Chapter PI 8

PI 8.01(2)(L)1. 1. In grades kindergarten through 4, regular instruction shall be provided in reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, health, physical education, art and music. In this subdivision, “regular instruction”means instruction each week for the entire school term in sufficient frequency and length to achieve the objectives and allocation of instructional time identified in the curriculum plans developed and adopted under par. (k).

PI 8.01(2)(L)2. 2. In grades kindergarten through 8, include instruction in the social studies curriculum in the history, culture and tribal sovereignty of the federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands located in the state in at least 2 grade levels and in at least one grade level in grades 9 through 12 beginning September 1, 1991.

PI 8.01(2)(L)3. 3. In grades 5 through 8, regular instruction shall be provided in reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, science, physical education, health, art and music. In this subdivision, “regular instruction” means instruction each week for the entire school term in sufficient frequency and length to achieve the objectives and allocation of instructional time identified in the curriculum plans developed and adopted under par. (k), except that in middle level formats which offer or require a variety of exploratory experiences for pupils, such as foreign language, business education, vocational agriculture, technology education, home economics education and marketing education, regular instruction in health, art and general music may be provided as follows:

PI 8.01(2)(L)3.a. a. In grades 5 and 6, each week for the entire school term, or the equivalent in instructional time and course content, and in sufficient frequency and length to achieve the objectives and allocation of instructional time identified in the curriculum plan developed and adopted under par. (k).

PI 8.01(2)(L)3.b. b. In grades 7 and 8, in sufficient frequency and length to achieve the objectives and allocation of instructional time identified in the curriculum plans developed and adopted under par. (k).

PI 8.01(2)(L)4. 4. In grades 7 and 8, provide regular instruction in foreign language beginning in the 1994-95 school year. In this subdivision regular instruction in foreign language means access to instruction in sufficient frequency and length to achieve the objectives and time allocations of a written, sequential curriculum plan in foreign language. The foreign language curriculum shall follow the requirements of other curriculum documents required under par. (k).

PI 8.01(2)(L)5. 5. An introduction to career exploration and planning, through a one semester course or the equivalent in instructional time and course content, shall be integrated within grades 5 through 8.

PI 8.01(2)(L)6. 6. In grades 9 through 12, access shall be provided without charge for tuition, to an educational program which enables pupils each year to study English, social studies, mathematics, science, vocational education, foreign language, physical education, art and music. The school district board shall make all courses as widely available to all pupils as possible, however an individual pupil’s scheduling conflict does not constitute denial of access to a course.

PI 8.01(2)(m) (m) Education for employment. Each school district board shall comply with s. 121.02 (1) (m), Stats., and ch. PI 26, relating to education for employment.

PI 8.01(2)(n) (n) Children at risk. Each school district board shall comply with s. 118.153, Stats., and ch. PI 25, relating to plans and programs for children at risk.

PI 8.01(2)(o) (o) Performance disclosure reports. Each school district board shall annually distribute the performance disclosure report under s. 115.38 (2), Stats. The school district board may include additional information in the report.

PI 8.01(2)(p) (p) High school graduation standards.

PI 8.01(2)(p)1. 1. Each school district board shall comply with s. 118.33, Stats., and ch. PI 18, relating to high school graduation standards.

PI 8.01(2)(q) (q) Personnel evaluation.

PI 8.01(2)(q)1. 1. Each school district board shall establish specific criteria and a systematic procedure to measure the performance of licensed school personnel. The written evaluation shall be based on a board adopted position description, including job related activities, and shall include observation of the individual’s performance as part of the evaluation data. Evaluation of licensed school personnel shall occur during the first year of employment and at least every third year thereafter.

PI 8.01(2)(q)2. 2. The school district board shall ensure that evaluations, including those for purposes of discipline, job retention or promotion, shall be performed by persons who have the training, knowledge and skills necessary to evaluate professional school personnel. The school district board shall be responsible for the evaluation of the school district administrator under this subdivision.

PI 8.01(2)(r) (r) Third grade reading tests.

