Monday, March 23, 2020
Dear District Administrators,
This email provides Department of Public Instruction (DPI) COVID-19 updates on a waiver for hours of instruction and the DPI’s federal waiver.
DPI Issued Waivers
Hours of Instruction
Governor Tony Evers signed Emergency Order #10, which suspends requirements in administrative rule related to the waiving of the hours of instruction, on March 21. The DPI is now able to provide an expedited waiver process for the instructional hours requirement via a simple form. DPI will approve all such requests.
Per state law, school boards will still need to hold a public hearing [s.118.38 (1) (b)] and document the date of the public hearing to receive a waiver. The public hearing can be virtual or by teleconference. Please see Wisconsin Department of Justice guidance on public meetings for information on holding public meetings during this public health emergency.
Contact Tamara Mouw, Director of Teaching and Learning, at tamara.mouw@dpi.wi.gov for more information.
Federal Waiver Update
Today, the DPI received approval to implement waivers for requirements in section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, related to assessment and accountability requirements. The DPI waiver request to the US Department of Education is attached for your reference.