Blue Ribbon
Commission on Education!
It is such an honor to be entrusted with
Co-Chairing the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Funding with Sen. Olsen
(R-14). Wisconsin's current funding formula was
created in the 1970's and no longer reflects the diverse needs of our
modern school systems. It is my hope that this commission will
result in a more fair and adaptive formula that will benefit every
school in Wisconsin, regardless of whether it is located in an urban or
rural district. To that end, we will be holding multiple public
hearings throughout Wisconsin in order to get a better understanding of
each region's needs.
I feel this commission is greatly
needed and will lead Wisconsin towards a school funding formula that
will ensure all of our students will have access to the opportunities
and resources that they both need and deserve. I can't wait to see what
innovations in our school funding program will be produced by this commission's efforts.
Public Hearing for my
Transfer of College Credits Bill
I am deeply grateful and impressed by all
those who testified in favor of my Transfer of College Credits bill, Assembly
Bill 559, at the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee public
hearing. As anyone who has ever attended a university can attest, the
cost of higher education can be an incredible burden on any family's
finances.
Many high schools throughout Wisconsin
offer college level course programs that do not, for one reason or
another, fall into the category of AP. The courses taught through
these programs are often times very similar in content as their AP
counterparts, but under the UW system's current credit transfer program,
only the high school courses designated as AP can be accepted for
credit. This puts high school students who have worked hard to
prepare for college but were not offered AP courses at an unfair
disadvantage.
This bill was designed, with input from
the UW system, to address this issue by offering incoming students who
have taken non-AP college level courses the opportunity to take an exam
that will demonstrate their proficiency in that subject area, thus
providing a way to earn college credit for that course. This will allow them to
have equal footing with their peers, who already receive college credit
for AP courses, by giving all students the chance to earn credit where
credit is due.
Touring Willow Tree
I had the
privilege of touring the Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center
located in Green Bay. The caring and professional staff at Willow
Tree work to provide a safe, home-like facility designed to help victims
of child abuse and their families cope with and heal from the trauma
such abuse can cause.
The
services provided by Willow Tree include child forensic interviews,
advocacy services, medical care, and counseling for victims of abuse.
I believe it is important for all these services to be provided in one
location so that the child involved will have the ability to discuss the
abuse they have experienced with all concerned parties on one occasion,
rather than reliving the trauma repeatedly by having to discuss it
separately with the doctor, the investigator, and then finally
a counselor.
I truly
believe that Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center is a great
resource for our community and I look forward to seeing them grow to one
day be able to help all of the children and families in Wisconsin who
have been affected by the trauma of abuse.
$15 Million in Information
Technology Grants Available to Schools!
I was
incredibly pleased to see Governor Walker's announcement about the
availability of $15 million in Technology for Educational Achievement (TEACH)
Information Technology Infrastructure grants. With these grants,
rural school districts will be able to procure resources that will
increase and upgrade technology in the classroom.
A list
of eligible school districts is provided on the
TEACH website along with the grant application
materials. I strongly encourage any interested and eligible school
districts to follow the link for more information.
Upcoming District Events!
What:
Traditional Barn Dance
Where: Institute Saloon, 4599 Hwy 57,
Institute, WI
When: December 16, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Details:
"Join
for a fun time and some great exercise. Beginners welcome, no partner
needed. $5 suggested donation."
What:
Winter Market at the Oasis
Where: Prince of Peace Church, 1756
Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI
When: December 16, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Details: "Featuring indoor vendors
with garden produce, meats, canned goods, crafts and more."
What:
Winter in the Village
Where:
Lakehaven Hall, 96 Ellis St.,
Kewaunee, WI
When: December 16-17,
Saturday from 1:00pm - 8:00pm and
Sunday from 11:00am - 8:00pm
Details: "Enjoy the beauty of
season with a variety of Christmas displays at Lakehaven Hall. Stroll
through different decorations, Christmas villages and warm up at the
fire"
In Closing...