Wisconsin Administrative Code Department of Public Instruction
The Wisconsin Administrative Code for the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is a comprehensive set of rules that govern virtually every aspect of public education and libraries in the state. These rules are crucial for implementing state statutes related to education and ensuring consistent standards, accountability, and the provision of educational services across Wisconsin.
Here are the key areas typically covered by the Wisconsin Administrative Code for the DPI:
School District Standards (PI 8): This is a cornerstone chapter, outlining minimum standards that all public school districts must meet. This includes requirements for:
Curriculum and instruction (e.g., specific subject areas, reading programs)
Hours of instruction (minimum annual hours for different grade levels)
Guidance and counseling services
Staffing and licensing requirements for teachers and administrators
Physical facilities, equipment, and materials
Student assessment and promotion criteria
Special Education (PI 11): This extensive chapter details the rules for providing special education services to students with disabilities, aligning with federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It covers:
Identification, evaluation, and eligibility for special education services
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Procedural safeguards and parental rights
Disability categories and related services
Dispute resolution processes (mediation, complaints, due process hearings)
Transition services for students moving into post-secondary education or employment
Pupil Nondiscrimination (PI 9): These rules address issues of discrimination in public schools based on protected characteristics like race, sex, national origin, religion, and disability. They include:
Requirements for district policies and procedures to prevent and address discrimination
Complaint procedures for alleged discrimination
Provisions related to single-sex programs and activities
Educator Licensing (PI 34, PI 35, etc.): This series of chapters outlines the requirements for obtaining and maintaining licenses for various educational professionals, including:
Teachers (early childhood, elementary, secondary, special subjects)
Administrators (principals, superintendents)
Pupil services staff (school counselors, social workers, psychologists)
Continuing education requirements for license renewal
Professional conduct and discipline for licensees
School Finance and State Aid: Rules related to how state education aid is distributed to school districts, financial reporting requirements for districts, and other fiscal matters.
High School Graduation Standards (PI 18): Defines the minimum credits and subject areas required for high school graduation, as well as provisions for equivalency policies and specific student populations.
Attendance and Truancy: Rules pertaining to compulsory school attendance, truancy prevention, and procedures for addressing student absenteeism.
Open Enrollment: Regulations governing the inter-district public school open enrollment program, allowing students to attend schools outside their resident district.
Charter Schools: Rules related to the establishment, operation, and oversight of charter schools.
Library Services: Rules pertaining to the administration and funding of public libraries and library systems in Wisconsin, as the DPI also oversees these.
Where to Find the Full Text:
The most reliable and up-to-date source for the Wisconsin Administrative Code, including all DPI chapters, is the Wisconsin Legislature's website:
Wisconsin Legislature Documents Portal. From there, you can navigate to the "Administrative Code" section. The DPI chapters typically begin with "PI" (e.g., PI 8, PI 9, PI 11).
You can also often find these rules on legal information websites like Justia or Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute (LII), but it's always best to cross-reference with the official Wisconsin Legislature site for the most current version.
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