Monday, June 18, 2018
Educators and stakeholders across the state worked months to update standards for Social Studies and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability. Each set of standards went through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s comprehensive process for reviewing and revising academic standards. The updated standards establish grade-band expectations for students and provide a guide for educators to plan curriculum and lessons.
Academic standards specify what students should know and be able to do in the classroom. In the revised Social Studies Standards, an Inquiry Practices and Processes strand is emphasized as a guide for instruction in all of the new standards. There is also an emphasis on the integrated nature of the standards, bringing several different strands of social studies together for teaching and learning purposes.
For more information, including how to view the new standards, visit the Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies page. Educators can visit the Wisconsin Social Studies Rollout Resources page for opportunities to learn more.
The revised Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Standards include three strands, encouraging students to Connect, Explore, and Engage in the world. The strands help students develop a sense of place while understanding how various networks and systems work in order to be active members of their communities. These standards are intended to be integrated across subject areas from kindergarten through grade 12.
For more information, including how to view the new standards, visit the Wisconsin Standards for Environmental Literacy and Sustainability page. Educators can visit the Environmental Education Events calendar for opportunities to learn more.
Chairs of the Social Studies and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Writing Committees
Social Studies:
- Che Kearby, Kenosha Unified School District
- Dr. Corey Thompson, Cardinal Stritch University
Environmental Literacy and Sustainability:
- Dr. Becca Franzen, University of Wisconsin-Steven Point
- Pete Michaud, Ronald Reagan Elementary School, New Berlin
Looking Forward
The State Superintendent’s Standards Review Council has recommended revision of the Theatre Standards. A writing committee has been formed, comprised of theatre education experts, industry professionals, and advocates. The writing process is available online with continued updates for the field through the Fine Arts and Creativity Theatre page. In July 2018, the public will be invited to review the draft of the Wisconsin Standards for Theatre.
For more information regarding Wisconsin’s comprehensive and transparent process for reviewing standards, visit the Academic Standards page.