Standards. Wisconsin is a governing state within the multi-state consortium called the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). The guiding principles of SBAC mirror the recommendations of Wisconsin’s Next Generation Assessment Task Force report. Through the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium a common state summative assessment will be created and will replace the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam in 2014-2015 at the earliest.

In addition to the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, Wisconsin is involved in developing both new alternate achievement standards and a new alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities. DPI is a member of a second multi state consortium called Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM). DLM is charged with developing new alternate achievement standards, called Common Core Essential Elements (CCEEs), which are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Upon the completion of the CCEEs, DLM will begin developing a summative alternate assessment, along with formative evaluation materials and supportive professional development. We expect that this summative alternate assessment will replace the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for Student with Disabilities in 2014-15, following the same timeframe as the SBAC.

General Standards Links and Resources

Letter from State Superintendent for District Implementation

Press Release

Implementation Plan and Timeline

Questions and Answers about Common Core State Standards

Aligning Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards with Common Core State Standards

Implementation Resources from Learning Point Associates

Timeline for Revision of Standards for All Subject Areas

SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium information

Wisconsin Response to Intervention information

For questions about this information, contact Emilie Amundson (608) 266-3551

Last updated on 9/15/2011 8:31:20 AM