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WEAC statement on No Child Left Behind waiver
1/23/2012 6:06:20 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2012
Contact: Christina Brey, 608.298.2519
WEAC statement on No Child Left Behind waiver
MADISON – The following statement regarding the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s waiver application for federal No Child Left Behind regulations can be attributed to Mary Bell, a Wisconsin Rapids teacher and president of the Wisconsin Education Association Council:
“The application released today by State Superintendent Tony Evers is necessary and important to the future of Wisconsin. We must find better ways to measure how all of Wisconsin’s schools are performing to ensure accountability and that all children have access to a high-quality education.
“While we have some technical questions, the application represents progress in that the proposed measurement systems are better than what exists today and will put Wisconsin on course for the emergence of improved assessment. It’s also good to see that the proposed accountability system applies to all taxpayer-funded schools – even vouchers and charter schools.
“While this is a good first step, there are some areas not addressed in this waiver which we hope might be included in the final application, such as measuring the education programs schools offer students, including courses in art, music and other areas that build a well-rounded education. In listening sessions all over the state, that’s what parents, educators and community members told us was important to them when measuring their schools.
“It’s our hope that state politicians respect the process and work that has gone into the development of this waiver application and not undermine its success by taking action that would deter from the long-term, comprehensive approach this waiver takes. Education reform must not be a power grab – it’s simply too important.”
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