Chapter 118

118.33(1m)(a)1. 1. Beginning in the 2016-17 school year, no school board, operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x), or governing body of a private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 may, except as provided in subd. 2. and subject to the policies under sub. (2) (m), grant a high school diploma to any pupil unless the pupil takes, during the high school grades, a civics test comprised of 100 questions that are identical to the 100 questions that may be asked of an individual during the process of applying for U.S. citizenship by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the pupil correctly answers at least 65 of those questions.

118.33(1m)(a)2. 2.

118.33(1m)(a)2.a. a. Except as provided in subd. 2. b., a school board, operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x), and governing body of a private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 shall require a pupil for whom an individualized education program under s. 115.787 is in effect and a parentally placed child with a disability, as defined in 34 CFR 300.130, to complete the civics test described under subd. 1. but may not condition graduation on the successful completion of the test.

118.33(1m)(a)2.b. b. If a pupil’s individualized education program under s. 115.787 or a services plan, as defined in 34 CFR 300.37, includes a statement that it is not appropriate to administer the civics test under subd. 1. to the pupil, a school board, operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x), and governing body of a private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 may not make completion of the civics test described under subd. 1. a condition of graduation for that pupil.

118.33(1m)(a)3. 3. A school board, operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x), and governing body of a private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 shall permit a limited-English proficient pupil, as defined in s. 115.955 (7), to take the civics test described under subd. 1. in the pupil’s language of choice.

118.33(1m)(a)4. 4. A pupil may retake the civics test described under subd. 1. until the pupil obtains the passing score required under subd. 1.

118.33(1m)(b) (b) A school board, operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x), and governing body of a private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 may determine the format of the civics test required under this subsection and when in the school year to administer the test.

118.33(2) (2) The state superintendent shall:

118.33(2)(c) (c) Establish course requirements under sub. (1) (a) and approve any school board’s high school graduation standards policy that is equivalent to the requirements under subs. (1) and (1m) (a).

118.33(2)(m) (m) Adopt policies to accommodate pupils with exceptional educational interests, needs or requirements, not limited to children with disabilities, as defined under s. 115.76 (5).

118.33(3) (3) By September 1, 1986, each school board operating high school grades shall submit to the state superintendent a report describing the school board’s policies and guidelines on high school graduation standards, including a list of courses required under sub. (1) (a) and the number of hours in each school term required to earn one credit under sub. (1) (a), and thereafter shall notify the state superintendent whenever changes are made in such policies or guidelines. The department shall make reasonable efforts to combine the reports required under this subsection with other required school board reports.

118.33(3m) (3m) A course taken at a technical college by a child attending the school part-time or in lieu of high school under s. 118.15 (1) (b), or attending the school under s. 118.15 (1) (cm), does not fulfill any of the high school graduation requirements under sub. (1) (a) unless the state superintendent has approved the course for that purpose. If a pupil satisfies all of the high school graduation requirements under subs. (1) and (1m) (a), the school board shall grant a high school diploma to the pupil regardless of whether the pupil satisfied all or a portion of the requirements while attending an institution of higher education under s. 118.55 or a technical college.

118.33(4) (4) 

118.33(4)(a) (a) The state superintendent shall establish procedures for school boards to certify to the state superintendent whether they are in compliance with the requirements under sub. (1) and the rules promulgated under sub. (2).

118.33(4)(b) (b) The state superintendent may periodically review school district high school graduation standards and shall notify any school board not in compliance with the requirements under sub. (1) or the rules promulgated under sub. (2), identifying the changes necessary.

118.33(5) (5) The department shall include in its biennial report under s. 15.04 (1) (d) information on the status of statewide high school graduation standards.

118.33(5m) (5m) By January 1, 2025, the department shall establish a model policy for promoting a pupil from the 3rd grade to the 4th grade. The department shall include in the model policy at least all of the following:

118.33(5m)(a) (a) A requirement that the school board or operator of the charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) do all of the following for a pupil promoted to 4th grade who had a personal reading plan under s. 118.016 (5) (a) 1. during the 3rd grade and who is not considered to have completed the personal reading plan under s. 118.016 (5) (d):

118.33(5m)(a)1. 1. Provide the pupil with intensive instructional services, progress monitoring, and supports to remediate the identified areas of deficiency.

