Governor's State of the State Proposals Under Review
Education proposals in the governor's State of the State speech and state
budget address need to be studied very closely, but some ideas reflect
key elements of WEAC's Framework
for Successful Schools and Legislative
Agenda.
"Many of the governor's education initiatives are very similar to
what we have been proposing for some time," WEAC President Terry
Craney said. "We will carefully review details of the proposals and
continue our leadership role in the debate over the future of public education."
Governor Thompson announced major initiatives for education standards,
graduation tests, school-to-work and educational technology.
He proposed the state adopt the Hudson Institute's Modern Red Schoolhouse
academic standards.
"The Hudson Institute's academic standards are very prescriptive
and amount to setting curriculum for school districts," Craney said.
"We believe the state should allow school districts to consider local
needs in developing academic standards for their children."
Craney called for implementation of performance assessments in the 4th,
8th and 10th grades.
"Assessments are an absolutely critical element of standards,"
he said. "Assessments will help local school districts and teachers
improve instruction. Academic standards and graduation tests are only
part of the equation."
The governor proposed $500 million for educational technology.
"WEAC's Legislative Agenda contains a comprehensive educational
technology component that includes allowing school districts to bond for
technological improvements outside the revenue controls," Craney
said.
The governor also proposed expanding Milwaukee's charter school experiment,
which WEAC actively opposes.
The governor proposed expanding the school-to-work program and requiring
high school graduation tests.
The governor also praised Wisconsin's economic progress, saying median
family income grew 14% since 1990.
"Governor Thompson failed to mention that thanks to the QEO, the
typical Wisconsin teacher's income increase is well below the state average,"
Craney said. "The average teacher salary schedule has increased 1.5%
every year since 1993, while inflation has been around 3%."
"The governor has failed to address many issues that are vitally
important to children, parents and educators in Wisconsin," Craney
said. "Where are the initiatives on school discipline and order,
class size and parental involvement in schools? We call on the governor
to address the tough issues along with the politically popular ones like
technology, to help ensure all Wisconsin children have equal learning
opportunities.”
Posted January 31, 1997; Updated March 4, 1997