BE AN INFORMED WISCONSIN EDUCATION VOTER

We’re in the 21^st century but still operating the 20^th century model of education with teachers who choose to work in a demanding career with very generous personal benefits not matched in the private sector and paid for by taxpayers.  Some districts permit retirement at age 58 after 15 years teaching.  Teachers work a shortened work year; enjoy generous vacation time.  Some districts provide generous sick-day policy with roll-over sick days.

For all of those upcoming education referendums this week, PLEASE TAKE ABOUT 20 MINUTES TO BE AN INFORMED VOTER.

Wisconsin Dept. of Public Instruction - http://reportcards.dpi.wi.gov/

Choose your School Report Card Detail – an 18-page PDF loads up

WI Dept. of In gives EXPECTATIONS but does not list how many students are PERFORMING at grade level.  Too many scores are less that 50%, both statewide and for your own district.

Page 1 – EXPECTATIONS - Look at the state-wide statistics (blue bar chart)

Page 4 – Reading and Math - Advanced – Proficient – Basic - Minimal

This weblink helps interpret WI DPI

http://acct.dpi.wi.gov/acct_accountability

It is difficult determine the educational cost per pupil.

TAX DOLLARS SAVED AND COUNTING – Since Act 10 was enacted in 2011, school districts throughout Wisconsin have significantly reduced operating costs saving taxpayers over millions through pension payments from employees and increased health care contributions and plan changes).  That’s a down payment to the taxpayers.  Find how much your school district has saved through Act 10 - http://www.reforms.wi.gov/

Check JS Online for SALARY ON WI PUBLIC TEACHERS – DATA FROM 2011 – 2012 (not the current school year)  Create your own spread sheet to draw your own conclusions.  Separate salaries of teachers from administrative salaries.  Add Salary and Benefits.  What percentage is administrative overhead? - http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/dataondemand/33534649.html

I VERIFY THE RECALL – Who signed? http://iverifytherecall.com/

You can determine if some of your public sector workers signed the petition to recall Gov. Walker.

A few weeks ago National School Choice Week highlighted options available to parents and their children:  Why can’t all of these options be available to ALL children?

Charter schools, vouchers, home schools, private schools.

Free classes on line – Solomon Kahn Academy - http://www.khanacademy.org/

Free college on line – Coursera - https://www.coursera.org/

Northwoods Patriots - Standing up for Faith, Family, Country - northwoodspatriotscomm@gmail.com