Process ensures annual reports remain fair, accurate and aligned
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction held the first standard setting open meeting for school and district report cards on Tuesday. The panel of more than 30 education leaders from across Wisconsin — representing public, private choice, and charter schools — is meeting this summer to review and update the performance rating thresholds in the state’s school and district report cards.
A short video explaining school and district report cards and the need for this process is available on the DPI’s YouTube channel. An informational handout is also available on the DPI’s website, and updates and additional resources can be found on the DPI’s dedicated report card webpage.
On Tuesday, the group met virtually in an open meeting to walk through an overview of the process, ask questions, establish meeting norms, and provide feedback on performance level descriptors. They will recommend updated score ranges that determine overall accountability ratings in Wisconsin’s school and district report cards. Their work is being guided by Wisconsin’s Technical Advisory Committee and facilitated by the Center for Assessment, a national expert in accountability systems.
Since report cards were launched nearly 15 years ago, state law and performance measures have evolved to better capture student growth, show differences in outcomes among student groups, and more. A periodic standard setting process is best practice in educational accountability systems to ensure ratings remain meaningful and useful.
The panel will continue its work in person for a multi-day session from August 12-14, 2025, in Madison, where members will engage in deeper analysis and discussion. Final recommendations will be shared with the Technical Advisory Committee and submitted to the state superintendent for adoption. The updated thresholds will be implemented beginning with 2024-25 report cards, scheduled for release in fall 2025.
