Division of Academics

The Division of Academics provides leadership, guidance, and support to ensure all students in Wisconsin engage in rigorous, equitable, and high-quality learning experiences. 

This division plays a central role in advancing statewide priorities in teaching, learning, and continuous school improvement. 

It works collaboratively with educators, school leaders, statewide partners, and district staff to strengthen instructional practices, build educator capacity, and improve student learning and achievement across all content areas.

The division oversees the following offices and bureaus:

Office of Literacy

The Office of Literacy works to support schools in delivering high-quality reading, literacy, and English language arts instruction and experiences for each Wisconsin learner 4K through grade 12 so that each Wisconsin learner is literate. This happens through reading and English language arts instruction and school library access and services. The Office of Literacy works to strengthen universal instruction and a multi-level continuum of support that includes strategic use of data and collaboration so that each learner receives what they need when they need it specific to literacy instruction. The Office of Literacy has duties specifically required by 2023 Wisconsin Act 20, as well as duties specifically related to school libraries (such as the annual School Library Plan).

Key responsibilities include:

Standards and Instruction: The Office of Literacy supports periodic revision and on-going implementation of Wisconsin’s Standards for English Language Arts . The Office also collaborates with other content consultants to support periodic revision and on-going implementation of Wisconsin’s Essential Elements for English Language Arts . This includes issuing guidance about selection or creation, and implementation of instructional materials. The Office collaborates with all content consultants on the periodic revision and on-going implementation of Wisconsin’s Standards for Disciplinary Literacy, Wisconsin’s Standards for Computer Science, and Wisconsin’s Standards for Information and Technology Literacy .

School Libraries: The Office of Literacy supports school libraries with evaluation resources, administration of the Common School Fund, Future Ready Library Planning, information and procedures to stop censorship, and proactive information about AI.

Assessment: The Office of Literacy supports Wisconsin’s strategic assessment system. This includes contributing to statewide summative assessments, such as the Forward and ACT. It also includes all aspects of statewide early literacy screening as required by Wis. Stat. §118.016. Importantly, it also includes supporting formative assessment and adjusting instruction based on data through technical assistance.

Professional Development: The Office of Literacy provides opportunities for educators – including school librarians - and the systems they work in to engage in continuous improvement of literacy and English language arts instruction with an emphasis on ensuring our systems serve students who are marginalized. This includes collaborating with partners and/or convening groups for learning; creating guidance and learning materials for use statewide; and opportunities to provide feedback on materials. In addition, the Office of Literacy, as requested, reviews submissions for program approval from educator preparation programs (EPPs) and portfolios for pathways to licensure through licenses with stipulations.

Implementation of 2023 Wisconsin Act 20: The Office of Literacy includes the Director of the Office of Literacy, an appointed position created by statute, to oversee statewide early literacy coaches. Act 20 also includes early literacy screening and diagnostic assessment, parent/caregiver communication related to assessment, personal reading plans, district early literacy remediation plans, professional development training requirements for 5K – 3rd grade educators and administrators, requirements for Educator Preparation Programs, the Early Literacy Curriculum Council (ELCC), annual reporting requirements, and administration of related funds.

Literacy Leadership: The employees of the Office of Literacy are statewide literacy leaders. Further, the Office of Literacy fosters shared literacy leadership in schools, libraries, and communities. This includes advocating for literacy policies and funding to advance learning for marginalized students; responding to requests from the legislature, Governor’s Office, and other state agencies; and engaging in on-going professional learning.

Bureau of Educator Talent

The Bureau of Educator Talent is committed to advancing the quality, effectiveness, and diversity of Wisconsin’s educator workforce. Grounded in the belief that (1) every learner deserves excellent educators and (2) the investment in educators is an important strategy to close opportunity gaps between students based on race, disability status, and language acquisition, the Bureau leads and supports efforts that span the full continuum of an educator’s career—from recruitment and preparation to professional growth and leadership development.

Key responsibilities include:

Professional Learning and Growth: Supporting high-quality, equity-centered professional development opportunities aligned with Wisconsin’s academic standards, educator effectiveness system, and the Wisconsin Standards for Professional Learning. The Bureau helps districts and educators access tools and frameworks that promote continuous improvement and ongoing professional development.

Leadership Development: Partnering with institutions and organizations to support the development of culturally responsive, visionary school and district leaders across the state. This includes promoting leadership pathways and fostering mentorship and collaboration among educational leaders.

Educator Preparation: Review and collaborate with educator preparation programs (EPPs) to ensure that future teachers and school leaders are well-prepared to meet the needs of Wisconsin students. The Bureau works alongside DPI’s Bureau of Licensing to uphold rigorous standards and streamline pathways into the profession.

Recruitment and Retention: Addressing workforce shortages and disparities through initiatives aimed at recruiting diverse and highly qualified educators, especially in rural, high-poverty, and high-need content areas. The Bureau supports strategies to increase educator retention through improved working conditions, support systems, professional development, and career advancement opportunities.

Policy, Innovation, and Equity: Providing leadership for educator development policy and promoting innovative, inclusive and expansive practices to improve teaching and learning statewide.

Sections

Educator Development

Educator Preparation Program

Office of Educational Accountability

The Office of Educational Accountability (OEA) is responsible for implementing, coordinating and managing systems that promote transparency, continuous improvement, and equitable outcomes in Wisconsin’s PK–12 public schools. The Office ensures schools and districts are accountable by measuring and reporting student learning, engagement, and progress guided by Federal and State laws, regulations and rules.

