UW regents approve request for $42.5 million in new funding

UW regents approve request for $42.5 million in new funding

MADISON — The University of Wisconsin system's governing body has approved a request for $42.5 million in new funding.The Wisconsin State Journal reports the regents on Thursday took the first step in what officials acknowledge will be a lengthy process that they hope will reverse years of declining state support.The request now goes to Gov.

Nation's report card: Wisconsin students score better than national average on math tests

Nation's report card: Wisconsin students score better than national average on math tests

MADISON — Wisconsin fourth and eighth grade students are scoring better than the national average on math tests known as the nation's report card.Wisconsin reading scores released Wednesday were better than the national average in eighth grade and on par in fourth grade.But the gap between black and white students in Wisconsin was second from the bottom in both math and reading scores in both grade levels.State Superintendent Tony Evers says progress is being made, but there is a gap for too many.Wisconsin students' scores were stable on the National Assessment of Educational Progress compared with the last time it was given in 2013.Nationally, math scores in fourth and eighth grade dropped while reading scores were flat in fourth grade and lower in eighth grade.

Nine Wisconsin schools win national Blue Ribbon honors, one in Mequon-Thiensville

Nine Wisconsin schools win national Blue Ribbon honors, one in Mequon-Thiensville

MADISON -- State Superintendent Tony Evers congratulated eight public schools and one private school from Wisconsin on Tuesday, September 29th that were among 335 recognized in the 2015 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.Schools are chosen for the award based on overall academic excellence or progress in closing achievement gaps.

Lawsuit: Does Wisconsin's open enrollment program violate disability law?

Lawsuit: Does Wisconsin's open enrollment program violate disability law?

MADISON (AP) — Three families of children with disabilities are challenging Wisconsin's law that allows students to open enroll at schools outside their home district, saying it violates federal disability law.The families are represented by the conservative group the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.

State superintendent calling for $613 million increase in state aid over the next two years

State superintendent calling for $613 million increase in state aid over the next two years

MADISON (AP) — State Superintendent Tony Evers is calling for increasing state aid to public schools by $613 million over the next two years, a request that will have to pass the Republican-controlled Legislature and be signed by Governor Scott Walker before taking effect.The two year budget request Evers submitted Monday, November 10th would increase aid to public schools 2.6 percent in the 2015 school year and 4.7 percent the year after.Evers is also once again calling for rewriting Wisconsin's school aid formula, something he has put forward since 2010 but that has gone nowhere.Evers' budget request would also allow schools to increase spending per student $200 the first year and $204 the second.

State Superintendent Evers greets students on first day of school

State Superintendent Evers greets students on first day of school

MEQUON/THIENSVILLE (WITI) -- Students in the Mequon-Thiensville School District were greeted by a special visitor on the first day of school on Tuesday, September 3rd.State Superintendent Tony Evers was on hand, as part of the "Education is a Journey" event.Evers spoke to students at Lake Shore Middle School about how to use their education for the future."It's a journey that they're on from the time they walk into our schools until they leave and become adults, so it's really important that people stay focused on what they need to do and understand what their dreams are so that they can continue on.

Rufus King International School nominated for national ACT award

Rufus King International School nominated for national ACT award

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- A Milwaukee high school is up for a national award for its efforts in getting students ready for college and careers.“Rufus King has a long history of educational excellence, having offered the International Baccalaureate since 1979,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers.Out of hundreds of high schools in Wisconsin, Evers and Governor Scott Walker chose Rufus King International School as the nominee for the ACT's National College and Career Transition Award.“Recently, U.S. News & World Report named King as a top rated Wisconsin public high school,” said Evers.It's the first year for the award that recognizes the efforts made to prepare students for college and beyond.

Wisconsin superintendent calls for restoring respect

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin state superintendent Tony Evers says teachers have been unfairly targeted in budget and policy debates over the past year and more work needs to be done to restore dignity and respect to them.