WEAC supports legislation to increase the Student Achievement Guarantee in Education (SAGE) per-pupil reimbursement level from $2,250 to $2,500.

Great schools benefit everyone, and investing in proven strategies to increase student achievement, such as small class sizes, has helped make Wisconsin’s public schools among the very best in the nation. Wisconsin can take pride in its highly successful SAGE program which establishes a 15:1 student-teacher ratio in grades K-3 in participating schools. In addition to reducing class sizes, SAGE schools are expected to keep their doors open every day for extended hours, collaborate with community organizations to make educational and recreational opportunities available, develop rigorous academic curriculum, and provide professional development for teachers.

Surveyed educators in SAGE classrooms report that reducing class sizes in the early primary grades not only boosts student achievement but also leads to fewer suspensions, student absences, special education referrals and discipline problems while teacher-parent communication and teacher satisfaction increases.

Investments in great schools build strong communities, and underfunding SAGE undermines a worthy investment. The per-pupil funding level has not kept pace with inflation. It was not until 2007 that the Legislature funded an increase to the SAGE reimbursement rate for low-income pupils from its 1996-97 level of $2,000 per pupil to $2,250. As a result, more than 30 schools have dropped out of the program since 2001-02.

To sustain the SAGE program, the per-pupil SAGE reimbursement rate must, at a minimum, keep pace with inflation. According to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, adjusting the perpupil amount using the Consumer Price Index, $2,000 in 1997 would equal $2,536 in 2007.

Every kid deserves a great school. Additional resources are needed to maintain school participation in this valuable program proven to provide an equal opportunity for a sound basic education for low-income students, boost student achievement, and contribute to closing the achievement gap between children of color and their peers. Such an investment will lay a strong foundation for basic skills and improve student achievement, helping kids reach their full potential.

Additional Information

Contact Deb Sybell, WEAC Legislative Program Coordinator, at 800-362-8034 ext. 227 or by e- mail at sybelld@weac.org with any reactions, comments or questions.

Posted May 12, 2008