State teacher salaries continue to lag

Wisconsin teachers' salaries continue to lose pace with the national average, according to a report released by the National Education Association. The average salary for a Wisconsin teacher in 2004-05 was $43,466, approximately 9% below the national average. http://www.weac.org/BARGAIN/2004-05/july05/rankings.htm

3rd-graders earn top reading scores

Wisconsin's 3rd-graders earned their highest scores ever on the Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test in 2005, according to the state's Department of Public Instruction. More than 87% of test-takers scored at the proficient or advanced level on the statewide exam, the highest percentage since the test's inception in 1998. "This is an extraordinary achievement and is more evidence that Wisconsin has great schools," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. http://www.weac.org/GreatSchools/2004-05/july05/wrct.htm

NEA delegates back plan for education

More than 8,000 delegates, including 300 WEAC members, to the National Education Association Representative Assembly wrapped up their annual meeting primed by President Reg Weaver's call for a new covenant with the nation in support of great public schools for every child. http://www.weac.org/News/2004-05/july05/rawrapup.htm

Proposals sought for three grant programs

The NEA Foundation is seeking proposals from WEAC/NEA members for three grant programs. Innovation Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants are available for all subjects, including the arts, literacy, science, and technology, while Read Across America grants are being offered to public schools who serve economically disadvantaged students. http://www.weac.org/GreatSchools/2004-05/j...afoundation.htm

Technology symposium planned for Aug.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Office of Education Outreach will bring together K-12 educators, technology coordinators, instruction directors and administrators for a symposium on developing online learning opportunities for K-12 students. The program will take place August 2 at the Monona Terrace in Madison. Learn more about this and other professional development opportunities on the Educators' Bulletin Board. http://www.weac.org/Resource/bulletin.htm

Save on summer fun

Thanks to WEAC's seasonal discount program, members can save money on theme park and theatre tickets throughout the summer. Members receive discounts at Six Flags Great America and its new water park, Hurricane Harbor; Noah's Ark water park in Wisconsin Dells; the Madison Repertory Theatre; and the American Players Theatre in Spring Green. Members Only http://www.weacm.org/Content/2004-05/seasonalmb.cfm

HOPE Foundation offers discount

The HOPE Foundation is offering WEAC members a discount to attend its 3rd annual Midwest Summer Institute August 17-19 at the Marriott Milwaukee West. During the three-day workshop, participants will learn about sustaining student achievement, differentiated instruction, closing the achievement gap, meeting Adequate Yearly Progress under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and managing instructional and institutional change. http://www.weac.org/news/2004-05/april05/hope.htm