118.33(5m)(a)2. 2. Notify the pupil’s parent or guardian, in writing, that the pupil did not complete the personal reading plan under s. 118.016 (5) (a) 1. and include a description of the intensive instructional services and supports that will be provided to the pupil to remediate the identified areas of reading deficiency.

118.33(5m)(a)3. 3. Provide the pupil with an intensive summer reading program each summer until the pupil scores at grade-level in reading on a summative assessment.

118.33(5m)(b) (b) A good cause exception to the requirement under par. (a) for all of the following:

118.33(5m)(b)1. 1. Limited-English proficient pupils, as defined in s. 115.955 (7).

118.33(5m)(b)2. 2. A pupil who has an individual education plan that indicates that neither taking the examination under s. 121.02 (1) (r) nor taking the assessments under s. 118.016 (3) is appropriate for the pupil.

118.33(5m)(b)3. 3. A pupil who scores as proficient in reading on an alternative standardized assessment approved by the department.

118.33(5m)(b)4. 4. A pupil who has an individual education plan or a plan to provide accommodations or services under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that indicates that the pupil has received intensive intervention in reading for more than 2 years if the pupil continues to demonstrate a deficiency in reading and was previously retained in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade.

118.33(5m)(b)5. 5. A pupil who has received intensive intervention in reading for 2 or more school years, continues to demonstrate a deficiency in reading, and was previously retained in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade for a total of 2 years.

118.33(6) (6) 

118.33(6)(a) (a)

118.33(6)(a)1. 1. Each school board shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil’s score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1m) (a) or (am) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil’s academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil’s academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the school board. Except as provided in par. (b) 1. and 3., the criteria apply to pupils enrolled in charter schools located in the school district.

118.33(6)(a)2. 2. Except as provided in par. (b) 2. and 3., a school board may not promote a 4th grade pupil enrolled in the school district, including a pupil enrolled in a charter school located in the school district, to the 5th grade, and may not promote an 8th grade pupil enrolled in the school district, including a pupil enrolled in a charter school located in the school district, to the 9th grade, unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the school board’s policy adopted under subd. 1.

118.33(6)(a)3. 3. By July 1, 2025, each school board shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 3rd grade to the 4th grade that includes at least all of the components under sub. (5m) (a) and (b). Beginning on September 1, 2027, a school board may not promote a 3rd grade pupil to the 4th grade unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the school board’s policy under this subdivision.

118.33(6)(b) (b)

118.33(6)(b)1. 1. Each operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil’s score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1r) (a) or (am) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil’s academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil’s academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the operator of the charter school.

118.33(6)(b)2. 2. Beginning on September 1, 2002, an operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) may not promote a 4th grade pupil to the 5th grade, and may not promote an 8th grade pupil to the 9th grade, unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the charter school operator’s policy under subd. 1.

118.33(6)(b)2m. 2m. By July 1, 2025, each operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 3rd grade to the 4th grade that includes at least all of the components under sub. (5m) (a) and (b). Beginning on September 1, 2027, an operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) may not promote a 3rd grade pupil to the 4th grade unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the charter school operator’s policy under this subdivision.

118.33(6)(b)3. 3. If a school board enters into an agreement with a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state to establish a charter school, the criteria specified in the policies adopted by that school board under par. (a) 1. and 3. apply to pupils enrolled in the charter school and that school board is subject to the prohibitions in par. (a) 2. and 3. with respect to pupils enrolled in the charter school, regardless of the location of the charter school.

118.33(6)(c) (c)

118.33(6)(c)1. 1. The governing body of each private school participating in the program under s. 119.23 shall adopt a written policy specifying criteria for promoting a pupil who is attending the private school under s. 119.23 from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil’s score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1s) (a) or (b) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil’s academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil’s academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the governing body of the private school.

118.33(6)(c)2. 2. The governing body of a private school participating in the program under s. 119.23 may not promote a 4th grade pupil who is attending the private school under s. 119.23 to the 5th grade, and may not promote an 8th grade pupil who is attending the private school under s. 119.23 to the 9th grade, unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the governing body’s policy under subd. 1.

118.33(6)(c)3. 3. By July 1, 2025, the governing body of each private school participating in the program under s. 119.23 shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 3rd grade to the 4th grade that includes at least a requirement to provide to a pupil promoted to 4th grade who scored below grade-level in reading on the examination under s. 121.02 (1) (r) the services described in sub. (5m) (a) 1. to 3. and a good cause exception similar to the exception under sub. (5m) (b). Beginning on September 1, 2027, the governing body of a private school participating in the program under s. 119.23 may not promote a 3rd grade pupil to the 4th grade unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the governing body’s policy under this subdivision.

