Last week, the senate held a public hearing on SB 619. This bill would create a Model Academic Standards Board, which would be controlled by the governor and legislative leaders. This blows the door wide open to allow politicians to create our state standards rather than professionals with years of education experience. While the GOP is saying this is creating oversight instead of control, a memo by the nonpartisan Legislative Council confirms that the legislators would be able to modify academic standards should this bill pass. This is egregious and should outrage every Wisconsinite.

As a child growing up in Madison I moved around a lot. My family moved so often that I changed schools four times before fifth grade. This was difficult socially, but it was equally as hard keeping up with other students academically when the lessons taught varied from school to school.

While Longfellow Elementary may have taught addition in first grade, I was at Marquette and missed that entire lesson by the time I arrived at Longfellow. This same situation was repeated over and over. I wasn’t sure if I was ahead of the curve, falling behind or just keeping afloat.

My story is not unique. As our society has become increasingly mobile, many students move each school year and enter new learning environments. This reason, among others, is why I support the Common Core State Standards and do not want to see them done away with before truly seeing their value.

The National Governors Association Council of Chief State School Officers recognized the opportunity and need to clearly define the knowledge and skills that should be expected of children. These are simply baseline skills that students should possess by the end of each academic year. For example, a Wisconsin fourth-grader in English class should be able to: “Determine a theme of a story, drama or poem from details in the text; (and) summarize the text.”

While the standards define what students are expected to know and be able to do, they absolutely do not decide how teachers should teach or how they plan their lessons. Focusing on results rather than means provides teachers the flexibility to be creative and use their professional training in the classroom to address the individual needs of each student. Common Core maintains the local control that is so important to our students, teachers and districts throughout the state.

Instead of injecting more politics into an already-polarized state, let’s get back to focusing on what works for our students. Common Core allows children in our increasing mobile society to be on an even playing field. I know, from my experiences, how beneficial this is. Wisconsinites value our history of innovation and leadership in regard to public education. We know that every child deserves access to a quality public education that will provide them with all the tools they need to become the leaders of tomorrow.

International Women's Day

It is time for our voices to be heard. I applaud the Wisconsin Legislature's bipartisan action in honoring this important day. However, much work still needs to be done for the advancement of women's rights around the world.

Democrats Call for Background Checks

Last week, my Democratic colleagues and I delivered over 16,000 signatures of Wisconsinites who want universal background checks for gun sales in our state. Nearly 40 percent of gun transactions in America occur through so-called private party sales, creating a secondary firearms market that is largely invisible. We have to do better as a society to avoid future tragedies. I believe that we must arrive at a place of agreement on the role of guns in American society.

We can respect 2nd amendment rights while still stopping guns from landing in the wrong hands. With recent polls showing that over 85% of people support universal background checks for firearms purchases, I believe we are heading in the right direction. The public is ready. We shouldn't wait any longer to pass common sense gun control legislation in Wisconsin

Honoring our Deploying Soldiers

It was my extreme honor to join Major General Dunbar today in sending off Chief Warrant Officer Hebblewhite and his detachment today as they deploy to Afghanistan. I realize the sacrifices made by these soldiers and their loved ones on behalf of our great state and our great country are exceptional. I look forward to the welcome home ceremony at the end of this mission.

Elemental Formula Bill to be Introduced

These symptoms were literally life threatening in that they could prevent Blake from eating, let alone breathing, easily. Only an elemental formula called, Neocate helped improve his condition. Not only did this treatment improve his symptoms, it also allowed him to carry out basic functions like swallowing. Despite this fact, Blake's parents insurance company would not cover Neocate. Without coverage, it would cost them a thousand dollars a month to feed their son.

When Blake's parents contacted my office, I was more than willing to write a letter urging the insurance company to rescind their denial of requested services, approve the coverage of Neocate, and allow Blake to live the life that he deserves to have. Thanks to this letter and many others acting on Blake's behalf, he was finally approved for coverage.

No parent should have to go through a situation like this in Wisconsin. That is why I am planning on introducing legislation requiring insurance companies to cover amino-acid-based elemental formulas. I thank Blake's parents for bringing forward this important issue.

Watch NBC 15's story about Blake by clicking HERE.

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March 10th, 2014
Issue 29

State Capitol
P.O. Box 8953
Madison, WI 53708

Office: (608) 266-0960

Email:
Rep.Sargent@legis.wi.gov

On the Web: sargent.assembly.wi.gov