PI 8.01(2)(r)1. 1. The department shall develop a standardized reading test for pupils in grade 3. The department shall annually provide the test to all school district boards and score and report the results. Each school district board shall annually administer the test to all pupils in the school district enrolled in grade 3. Standardized refers to test objectives and items, test related materials, test administration procedures, the testing schedule, and the scoring and reporting procedures and formats. The department shall provide guidelines to assist school districts in testing and excluding from testing pupils with special needs, including pupils with exceptional educational needs under subch. V of ch. 115, Stats., and pupils with limited English proficiency under subch. VII of ch. 115, Stats. Each school district shall develop and adopt a district policy related to the testing and exclusion from testing of pupils with exceptional educational needs under subch. V of ch. 115, Stats., and pupils with limited English proficiency under subch. VII of ch. 115, Stats.

PI 8.01(2)(r)2. 2. The department shall report each school district’s test results, for the school district and for each school in the district, to the school district board.

PI 8.01(2)(r)3. 3. The department shall report aggregate statewide pupil achievement data to each school district for the purpose of local evaluation of school district test performance in relation to statewide performance.

PI 8.01(2)(r)4. 4. The department shall establish achievement performance standards and shall report the achievement level to each school district board in relation to the standards.

PI 8.01(2)(s) (s) Achievement tests.

PI 8.01(2)(s)1. 1.

PI 8.01(2)(s)1.a. a. Each school district board shall, beginning the 1993-94 school year, administer the examinations required by the state superintendent under s. 118.30, Stats.

PI 8.01(2)(s)1.b. b. The school district board may exempt a pupil enrolled in a special education program under subch. V of ch. 115, Stats., or a pupil with limited English proficiency under subch. VII of ch. 115, Stats., from taking a test under this subdivision, as specified under ch. PI 13.

PI 8.01(2)(s)2. 2.

PI 8.01(2)(s)2.a. a. The school district board may administer additional examinations only if they are aligned with the school district’s curriculum and measure pupil achievement in relation to curriculum objectives identified under par. (k).

PI 8.01(2)(s)2.b. b. The department shall provide guidelines to assist school districts in testing and excluding from testing under subpar. a pupils with special needs, including pupils with exceptional educational needs under subch. V of ch. 115, Stats., and pupils with limited English proficiency under subch. VII of ch. 115, Stats.

PI 8.01(2)(s)3. 3. Each school district shall develop and adopt a district policy related to the testing and exclusion from testing of pupils with exceptional educational needs under subch. V of ch. 115, Stats., and pupils with limited English proficiency under subch. VII of ch. 115, Stats.

PI 8.01(2)(t) (t) Gifted and talented pupils.

PI 8.01(2)(t)1. 1. In this paragraph:

PI 8.01(2)(t)1.a. a. “Appropriate program” means a systematic and continuous set of instructional activities or learning experiences which expand the development of the pupils identified as gifted or talented.

PI 8.01(2)(t)1.b. b. “Gifted and talented pupils” has the meaning set forth in s. 118.35 (1), Stats.

PI 8.01(2)(t)2. 2. Each school district board shall establish a plan and designate a person to coordinate the gifted and talented program. Gifted and talented pupils shall be identified as required in s. 118.35 (1), Stats. This identification shall occur in kindergarten through grade 12 in general intellectual, specific academic, leadership, creativity, and visual and performing arts. A pupil may be identified as gifted or talented in one or more of the categories under s. 118.35 (1), Stats. The identification process shall result in a pupil profile based on multiple measures, including but not limited to standardized test data, nominations, rating scales or inventories, products, portfolios, and demonstrated performance. Identification tools shall be appropriate for the specific purpose for which they are being employed. The identification process and tools shall be responsive to factors such as, but not limited to, pupils’ economic conditions, race, gender, culture, native language, developmental differences, and identified disabilities as described under subch. V of ch. 115, Stats. The school district board shall provide access, without charge for tuition, to appropriate programming for pupils identified as gifted or talented as required under ss. 118.35 (3) and 121.02 (1) (t), Stats. The school district board shall provide an opportunity for parental participation in the identification and resultant programming.

PI 8.01 Note Note: A Gifted and Talented Resource Guide is available at https://dpi.wi.gov/gifted.

PI 8.01(2)(u) (u) Financial literacy. Each school district board shall comply with s. 121.02 (1) (L) 7., Stats., by adopting academic standards for financial literacy and incorporating instruction in financial literacy into the curriculum in grades kindergarten to 12.