Key responsibilities include:

State Accountability System (School and District Report Cards): Administering Wisconsin’s state accountability system, including the development and release of annual school and district report cards. This system evaluates academic achievement, growth, target group outcomes, and graduation rates to provide a comprehensive picture of school and district performance. 

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Implementation: Implementing federal assessment and accountability requirements under ESSA, including the identification and support of schools in need of targeted or comprehensive improvement. 

Assessment Implementation and Reporting: Providing leadership in the coordination, planning, development, vendor management, implementation, scoring, and reporting of the required statewide assessments.

Educational Data and Reporting: Overseeing the collection, validation, and reporting of educational data used to measure student outcomes, inform accountability decisions, and guide state and local improvement strategies. 

Assessment and Evaluation Coordination: Collaborating with DPI’s partners to align accountability metrics with statewide assessment tools, ensuring coherence across systems that measure student and school performance.

Bureau of Teaching and Learning

The Bureau of Teaching and Learning provides statewide leadership and support to ensure all Wisconsin students have access to rigorous, relevant, and inclusive academic learning opportunities. The Bureau oversees the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic standards, instructional practices, and curricular resources across all content areas. The Bureau also supports a wide range of Student Services programs that promote whole-child development, wellness, and safety.

Key responsibilities include:

Academic Standards Development and Support: Leading the development, revision, and dissemination of Wisconsin Academic Standards in core and elective subject areas. The Bureau provides guidance to educators and districts in aligning curriculum and instruction with these standards to promote college, career, and community readiness.

Content Area Expertise: Offering specialized support and resources across a wide range of disciplines—including, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, the arts, health and physical education, Special Education, and career and technical education (CTE). Content specialists work directly with educators and districts to enhance instructional quality and student engagement.

Instructional Equity and Access: Promoting culturally responsive and inclusive instructional practices that meet the diverse needs of Wisconsin’s learners. The Bureau collaborates with other DPI teams to close achievement gaps and ensure all students have equitable access to high-quality instruction.

Curriculum and Instructional Resources: Developing and sharing tools, model frameworks, and professional learning opportunities to support high-quality curriculum design and classroom instruction.

Support for Statewide Initiatives: Contributing to the implementation of key DPI initiatives, such as the Wisconsin Standards for Mathematics and Literacy, environmental education, STEAM integration, and the Academic and Career Planning (ACP) process.

Student Services: Providing leadership and coordination for programs that promote student health, safety, and well-being. The Bureau supports the work of school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses, and advances efforts that strengthen social-emotional learning, mental health, family engagement, and inclusive school environments. These services ensure that all students are supported in ways that enhance their academic and personal success.

Sections

PK-12 Standards and Instruction

Student Engagement

Career and Technical Education

Student Services

Bureau of Grants Administration and Monitoring

The Bureau of Federal Grants Administration and Monitoring ensures that all subrecipients, including school districts and independent charter schools, operate in accordance with appropriate state and federal education laws, including the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). The Bureau plays a vital role in safeguarding students’ rights and supporting equitable, inclusive educational environments across Wisconsin.

Key responsibilities include:

Special Education Procedural Compliance Monitoring System, IDEA State Complaints, and General Supervision Requirements: Ensure compliance with state and federal special education laws, provide oversight of the special education dispute resolution systems, and implement an effective general supervision system. This includes the development and implementation of the special education compliance monitoring system, development of the IEP model forms and special education policies, and development of special education state-wide guidance.

Grants Administration: Administer funds and monitor programs to ensure educational equity. Ensures funds are used in accordance with grant requirements and supports LEAs and other subrecipients to comply with the law.

Guidance and Technical Assistance: Providing resources, professional development, and consultation to help districts, schools, and other subrecipients understand and meet compliance obligations while promoting best practices for inclusive education. The Bureau provides technical assistance to help districts resolve issues and build capacity for systemic improvement.

Data Verification and Reporting: Supporting the collection and validation of compliance-related data used for state and federal reporting, monitoring, and accountability purposes.

Sections

Federal Formula Grants

Federal Education Projects

Dispute Resolution System and Compliance Monitoring Section

Office of Continuous Improvement

The Office of Continuous Improvement supports schools, districts, and educational partners in using data-driven processes and evidence-based practices to advance student outcomes and close opportunity gaps. The Office leads efforts to build local capacity for sustained improvement, grounded in effective implementation, equity, collaboration, and shared accountability.

Key responsibilities include:

Joint Federal Notification (JFN): In collaboration with the Office of Educational Accountability, revising the Joint Federal Notification information to school districts based on the annual cycles of identification required under IDEA and ESSA.

School and District Improvement Planning: Supporting schools and districts federally identified for improvement under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) by guiding the development and implementation of continuous improvement plans that address root causes of underperformance and ensuring schools and districts meet requirements for federal identifications.

Data-Informed Decision-Making: Providing tools, coaching, and professional learning that help educators use data effectively to monitor progress, evaluate impact, and adjust strategies for student success.

Systems Coaching and Technical Assistance: Working directly with schools, districts, and regional service agencies to develop strong leadership teams and internal coaching systems and implement cycles of inquiry and reflective practice.

Equity and Inclusion in Improvement Work: Centering equity in all improvement efforts by helping schools identify and dismantle systemic barriers to student learning, particularly for historically marginalized groups.

Alignment with Statewide Initiatives: Collaborating across DPI to ensure continuous improvement efforts are aligned with agency priority initiatives.