Statutory authority
Explanation of agency authority
Section
227.11 (2) (a), Stats., gives an agency rule-making authority to interpret the provisions of any statute enforced or administered by it, if the agency considers it necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.
Section
115.28 (46), Stats., is a new grant program created under
2007 Wisconsin Act 20, that provides $61,500 annually to school districts for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.
Because this is a grant program, rules need to be in place so applicants know what criteria are being used in the awarding of funds.
The department will promulgate these rules as emergency rules effective January 30, 2008, in order to establish application criteria and procedures in time for the program to operate in the second semester of the school year.
Related statute or rule
None.
Plain language analysis
2007 Wisconsin Act 20, the biennial budget bill, created a new competitive grant program under s.
115.28 (46), Stats., appropriating $61,500 annually for school districts to: 1) develop innovative instructional programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; 2) support pupils who are typically underrepresented in these subjects; and 3) increase the academic achievement of pupils in those subjects.
A new rule chapter must be created to implement this grant program.
Emergency rules were promulgated effective January 30, 2008, in order to establish application criteria and procedures in time for the program to operate in the second semester of the school year.
Comparison with federal regulations
N/A
Comparison with rules in adjacent states
Illinois – does not currently have a rule relating to grant programs for STEM. It does have a rule that awards grants to school districts to provide classroom computers and student lap tops.
Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan do not have rules relating to grant programs for STEM.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
Wisconsin faces the challenge of developing an economy that is more knowledge based than is presently the case. Encouraging a significantly higher number of students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) could be an important step in remedying this situation. Equally important, given STEM-related advances and the influence of those advances on the economy, there is a great need for all Wisconsin students to have a solid foundation in these areas of study. Finally and perhaps most critically, there are troublesome participation gaps in STEM that have the potential to widen the achievement gap if they are not successfully addressed.
Section
115.28 (46), Stats., allows grants to be awarded to school districts to, in part, increase the participation of underserved students and the academic achievement of pupils in STEM. In order to overcome some of the issues resulting in achievement and participation gaps in STEM courses and career pursuits, and to better prepare Wisconsin students for meaningful careers in STEM-related fields, the rules expand the definition of “academic achievement" to include the achievement of pupils in STEM courses, career or technical applications.
Because
2007 Wisconsin Act 20 creating this grant program became effective October 27, 2007, the rule established an application deadline of February 15 to expedite the awarding of funds in 2007-08. In subsequent years, applications will be due May 1 to coincide with application timelines established for other grants awarded by the department.
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
The proposed rules are not anticipated to have a fiscal effect on small businesses as defined under s.
227.114 (1) (a), Stats.
Fiscal Estimate
Summary
Under s.
20.255 (2) (fz), Stats.,
2007 Wisconsin Act 20 appropriated $61,500 annually for school districts to 1) develop innovative instructional programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; 2) support pupils who are typically underrepresented in these subjects; and 3) increase the academic achievement of pupils in those subjects.
The rules establish criteria and procedures for awarding grants under this program. The rules will have no fiscal effect on local governments or small businesses as defined in s.
227.114 (1) (a), Stats.
The costs associated with administering this grant program will be absorbed by the department.
Anticipated costs incurred by private sector
None.