PI 8.01(2)(v) (v) Instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides. Each school district board shall comply with s. 121.02 (1) (L) 8. b., Stats., by including, as a part of the social studies curriculum, instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides at least once in grades 5 to 8 and at least once in grades 9 to 12.

PI 8.01(3) (3) Alternative compliance.

PI 8.01(3)(a) (a) A school district board may request that the state superintendent approve a plan for alternative compliance with any of the school district standards under sub. (2). A school district requesting approval of alternative compliance under this subsection shall submit a written request to the state superintendent by September 1, if the alternative compliance plan is to be implemented during the spring semester; by March 1, if the alternative compliance plan is to be implemented during the fall semester. The request shall include all of the following information, as appropriate:

PI 8.01(3)(a)1. 1. The school district standard addressed by the alternative compliance plan.

PI 8.01(3)(a)2. 2. The means by which the alternative compliance plan addresses the objectives of the school district standard including all of the following information:

PI 8.01(3)(a)2.a. a. The program objectives and anticipated outcomes of the alternative compliance plan.

PI 8.01(3)(a)2.b. b. The rationale and research or other information supporting the alternative compliance plan.

PI 8.01(3)(a)2.c. c. The staffing patterns which may be affected by the alternative compliance plan.

PI 8.01(3)(a)2.d. d. The number of students by grade level to be affected by the alternative compliance plan.

PI 8.01(3)(a)2.e. e. Any needed staff development to support the alternative compliance plan.

PI 8.01(3)(a)2.f. f. Timelines for implementation of the alternative compliance plan.

PI 8.01(3)(a)2.g. g. A description of how the alternative compliance will be evaluated, including a description of how progress toward meeting program objectives and anticipated outcomes identified under subd. 2. a. will be monitored and measured at regular intervals and at the conclusion of the year for which the plan is approved.

PI 8.01(3)(b) (b)

PI 8.01(3)(b)1. 1. The state superintendent may approve a school district board’s plan for alternative compliance with a school district standard, if he or she determines the alternative compliance plan will meet the objectives of the school district standard, maintains educational equity and will result in any of the following:

PI 8.01(3)(b)1.a. a. Improved efficiency in school administration or instruction.

PI 8.01(3)(b)1.b. b. Innovation in school district management or instruction, including but not limited to, progress towards outcome-based instruction and assessment; enhancement of educational opportunities; enhancement of education professions; and flexibility in staffing, programming and scheduling.

PI 8.01(3)(b)1.c. c. Other educational improvements.

PI 8.01(3)(b)2. 2. The plan approval under subd. 1. may be subject to conditions specified by the state superintendent.

PI 8.01(3)(b)3. 3. The state superintendent shall provide for the review of the requests for alternative compliance plans made under par. (a) and shall notify the school district board of his or her decision within 60 days from the date the request is received. The decision shall be in writing and shall include the reasons for the decision.

PI 8.01(3)(b)4. 4. The state superintendent may either hold a public hearing or request that the school district board hold a public hearing on the alternative compliance being proposed.

PI 8.01(3)(c) (c)

PI 8.01(3)(c)1. 1. An initial alternative compliance plan may be approved for a 2 year period.

PI 8.01(3)(c)2. 2. An alternative compliance plan may be renewed every 3 years after the initial plan approval only if an evaluation of the alternative compliance plan is provided by the school district board and is approved by the state superintendent.

PI 8.01(3)(c)3. 3. The evaluation shall include the information specified in par. (a) 2. g. and is subject to the same timelines specified under par. (a).

PI 8.01(4) (4) Waiver from school hours.

PI 8.01(4)(a) (a) In this subsection, “school closure” means the closure of one or more schools under s. 115.01 (10) (b) and (c), Stats.

PI 8.01(4)(b) (b) A school district board may request a waiver from the requirements under this chapter, with some exceptions, as specified under s. 118.38, Stats. A school district board requesting a waiver from the requirement to schedule and hold at least the number of hours of direct pupil instruction specified under sub. (2) (f) and s. 121.02 (1) (f), Stats., shall submit all of the following information to the department:

PI 8.01(4)(b)1. 1. A letter from the district administrator or school board president requesting a waiver from the hours of direct pupil instruction requirement under sub. (2) (f) and s. 121.02 (1) (f), Stats., and specifying the reason or reasons for requesting the waiver.

