WiRSA (Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance) - Strong Schools - Strong Communities
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will release a Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate in October 2026
The Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate will define the durable skills that will support students after high school—no matter the path they choose. As this work nears completion, DPI sees a significant connection between the skills described in the Portrait and those already reflected in the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards.
In an effort to align and simplify resources for school districts and avoid a long delay of revisions to our Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards, DPI is considering revising the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards to align to the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate.
We are asking school districts to weigh in on this process.
Should the Wisconsin Career Readiness Standards remain as they are? Should they be updated to better align with the Wisconsin Portrait of a Graduate?
Your feedback will help shape the future of these statewide resources and ensure they best support Wisconsin schools and students.
Survey link (open until August 30, 2026)
Notice of intent to review link
Written comments, questions, and requests for more information on these academic standards should be directed to:
Karin SmithAcademic and Career Planning Consultant Department of Public Instruction
Division of Academics
201 W. Washington St,
P.0. Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
(608) 267-3161
CTE.standards@dpi.wi.gov
For more information, please visit the Department’s subject webpage: https://dpi.wi.gov/cte/wisconsin-careerreadiness-standards
DPI: Peer to peer suicide prevention grant application is now open
From DPI: The Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention grant
application is now available to Wisconsin high schools.
Peer-to-peer programs are grounded in messages of hope, health, and resilience. They equip students—those most likely to be sought out by a struggling classmate, friend, or peer — with the knowledge to identify warning signs and the confidence to get help from a trusted adult. Through this grant opportunity, schools can strengthen student-led prevention efforts and build a network of peer leaders ready to promote mental health and well-being within their communities.
Who Can Apply: any school at which pupils attend the high school grades 9-12 (including public, tribal, charter, and private schools). High schools that received a Peer-to-Peer grant previously are eligible to renew their grant up to three times. Following this cycle, a new application can be submitted.
Focus: support an existing peer-to-peer suicide prevention program or implement a new peer-to-peer suicide prevention program.
Priorities for Funding: implement a new or existing evidence-based or best practice peer-to-peer suicide prevention program and geographic distribution of funds.
Funding Allocation: up to $1,000 per high school.
Due Date: applications are due to DPI by 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Grant Writing Webinar: Thursday, September 9th, from 2:00–2:45 p.m. This webinar will offer guidance on crafting strong applications, including grant writing tips, sample responses, and a chance to get your questions answered. Registration is encouraged
Contact Information: For questions, reach out to PeertoPeer@dpi.wi.gov.
Application Materials and Supporting Resources: Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Grants | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Grant Writing Workshop – DPI Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Grants
A Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention Grant Writing Workshop is being offered by DPI’s Student Services team to walk interested applicants through the application process, and provide writing tips, application response examples, resources, answers to your questions, and support. This session is designed as a working webinar. It will not be recorded, and AI assistants are not allowed per agency policy. Grant details and guidance can be found on the grant flyer and DPI Peer-to-Peer Suicide Prevention webpage. The presentation slide deck will be posted following the grant writing webinar. Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
DPI awarded $10.5M to strengthen Wisconsin’s special education workforce
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced today it has been awarded a five-year, $10.5 million federal grant to strengthen Wisconsin’s special education workforce and help more special education teachers build careers in Wisconsin schools.
The U.S. Department of Education awarded the grant as part of its State Personnel Development Grant Program. The funding will support the Special Education Teacher Apprenticeship and Induction Retention System in Wisconsin (STAIRS-WI), a statewide initiative focused on recruiting, preparing, and retaining special educators.
The need is significant. According to the DPI’s latest Educator Preparation Program and Workforce Analysis Report, only 43% of special education teachers remain in Wisconsin public schools by their eighth year.
STAIRS-WI will support the DPI’s partnerships with the Department of Workforce Development and the Wisconsin Improvement Program for Special Education Leadership to expand “earn while you learn” apprenticeship opportunities like the teacher apprenticeship program and strengthen special education leadership and support systems. The initiative will also support the DPI’s Special Educator Induction Program, along with special education leadership induction efforts, which provide first- and second-year special educators and emerging special education leaders with professional learning, coaching, mentoring, and ongoing support. Over its first three years, the induction program has shown promising results. Participants have been retained at higher rates and reported increased skills, greater confidence in their practice, and stronger connections to their peers.
