DPI released new data today - and it's time for you to weigh in! TAKE ACTION
By Mary Bell

The facts are clear, based on the data that was released today from a state survey of superintendents.

The central theme to this study can be summed up in one sentence: Governor Walker's $1.6 billion education cut is having an adverse impact on our schools and students across the state.

The data, as presented in a release by the Department of Public Instruction, highlights what many of you are dealing with on a daily basis. Some highlights include:

• Across the state, there are 1,655 fewer teachers, 765 fewer aides, 776 fewer education support professionals – resulting in larger class sizes, fewer opportunities for students and less help for students who are struggling.
• 44 percent of districts reported increased class sizes in kindergarten through sixth grade.
• The majority of school districts are cutting programs (nearly 70%) – meaning our kids have fewer opportunities.
• Programs like art and music are among those being hit the hardest.
• Districts are being forced to cut foreign language offerings – and even basic programs such as English, math, science, and social studies.
• Across the state we're losing reading coordinators (19% of districts are cutting reading coordinators), and programs for at-risk youth (19% of districts are cutting at-risk programs).
• Special education is among the biggest areas being cut in our schools. Nearly 30% of districts report cuts to special education last year.
  

 

Governor Walker is relying on out-of-state special interest groups to pay for expensive ads to say his actions have helped schools, but we see every day in our classrooms that this is not true. You cannot cut $1.6 billion from public schools and not hurt students.

So what do we do about this?
For starters, we must continue to stand up and speak out about what's happening in our state. We need to talk about what we're dealing with in our classrooms every day.

We can all be very proud of Sue Howe, a teacher from Monona Grove who spoke out at a DPI press conference earlier today. She talked about a music class with 72 students – and she candidly spoke about the fact that having a teacher provide individualized attention to those students is nearly impossible. Sue's remarks also shined a light on what's happening in other districts – including some of the districts that Governor Walker likes to tout as a success. For instance, in Kaukauna, there are fewer teachers in the classrooms. In Fond du Lac, teachers no longer have the time allotted to run clubs and give one-on-one extra help. And all of our members have stories, too. I know this – because I hear about it wherever I go.

Consider writing a letter to the editor or posting comments to an online blog. In whatever forum you choose, share your perspective and first-hand experiences.

I know some members are concerned about the retaliation that will occur if they speak out in a disparaging way against their district. I believe you can share your views without being negative – and you can also attribute your perspective as a parent or community member. If you have questions or would like guidance – please contact your UniServ Director or WEAC Communications for help.

Resources were developed to enable our members to speak out on this topic:

Review WEAC's statement to the press
Talking points
A fact sheet summarizing the survey data
Sample letters to the editor