PI 8.01(4)(b)2. 2. A record of the public hearing held under s. 118.38 (1) (b), Stats., indicating the response from the community to the waiver request.

PI 8.01(4)(b)3. 3. A copy of the order to close the school under s. 115.01 (10) (b) or (c), Stats., if applicable. If the order is submitted under s. 115.01 (10) (c), Stats., a copy of the board minutes indicating approval of the request for a waiver.

PI 8.01(4)(b)4. 4. The number of hours requested to be waived.

PI 8.01(4)(b)5. 5. The dates the school or schools were closed.

PI 8.01(4)(b)6. 6. A description of the actions the school board took to make up the hours of instruction missed during the period of the school closure and what prevented the district from scheduling and holding at least the number of hours of direct pupil instruction specified under sub. (2) (f) and s. 121.02 (1) (f), Stats.

PI 8.01(4)(b)7. 7. The number of days planned for inclement weather and parent teacher conference days as specified under sub. (2) (f).

PI 8.01(4)(b)8. 8. Any additional information requested by the department.

PI 8.01(4)(c) (c) In determining whether to grant a waiver from the requirement to schedule and hold at least the number of hours of direct pupil instruction specified under sub. (2) (f) and s. 121.02 (1) (f), Stats., the department shall consider all of the following factors and may consider additional factors:

PI 8.01(4)(c)1. 1. Whether the department received all the information required under par. (b).

PI 8.01(4)(c)2. 2. The response of the community to the proposed waiver as indicated by the record of the public hearing submitted under par. (b) 2.

PI 8.01(4)(c)3. 3. The length of the school closure.

PI 8.01(4)(c)4. 4. The dates of the school closure and whether there was sufficient time before the end of the school year to adjust the school calendar to provide the required hours of direct pupil instruction missed during the period of the school closure.

PI 8.01 History History: Cr. Register, October, 1974, No. 226, eff. 11-1-74; emerg. am. (2) (l) 2., eff. 12-24-79; am. (2) (l) 2., Register, September, 1980, No. 297, eff. 10-1-80; r. (1), (2) (b) (h) and (m), renum. (2) (intro.) to be (1) and am., renum. (2) (c) to (e), (g), (i) to (l) to be (b) to (d), (e) and (g) to (j), cr. (2) (n), r. and recr. (2) (f), Register, November, 1986, No. 371, eff. 12-1-86; r. and recr. (2) (b), cr. (2) (f) 2., (k) to (m) and (o) to (t), eff. 9-1-88; r. and recr. (2) (h), cr. (2) (j) (intro.), am. (2) (j), Register, December, 1987, No. 384, eff. 1-1-88; am. (2) (c), (d), (e), (f) 2., cons. (2) (l) 2. intro. and a. and am., renum. (2) (l) 2. b., c., d. and 3 to be (2) (l) 2. a., b., 3. and 4. and am. 2. a. and b., r. and recr. (2) (k) 6. intro., eff. 9-1-88; am. (2) (c), (d), (h) 3., (i), (k) 3. and 4., (r) 1., (s) and (t) 2., r. and recr. (2) (e) and (g), renum. (2) (l) 2. to 4. to be 3., 5. and 6., cr. (2) (l) 2. and 4., Register, February, 1991, No. 422, eff. 3-1-91; except (2) (c) (d), (e), (g), (n) 3., (i), (k) 3. and 4., (l) 2. and (t) 2., eff. 9-1-91 and (2) (l) 4., eff. 9-1-94; am. (1), cr. (3), Register, November, 1992, No. 443, eff. 12-1-92; renum. (2) (a) to be (2) (a) 1., cr. (2) (a) 2., r. and recr. (2) (o), am. (2) (s), Register, October, 1994, No. 466, eff. 11-1-94; corrections in (2) (i) and (m) made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 6. and 7., Stats., Register October 2001 No. 550; corrections in (2) (a) 2. made under s. 13.93 (2m) (b) 7., Stats., Register June 2004 No. 582; CR 07-057: am. (2) (t) 2. Register March 2008 No. 627, eff. 4-1-08; correction in (2) (s) 1. b. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register March 2008 No. 627; CR 09-117: cr. (4) Register May 2010 No. 653, eff. 6-1-10; correction in (2) (i) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 6., Stats., Register May 2010 No. 653; CR 10-083: r. and recr. (2) (a) 2. b., r. (2) (a) 2. c., renum. (2) (a) 2. d. to be (2) (a) 2. c. Register November 2010 No. 659, eff. 12-1-10; correction in (2) (i) made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 6., Stats., Register January 2012 No. 673; CR 15-080: am. (2) (f) (title), r. (2) (f) 1., renum. (2) (f) 2., am. (4) (a), (b) (intro.), 1., 3., 6., (c) Register March 2016 No. 723, eff. 4-1-16; CR 16-016: am. (2) (f) Register July 2016 No. 727, eff. 8-1-16; correction in (2) (a) 2. a., b. made under s. 13.92 (4) (b) 7., Stats., Register July 2016 No. 727; CR 19-034: am. (2) (a) 2. a., b. Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20; CR 19-069: cr. (2) (u) Register February 2020 No. 770, eff. 3-1-20; CR 24-021: cr. (2) (v) Register July 2024 No. 823, eff. 8-1-24.