The new grant will allow Wisconsin to build on these efforts and strengthen the supports available to special educators at key points in their careers.
State Superintendent Dr. Underly appoints
Kaylee Jackson to lead DPI Office of Literacy
MADISON — Wisconsin State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly announced today she has appointed Kaylee Jackson as director of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Office of Literacy. Jackson is an educational leader and literacy strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping schools and districts strengthen reading instruction, improve student outcomes, and support teachers through evidence-based practices.
DPI, DFI launch grant initiative to strengthen financial literacy education - Schools and community-based organizations can receive grants of up to $7,500
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions today announced a $300,000 competitive grant program to help support the expansion of financial literacy education statewide. Public and private schools, community-based organizations and consortia may apply for Personal Financial Literacy Innovation Grants of up to $7,500 to promote innovation in teaching personal financial literacy. Funding for the grant program is being provided by the DFI through settlement dollars for financial literacy education.
2026–27 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA)
Supplemental Grant Competition – Deadline extended to
June 24, 2026, 11:30 PM
The Department of Public Instruction is pleased to announce the 2026–27 Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Supplemental Grant Competition. Wisconsin public school districts, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs), and consortia are eligible to apply. Private/charter schools are not eligible for this grant program.
Report how your district recognized America’s 250th anniversary to DPI
Under 2021 WI Act 95, all public and charter schools were required to hold at least one educational opportunity or event recognizing the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the 2025-26 school year. The act also requires each school district to report to DPI how it fulfilled this requirement.
The submission form to report your school’s event or educational opportunity is now available. The DPI has also launched an America 250 webpage with resources and materials from trusted national partners to support local planning and implementation. Questions may be directed to America.250@dpi.wi.gov.
$5M Rural Health Transformation Program Competitive Grant Now Open for Eligible Wisconsin Schools to Apply
Rural school districts: Do you want to build or expand a healthcare pathway?
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services secured $203,670,005.21 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to fuel a Rural Health Transformation Program. And through DPI, $5 million of that is earmarked for eligible schools over five years.
Here's your opportunity to get up to $41,000 annually for your program:
Starting May 26, 2026, rural secondary schools can compete for up to $41,000 annually to build or expand healthcare and human services career pathways. A minimum of 20 schools will be selected. Selected schools commit to 5 years of funding, ensuring the program creates a lasting impact.
What you can build:
New or expanded healthcare and human services CTE courses
Dual-enrollment programs
Work-based learning experiences in healthcare settings
Industry-recognized credential pathways aligned with rural workforce needs
New or strengthened HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapters
Ready to apply?
Head to the Rural Health Transformation Program Grant webpage for eligibility and full application details. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on June 30, 2026. This is workforce development. Open doors for your students while closing the rural healthcare workforce shortage. Don't miss out on this funding opportunity!
Funding Statement
This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through a subaward as part of a financial assistance award made to the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services totaling $203,670,005.21 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
State Superintendent Dr. Underly praises bipartisan deal to invest in Wisconsin kids and schools, urges continued momentum
“Today’s action is a positive first step in the right direction. This investment is a down payment on what Wisconsin kids need and deserve and I hope this momentum continues. Students should not have to resort to suing the state to receive stable funding for public education. I hope today marks the beginning of continued partnership and progress. Wisconsin’s children are counting on it.”
Shape Wisconsin's Healthcare Future - We're Hiring!
(Click Here)
Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills they need to transform healthcare in rural Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is seeking a Healthcare Partnerships Specialist
Why This Matters: Our state's rural communities need skilled healthcare professionals, and we need you to help schools prepare them. This part-time role puts you at the center of building meaningful career pathways in healthcare and human services CTE programs across Wisconsin.
