Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards
Help Shape the Future of Wisconsin's Career Readiness Standards
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will release a Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate in October 2026. The Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate will define the durable skills that will support students after high school—no matter the path they choose. As this work nears completion, DPI sees a significant connection between the skills described in the Portrait and those already reflected in the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards.
In an effort to align and simplify resources for school districts and avoid a long delay of revisions to our Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards, DPI is considering revising the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards to align to the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate.
We are asking school districts to weigh in on this process. Should the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards remain as they are? Should they be updated to better align with the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate? Your feedback will help shape the future of these statewide resources and ensure they best support Wisconsin schools and students.
Survey link (open until August 30, 2026)
A Foundation for Learning
The Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards (WCRS) provide a foundation on which the subject-specific standards are built. These employability or "future-ready" skills are founded on social-emotional learning, global competence, STEM skills, and digital literacy skills and include the following:
Career ready: Career Awareness, Exploration, Planning, and Preparation; Postsecondary Education and Training Preparation
Learning ready: Academic Skills; Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving; Innovation Mindset and Skills; Technology Skills
Life ready: Self-Awareness, Management, and Responsibility; Interpersonal Communication and Collaboration; Global Competence; Responsive Leadership
Accessible Standards (Word)
Standards (2024) Printer-friendly