PI 8.02 PI 8.02 Compliance audits.

PI 8.02(1) (1) The department shall conduct an inquiry into compliance with the standards upon receipt of a complaint and may, on its own initiative, conduct an audit of a school district.

PI 8.02(2) (2) The department shall notify the school district board at least 90 days prior to beginning the on-site audit.

PI 8.02(3) (3) The department shall provide a report to the school district board in writing within 60 days of the end of the on-site visit. If the report indicates that the district is not in compliance with s. 121.02 (1), Stats., or s. PI 8.01 (2), the school district board or the electors of the school district as provided under s. 121.02 (3), Stats., may petition the state superintendent for a public hearing within 45 days of receipt of the audit report. The state superintendent shall hold the public hearing prior to any finding of noncompliance.

PI 8.02 History History: Cr. Register, November, 1986, No. 371, eff. 9-1-88; am. (1), Register, October, 1994, No. 466, eff. 11-1-94; CR 03-073: am (1) Register January 2004 No. 577, eff. 2-1-04.

PI 8.03 PI 8.03 Noncompliance hearings.

PI 8.03(1) (1) Upon request of the school board or upon receipt of a petition signed by the number of electors under s. 121.02 (3), Stats., the state superintendent, or a person designated by the state superintendent as the hearing officer, shall conduct a public hearing in the school district prior to any finding that a school district is not in compliance with the standards under s. 121.02 (1), Stats., or s. PI 8.01 (2).

PI 8.03(2) (2) The department shall mail notice of the hearing to the interested parties or their representatives and to representative media in the geographical area of the school district at least 10 days before the public hearing. The notice shall include the time and place of the hearing, and a deadline for submitting written statements.

PI 8.03(3) (3) At the public hearing, all interested persons or their representatives shall be given an opportunity to present facts, opinions or arguments relative to the allegation of noncompliance in the report under s. PI 8.02 (3) or in the petition of the electors under s. 121.02 (3), Stats. The hearing officer may administer oaths or affirmations to those persons interested in giving testimony, and may question persons giving testimony. The hearing officer may limit the length of oral presentations at his or her discretion and may continue or postpone the hearing to such time as he or she deems appropriate. The department shall keep minutes or a taped record of the hearing.

PI 8.03(4) (4) Any interested person may present written statements of facts, opinions or arguments on the issue of the hearing to the state superintendent, whether or not the person presented oral testimony. The state superintendent or hearing officer shall set a reasonable deadline for the submission of any written statements.

PI 8.03(5) (5) After the public hearing and not later than 90 days after the deadline for submission of written statements, the state superintendent shall issue a written decision on whether the district is in compliance with the standards.

PI 8.03(6) (6) If the state superintendent finds the school district board is not in compliance with the standards, the state superintendent may develop with the school district board a plan for compliance which specifies a time period, not to exceed 90 days, in which compliance must be achieved. Prior to the expiration of the time period, a school district board may submit a written request to the state superintendent for an extension of the time period. The request shall set forth the extenuating or mitigating circumstances that support granting the request and a date by which compliance will be achieved. The state superintendent may grant one extension of the time period, not to exceed one year. The state superintendent shall withhold up to 25% of state aid from any school district which fails to achieve compliance within the specified period, as required under s. 121.02 (3), Stats.