118.33(6)(cm) (cm)

118.33(6)(cm)1. 1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3., beginning on September 1, 2011, a school board may not enroll a child in the first grade in a school in the school district, including in a charter school located in the school district, unless the child has completed 5-year-old kindergarten. Each school board that operates a 5-year-old kindergarten program shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from 5-year-old kindergarten to the first grade.

118.33(6)(cm)2. 2. Each school board that operates a 5-year-old kindergarten program shall establish procedures, conditions, and standards for exempting a child from the requirement that the child complete kindergarten as a prerequisite to enrollment in the first grade and for reviewing the denial of an exemption upon the request of the pupil’s parent or guardian.

118.33(6)(cm)3. 3. A school board that operates a 5-year-old kindergarten program shall enroll in the first grade a child who has not completed kindergarten but who is otherwise eligible to be admitted to and to enroll in first grade as a new or continuing pupil at the time the child moves into this state if one of the following applies:

118.33(6)(cm)3.a. a. Before either commencing or completing first grade, the child moved into this state from a state, country, or territory in which completion of 5-year-old kindergarten is a prerequisite to entering first grade and the child was exempted from the requirement to complete 5-year-old kindergarten in the state, country, or territory from which the child moved.

118.33(6)(cm)3.b. b. Before either commencing or completing first grade the child moved into this state from a state, country, or territory in which completion of 5-year-old kindergarten is not a prerequisite to entering first grade.

118.33(6)(cm)4. 4. Except as provided in subds. 5. and 6., beginning on September 1, 2011, the operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) may not enroll a child in the first grade in the school unless the child has completed 5-year-old kindergarten. Each operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) that operates a 5-year-old kindergarten program shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from 5-year-old kindergarten to the first grade.

118.33(6)(cm)5. 5. Each operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) that operates a 5-year-old kindergarten program shall establish procedures, conditions, and standards for exempting a child from the requirement that the child complete kindergarten as a prerequisite to enrollment in the first grade and for reviewing the denial of an exemption upon the request of the pupil’s parent or guardian.

118.33(6)(cm)6. 6. The operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x) that operates a 5-year-old kindergarten program shall enroll in the first grade a child who has not completed kindergarten but who is otherwise eligible to be admitted to and to enroll in first grade as a new or continuing pupil at the time the child moves into this state if one of the following applies:

118.33(6)(cm)6.a. a. Before either commencing or completing first grade, the child moved into this state from a state, country, or territory in which completion of 5-year-old kindergarten is a prerequisite to entering first grade and the child was exempted from the requirement to complete 5-year-old kindergarten in the state, country, or territory from which the child moved.

118.33(6)(cm)6.b. b. Before either commencing or completing first grade the child moved into this state from a state, country, or territory in which completion of 5-year-old kindergarten is not a prerequisite to entering first grade.

118.33(6)(cr) (cr)

118.33(6)(cr)1. 1. The governing body of each private school participating in the program under s. 118.60 shall adopt a written policy specifying criteria for promoting a pupil who is attending the private school under s. 118.60 from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil’s score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1t) (a) or (b) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil’s academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil’s academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the governing body of the private school.

118.33(6)(cr)2. 2. The governing body of a private school participating in the program under s. 118.60 may not promote a 4th grade pupil who is attending the private school under s. 118.60 to the 5th grade, and may not promote an 8th grade pupil who is attending the private school under s. 118.60 to the 9th grade, unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the governing body’s policy under subd. 1.

118.33(6)(cr)3. 3. By July 1, 2025, the governing body of each private school participating in the program under s. 118.60 shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 3rd grade to the 4th grade that includes at least a requirement to provide to a pupil promoted to 4th grade who scored below grade-level in reading on the examination under s. 121.02 (1) (r) the services described in sub. (5m) (a) 1. to 3. and a good cause exception similar to the exception under sub. (5m) (b). Beginning on September 1, 2027, the governing body of a private school participating in the program under s. 118.60 may not promote a 3rd grade pupil to the 4th grade unless the pupil satisfies the criteria for promotion specified in the governing body’s policy under this subdivision.