Position Highlights: Healthcare Partnerships Specialist:
Develop regional industry, higher education, and community partnerships aligned with school district career pathway goals
Support K-12 school districts in navigating workplace settings and partnership opportunities
Identify and support qualified CTE instructors, and advise on instructor qualifications and training requirements
Enable dual credit offerings and industry-recognized credentials
Apply Now - Deadline: Monday, June 8. Applications accepted until filled
Ready to make a difference? Make a direct impact on students' futures and rural healthcare workforce development. Visit the job announcement and apply today at https://wj.wi.gov/21040.
State Superintendent Dr. Underly surprises five educators as
2026-27 Teachers of the Year
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced five educators selected as 2026-27 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. Over the past week, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly traveled across Wisconsin to surprise each honoree during school celebrations alongside students, colleagues, families, and members of their school communities. MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction today announced five educators selected as 2026-27 Wisconsin Teachers of the Year. Over the past week, State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly traveled across Wisconsin to surprise each honoree during school celebrations alongside students, colleagues, families, and members of their school communities.
DPI invests in literacy coaches to strengthen
early reading across Wisconsin
As part of ongoing efforts under 2023 Wisconsin Act 20, the DPI will place literacy coaches into 50 public schools and four private schools over the next two years. A map showing the districts and private schools across the state to receive coaches is available on the DPI’s website. The initiative is designed to strengthen reading instruction and improve literacy outcomes for students statewide
Portrait of a Graduate Listening Sessions
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is developing a “Portrait of a Graduate,” a shared vision of what students should know, value, and do by graduation. It reflects community priorities and includes both academic rigor and the durable skills needed for success in life, career, and civic engagement. This work clarifies key outcomes and helps ensure schools are preparing students for a changing world. Your input matters!
Please join an in-person listening session or a virtual session. For more information about listening sessions, visit https://dpi.wi.gov/families-students/programs-initiatives/portrait-graduate.
Handout - Flyer
Summary of 2025-26 Laws Affecting K-12 Education
The 2025-26 legislative sessions have concluded, and 247 bills were signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers. The DPI has prepared a summary of enacted legislation that impacts K-12 education, organized by topic area and including links to the full act text and Legislative Council memos for each bill.
The summary includes new laws related to educator licensure and development, grants and scholarship programs, school district administration and operations, transportation, instruction, and student health and wellness. It also includes a list of education-related bills vetoed during the session.
This resource is intended to help school and district leaders quickly identify and review changes in state law that may impact local policy and practice.
The full summary is available on the DPI’s website. For questions and additional information, please contact Legis.Inquiry@dpi.wi.gov.
State-Required Seclusion and Restraint Data to be Released on Thursday
The DPI will release its annual seclusion and restraint report for the 2024-25 school year on Thursday, April 30.
Under state law (2019 Wisconsin Act 118), all Wisconsin schools are required to annually report information on the use of seclusion and physical restraint to the DPI. This reporting reflects information submitted by districts as required by statute.
The report will include the required statewide information submitted by schools, along with updated resources and supports available to districts.
The DPI continues to offer tiered assistance to schools based on reported incidents, with outreach and support available to any school reporting one or more instances. More information on this leveled support system is available on the DPI’s website.
The report and related resources will be available on the DPI’s website on Thursday, including access to school- and district-level information.
2026 Summer Institute
Don’t miss your chance to join one of Wisconsin’s most energizing professional learning experiences of the year! The 2026 Summer Institute, hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), brings school teams together for four days of deep learning, collaboration, and innovation.
Deadline to Apply: Friday, May 1, 2026
Location: Lowenwood Education Center, Land O’ Lakes
Dates: June 22 – 25, 2026
What Your Team Receives
Participating teams will engage in a professional learning experience designed to spark creativity and support systems-level change. In addition, each team receives:
$2,000 in implementation funds to support innovation work, provide honoraria to staff, or meet other identified needs
Explicit, systems-level professional development from Wisconsin educators engaging in innovative work to highlight what is possible
Ongoing support throughout the 2026-2027 school year via online sessions to help operationalize your action plan
Learn more: Transforming Systems for Innovation