Milwaukee Rep Open to Debating School Standards, but Doesn’t Want “Reshuffling”

"Let's Focus on Real Solutions"

Expect a lot of requests for more money if Wisconsin lawmakers start talking about changing the state’s test score or learning standards again.

Former State Rep. LaKeshia Myers has a new op-ed where she says if Assembly Republicans overrule the state superintendent’s decision to change the measurement for how Wisconsin school kids are learning, there needs to be some more funding included.

“What Wisconsin schools need isn’t another reshuffling of numbers or threats of state takeover. We need full funding that matches the rhetoric about educational importance. We need smaller class sizes, investment in teacher recruitment, wrap-around services, and resources that create ideal situations for success. We need policymakers to understand that money does answer all things and accountability matters,” Myers wrote. “We also need policymakers willing to strengthen the Department of Public Instruction and transition it from a guidance agency into one that has the responsibility to put school boards and school districts in check when standards are not met.”

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos last week said dealing with Superintendent Jill Underly’s changes to “dump down” Wisconsin schools is one of his top priorities for the new session.

“Superintendent Underly wants to make it harder for parents to understand when their school is succeeding or failing,” Vos told reporters at a statehouse news conference. “She wants to make it easier for failing schools to somehow seem like they're succeeding.”

Myers said Wisconsin lawmakers have done this, she harkened back to the Opportunity Schools and Partnership Program from 2015.

“The OSPP’s failure should serve as a lesson: top-down interventions based purely on test scores don’t address the root causes of educational inequality,” Myers added. “As we debate these new benchmark changes, let’s focus on real solutions – increasing per-pupil funding, investing in early childhood education, and providing comprehensive support services for families. Our students deserve more than shifting goalposts. They deserve a genuine commitment to educational equity.”

Vos has not said what wants to see from new learning standards, or new test score benchmarks.

But he said the current benchmarks and standards are too low.

Gov. Tony Evers has said the same thing, but the governor has not said if he will support -- or sign -- a new law from legislative Republicans this year.