118.33 History History: 1983 a. 411; 1985 a. 29; 1991 a. 39, 269; 1993 a. 223, 339, 340, 399, 491; 1995 a. 27 s. 9145 (1); 1997 a. 27, 113, 164; 1999 a. 9, 84, 185; 2001 a. 38, 109; 2003 a. 33; 2009 a. 28, 41, 114; 2011 a. 32, 105, 156; 2011 a. 260 s. 80; 2013 a. 63, 138, 237; 2015 a. 55, 212; 2017 a. 59; 2023 a. 20, 60.

118.33 Note NOTE: 1983 Wis. Act 411, which created this section, has a “Legislative declaration” in section 1.

118.33 Note NOTE: 1993 Wis. Act 339, which created sub. (1) (d), contains explanatory notes.

118.33 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. PI 18, Wis. adm. code.

118.34 118.34 Technical preparation programs.

118.34(1) (1) In cooperation with a technical college district board, each school board shall establish a technical preparation program in each public high school located in the school district. The program shall consist of a sequence of courses, approved by the technical college system board under s. 38.04 (26), designed to allow high school pupils to gain advanced standing in the technical college district’s associate degree program upon graduation from high school.

118.34(2) (2) 

118.34(2)(a) (a) The technical college district director shall appoint a technical preparation council to coordinate the establishment of the technical preparation programs. The council shall consist of 12 members.

118.34(2)(b) (b) The technical college district board and the school boards of school districts that operate high schools located in the technical college district shall establish a consortium to implement the technical preparation programs.

118.34(3) (3) The department and the technical college system board shall provide technical assistance to school boards to develop technical preparation programs in each high school. Annually, the school board shall evaluate its program and report the results to the state superintendent and the technical college system board.

118.34 History History: 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 16, 399, 491; 1995 a. 27 s. 9145 (1); 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 9; 2003 a. 33.

118.34 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. TCS 9, Wis. adm. code.

118.35 118.35 Programs for gifted and talented pupils.

118.35(1) (1) In this section, “gifted and talented pupils” means pupils enrolled in public schools who give evidence of high performance capability in intellectual, creative, artistic, leadership or specific academic areas and who need services or activities not ordinarily provided in a regular school program in order to fully develop such capabilities.

118.35(2) (2) The state superintendent shall by rule establish guidelines for the identification of gifted and talented pupils.

118.35(3) (3) Each school board shall ensure that all gifted and talented pupils enrolled in the school district have access to a program for gifted and talented pupils.

118.35(4) (4) From the appropriation under s. 20.255 (2) (fy), the department shall award grants to nonprofit organizations, cooperative educational service agencies, institutions within the University of Wisconsin System, and school districts for the purpose of providing to gifted and talented pupils those services and activities not ordinarily provided in a regular school program that allow such pupils to fully develop their capabilities.

118.35 History History: 1985 a. 29; 1995 a. 27 s. 9145 (1); 1997 a. 27, 240; 2005 a. 25; 2007 a. 20; 2011 a. 32; 2017 a. 59.

118.38 118.38 Waivers of laws and rules.

118.38(1) (1) 

118.38(1)(a) (a) A school board may request the department to waive any school board or school district requirement in chs. 115 to 121 or in the administrative rules promulgated by the department under the authority of those chapters, except for statutes or rules related to any of the following:

118.38(1)(a)1. 1. The health or safety of pupils.

118.38(1)(a)2. 2. Pupil discrimination under s. 118.13.

118.38(1)(a)3. 3. The pupil assessment program under s. 118.30 and the standardized reading test required under s. 121.02 (1) (r).

118.38(1)(a)4. 4. Pupil records under s. 118.125.

118.38(1)(a)5. 5. The collection of data by the department.

118.38(1)(a)6. 6. The uniform financial fund accounting system under ss. 115.28 (13) and 115.30 (1) and audits of school district accounts under s. 120.14.

118.38(1)(a)7. 7. Licensure or certification under s. 115.28 (7) or (7m) other than the licensure of the school district administrator or business manager.

118.38(1)(a)8. 8. The commencement of the school term under s. 118.045.

118.38(1)(a)9. 9. The requirements established for achievement guarantee contracts under s. 118.43 and for achievement gap reduction contracts under s. 118.44.

118.38(1)(b) (b) Before requesting a waiver, the school board shall hold a public hearing in the school district on the request.

118.38(1m) (1m) The school board shall specify in its request for a waiver its reason for requesting the waiver.

118.38(2) (2)