Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• In Wisconsin, students have a diverse array of digital learning options, including a state virtual school, a consortium of districts, fully online schools spanning multiple districts, virtual charter schools, and individual district initiatives. Numerous districts offer online and blended programs, and there are also several hybrid schools in the state.

• The state also has Virtual Learning Time, where schools can incorporate virtual learning on days when school is canceled.

• D.C. Everest Area School District, Howard-Suamico School District, and Kettle Moraine School District are all members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools. Collectively, these districts give over 16,000 students access to digital learning opportunities. The League of Innovative Schools is a network of school leaders in 114 districts in 34 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• The Virtual Learning Leadership Alliance is a collaborative association of virtual programs that facilitates collegial support and opportunities for collaboration among individual members and member organizations. It serves as a platform for sharing resources, services, and expertise.

• The state provides free statewide software tools for schools to incorporate into their classrooms, such as ESRI Geographic Software, Google Suite for Education, Microsoft Enrollment for Education Solution, SketchUp, and Autodesk.

• The Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative provides statewide online learning to district, charter, and private schools. The WDLC is made up of the Wisconsin Virtual School and Wisconsin eSchool Network, and gives districts access to online courses, professional development, and technology resources. 

• The Wisconsin eSchool Network connects over 25 school districts to share digital learning tools, online learning instructional plans, and technology implementation. 

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs.

Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:

• Wisconsin supports CTE and work-based learning programs that provide students with career-focused skills and knowledge. There are various CTE programs available, and students can even participate in programs from neighboring districts if not offered in their residing district. Wisconsin even  offers students a CTE diploma option for students who complete the requirements.

• Wisconsin's Regional Career Pathways (RCPs) simplifies pathway development for school districts by vetting offerings regionally, tailored to local employment needs. With seven regions and advisory groups, the RCP network builds powerful partnerships among local employers, educational organizations, and economic interests. These partnerships define the knowledge and skills needed for graduates to excel in regional industries, ensuring students have up-to-date academic and professional knowledge. In 2020-21, over 900 employers partnered with regions to provide internships and apprenticeships.

Personalized, Competency- and/or Mastery-based Learning:

• Kettle Moraine School District has been a school leading competency-based education since 2016. The school was highlighted by KnowledgeWorks for its High School of Health Sciences program.

• Wisconsin's Districts of Innovation seeks to enhance educational outcomes by offering flexibility from bureaucratic regulations. If districts can show that state laws or regulations hinder their efforts to improve outcomes for children and propose an alternative approach, the state’s Department of Public Instruction will use its statutory authority to remove those barriers.