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Board adopts 2025-26 academic standards; health uses national standards while state updates continue
Summary
The board approved the district's 2025-26 academic standards, adopting Wisconsin standards where available and using Shape America national health education standards as an interim reference while the state updates its health standards.
The Port Washington-Saukville School District board approved the recommended academic standards for the 2025-26 school year, adopting state and national guidance for different subjects and identifying staff roles to support career-readiness and instructional coaching.
District staff said most departments will use Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) standards; health education standards at the state level remain in draft and the district opted to use the Shape America national health education standards as a working model until DPI finalizes updates. "The Wisconsin standards for health education, which are very outdated, are in draft form for an update," a staff presenter said. She noted the district’s health teachers used the Shape America standards for summer work and that DPI’s forthcoming update is expected to align closely.
The board also discussed career and technical education (CTE) and career readiness standards, which had been updated recently at the state level. District staff said they hired a new academic and career planning strategist to coordinate career-readiness work across middle and high schools; the presenter described the strategist as experienced in high school math and instructional coaching and said the position will support career pathways and teacher coaching.
Board action: A board member moved to approve the 2025-26 academic standards and another board member seconded; the motion carried with a recorded voice vote in favor.
Context and next steps: Staff said Wisconsin “essential element” standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities will be aligned to new state standards after they are released. Approved standards and links will be posted on the district website once finalized. Staff said districts can create their own standards but that most districts adopt DPI or nationally recognized standards; the presenter said the district will consider other standards if a more rigorous match is identified.
