Craney Urges Weac Members To Speak Out On Standards
Educators and members of the public have the opportunity to shape model
academic standards in coming weeks.
The Governor’s Council on Model Academic Standards has scheduled
a series of public forums in October to gather input on standards.
The council released proposed standards based on drafts which hundreds
of WEAC members helped write as part of the Department of Public Instruction’s
original standards process. The governor’s council incorporated DPI
documents in the standards sent to the Hudson Institute in Indiana for
writing and revision.
“The proposed standards are a foundation to build upon,” WEAC
President Terry Craney said. “They are a model for local school districts
to develop their own curriculum.”
Craney said the proposed standards do not define a complete curriculum
in any content area. “They are a good starting point,” he said.
“Local school districts can enhance and expand them to fit their
needs.”
Craney urged WEAC members to attend the hearings and talk to the news
media about the standards.
“The council and press need to hear from the people who work with
students on a daily basis,” he said. “It is critical for educators
to speak out so the standards will meet the needs of all students in our
public schools.”
Craney said the public must also understand that raising standards for
all children is not an easy task.
“It is unfair and hypocritical of the state to increase individual
performance standards while continuing to limit resources districts need
to help children,” Craney said. “The state government is in
effect restricting resources with revenue controls, while raising learning
standards.”
The council will draft a final version of the standards following the
forums. School districts will be required to establish local standards,
either using the state’s model, or by developing their own. The public
forums all run from 7:00-8:30 p.m. and are scheduled for:
- Thursday, October 2, Einstein Middle School Auditorium, Appleton.
- Tuesday, October 7, Southwest High School Auditorium, Green Bay.
- Wednesday, October 8, Ben Franklin Junior High Cafeteria, Stevens
Point.
- Monday, October 13, Room 417-N, State Capitol, Madison.
- Wednesday, October 15, Hogan Administration Building, La Crosse.
- Tuesday, October 21, Platteville High School Cafeteria.
- Wednesday, October 22, MPS Administration Building Auditorium, Milwaukee.
- Tuesday, October 28, Superior High School Performing Arts Center.
- Wednesday, October 29, Memorial High School, Eau Claire
Posted September 26, 1997