New Standards for Schools Amid Funding Concerns
The Wisconsin Assembly, led by Republican lawmakers, passed a series of education bills on Wednesday, aiming to establish new standardized test score requirements, regulate school funding allocations, and enforce curriculum transparency. The legislative package also includes measures to ban cell phones in classrooms and impose stricter financial rules on school districts.
Republicans defended the bills, arguing that they are necessary to ensure educational quality, particularly in light of recent funding increases and declining school enrollments. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) emphasized the need for accountability, citing concerns about struggling school districts like Milwaukee Public Schools, which has faced financial instability, administrative turnover, and persistent achievement gaps.
“We need to make sure that, as we are increasing funding for education, we are also doing a better job, ensuring that the standards and expectations of parents and taxpayers are being met,” Vos stated.
Democrats pushed back, contending that the bills do not address the real challenges facing Wisconsin Assembly schools. Minority Leader Greta Neubauer (D-Racine) criticized Republicans for rejecting Gov. Tony Evers’ budget proposal, which would have allocated over $3 billion for public schools, including funds for operational costs, special education, and mental health services. Neubauer called the Republican-backed legislation a distraction, arguing that it fails to deliver meaningful improvements in education.
Debate Over Standardized Testing and Curriculum Oversight
One of the most contentious bills in the package, AB 1, aims to reverse changes made to state standardized test score standards by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) last year. GOP lawmakers, including Vos, accused State Superintendent Jill Underly of deliberately lowering standards to misrepresent student performance. The bill mandates a return to the 2019-2020 scoring system and aligns Wisconsin’s performance levels with the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
“There’s no legislative oversight on the scoring and assessment of our kids, so this bill will establish that,” said Rep. Robert Wittke (R-Caledonia), arguing that the change would provide a more accurate comparison of Wisconsin students with their peers in other states. The Wisconsin Assembly is now considering the bill.
Democrats, however, contended that the updates to assessment standards were based on educational research and expert recommendations, not political motives. Rep. Angelina M. Cruz (D-Racine), an educator, stressed that different types of student assessments serve distinct purposes and that modifying standards should be left to education professionals. “This bill is not about improving education. This bill is about playing political games,” she argued.
Another bill, AB 5, requires school districts to respond to curriculum inspection requests within 14 days, a move Republicans say will enhance transparency. However, opponents claim that the legislation is unnecessary since state laws already allow parents to request school materials.
Cell Phone Ban and Financial Regulations for Schools
The Assembly also approved AB 2, which mandates that all school districts implement policies banning cell phones during instructional time. The measure, which takes effect by July 2026, includes exceptions for emergencies, health-related needs, and educational purposes. Rep. Joel Kitchens (R-Sturgeon Bay) described the bill as a “modest” approach to reducing classroom distractions, though Democrats questioned why the ban does not apply to private and charter schools participating in state voucher programs.
Another significant bill, AB 6, would require school districts to allocate at least 70% of their operating funds toward direct classroom expenditures, limiting spending on administrative costs. Republicans argued that the measure ensures taxpayer dollars are spent on student learning rather than bureaucratic expenses. However, Democrats expressed concerns that the bill’s vague language could negatively impact essential services like school transportation, counseling, and special education.
“The bill limits our ability to meet moral and constitutional obligations,” said Rep. Christian Phelps (D-Eau Claire), calling it a “one-size-fits-all” approach that fails to recognize the diverse financial needs of school districts.
Despite Democratic opposition, all bills passed along party lines, with Republicans in favor and Democrats against. The proposed legislation now moves to the Wisconsin Assembly, where it is expected to face further debate.
