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At a Glance |
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Wisconsin is very extensive in its use of academic pathways. Wisconsin has 16 academic pathways including career academies, charter schools, alternative high schools, and small schools that align the curricula with that of postsecondary education. Additionally, Wisconsin has TRIO programs, career centers, a PreK-16 Council, and competency-based admissions requirements. Although Wisconsin does not have formal early/middle college high schools, many students graduate from high school from a myriad pathways like dual credit (Youth Options Program) and tech prep. As a result, many students graduate from high school with associate degrees or certificates.
All pathways are viewed as important in Wisconsin because they are seen to truly help students gain access to postsecondary education. However, priorities shift when viewing them from the perspectives of either the state or the university system. From the state’s perspective, the Youth Options Program is Wisconsin’s highest priority. Youth apprenticeship through Tech Prep is another high priority. From the universities’ perspective, precollege programs are the highest priority. Precollege programs intend to reach out and expose students to the college experience early so they can better prepare academically. Advanced placement (AP) is another high priority for universities because it challenges students more than any other way in high school while at the same time students earn college credit. Increasing access to AP courses is another high priority for the state and universities. The state superintendent’s proposed 2005-07 education budget includes a provision to provide incentive grants to the 25 percent of public high schools that do not provide AP classes because of small school enrollments or lack of AP-qualified teachers. Distance learning is extensive in Wisconsin and increasingly in popularity and becoming more important. Wisconsin’s goal is to continue providing distance learning, on-line delivery, and other support and outreach methods to make AP courses available to all students across the state. |
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Academic Pathways |
Present in the State |
Special Efforts
for Underserved Students |
State Support |
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Advanced Placement (AP) |
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Alternative High Schools |
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Bridge Programs |
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Career Academies |
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Career Centers |
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Charter Schools |
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College Level Exam Program (CLEP) |
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Competency-Based Admissions |
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Distance Learning / Virtual Schools |
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Dual Credit /
Dual Enrollment |
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Early or Middle College High Schools |
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GED in College Settings |
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International Baccalaureate (IB) |
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PreK-16 Council |
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Small Schools |
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Tech Prep |
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TRIO |
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