Monday, June 17, 2019
The new Wisconsin Standards for World Language and Wisconsin Standards for Dance were adopted by State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor on June 3, 2019.
Each set of standards went through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s comprehensive process for reviewing and revising academic standards, beginning with a notice of intent to review with a public commenting period, culminating in many months of work and feedback from the public, stakeholders, educators, and the Legislature, with further review by State Superintendent’s Standards Review Council.
In Wisconsin, all state standards serve as a model. Locally elected school boards adopt academic standards in each subject area to best serve their local community.
Wisconsin Standards for World Languages
Co-Chairs of the writing committee for the world language standards:
- Lynn Sessler Neitzel, Blackhawk Technical College, director of teaching and learning resources; and Wisconsin Virtual School, Japanese instructor
- Karen Luond Fowdy, School District of Monroe, retired consultant
Unique elements in the new world language standards include benchmarks and performance indicators by language proficiency rather than grade level, the development of intercultural communication, and global competence and community engagement. They are designed to provide equity in access to standards and proficiency-based pathways to language learning.
The standards further support and recognize that early and extended K-12 language learning experiences result in the language skills needed for college and career readiness. They also help school districts as they fulfill the statutory requirement of providing access to a standards-based sequence of regular instruction to world languages in grades 7-12.
The full set of standards are published on the World Language Education web page.
The Wisconsin Language Roadmap supports the development of standards and proficiency-based programs that prepare more students to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy.
Wisconsin Standards for Dance
Co-Chairs of the writing committee for the dance standards:
- Jessica Bauer, Signature Steps Studio, physical education educator, Reedsburg
- Susan Gingrasso, retired, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
The Wisconsin Standards for Dance are a foundational framework, identifying what students should know and be able to do in dance through the K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade bands. Students engage in dance through the Create, Perform, Respond, and Connect standards and artistic processes.
The full set of standards are published on the Wisconsin Standards for Dance web page.
School districts and even studios across the state may consider this set of standards within their work to help build skills and knowledge in dance. These learning communities may also use the resources available within the Wisconsin Standards for Dance page. This site provides a video showcasing the standards’ framework.
Additional resources will be added over time to support the implementation of the standards. Check the Fine Arts Professional Development Calendar for online and face-to-face standards sessions.
For questions about the Wisconsin Standards for World Languages, contact Pamela Delfosse, international education and world languages consultant (608) 267-9265.
For questions about the Wisconsin Standards for Dance, contact Julie Palkowski, arts & creativity education consultant at DPIDance.Standards@dpi.wi.gov.