WiRSA (Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance) - Strong Schools - Strong Communities
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