DPI: The Department of Public Instruction announced the 37 school districts that will receive funding through a competitive grant program dedicated to aiding students with disabilities plan for life after high school.

The Transition Readiness Grant Program, created by the passage of the 2017 state budget, will disburse $1.5 million during the 2019 fiscal year for the expansion and development of services that assist students with disabilities in transitioning from school to the workforce. In total, the 37 districts requested nearly $3 million for the 17,125 students with disabilities they serve.

Adapted from Wisconsin’s Let’s Get to Work grant project, this program represents a partnership among DPI and advocacy organizations in the state. For students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a defined transition plan is a critical indicator within the Wisconsin State Performance Plan — a plan focused on ensuring children with disabilities succeed in school and adjust to life after graduation.

“This program is an important step in improving and expanding services for our students with disabilities,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “It is particularly critical to ensuring that every student in Wisconsin graduates from high school with the necessary skills and supports to succeed in the workforce and in further education.”

Read the complete press release from DPI (PDF).

DPI: Schools from around the state learned this week that they are among 135 being recognized for their success in educating students. All of the schools receive federal Title I funding to provide services to high numbers or high percentages of economically disadvantaged families.

“The state’s Title I Schools of Recognition awards recognize the efforts of students, their families, teachers, school administrators, and school staff members to break the link between poverty and low academic achievement,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers. “Their success is something to celebrate.”

The schools will be honored during a May 21 ceremony at the State Capitol. Schools meeting all criteria will receive a plaque at the awards ceremony. Additionally, five schools will receive commemorative flags for earning the award for five consecutive years. One school — Marengo Valley School in the Ashland School District — has earned the award for all 15 years of the program.

The 2018 Title I Schools of Recognition include 24 High-Achieving schools, 40 High-Progress schools, and 87 Beating-the-Odds schools. Sixteen schools have earned honors in two categories. This year’s 135 Title I School of Recognition Award recipients include 111 elementary schools serving K-8 students, 18 middle or junior high schools, and six high schools.

Read the DPI press release.

DPI: The 169 public schools all have two things in common: high levels of poverty and remarkable successes in educating their students. They are Wisconsin Title I Schools of Recognition for the 2015-16 school year.

“Congratulations to these schools. They are examples of the academic success we need in all of our schools to close achievement gaps,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers in announcing the Wisconsin Title I Schools of Recognition for the 2015-16 school year. “These awards recognize the work of students and their parents along with teachers, school administrators, and school staff members to break the link between poverty and low academic achievement. Their efforts will help us ensure that every student graduates college and career ready.”

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