Teacher Licensure Changes, End Of Life Care, Wisconsin News Roundup

Air Date:
Heard On Central Time

Choosing end-of-life care can be a stressful situation for anyone. We speak with a physician who offers advice on making informed healthcare decisions. We also learn about Governor Walker’s “Workforce Readiness Plan,” and talk to the state’s superintendent about the Governor’s new teacher licensure proposal.

Featured in this Show

  • State Superintendent Slams Walker's New Teacher-Licensing Plan

    Wisconsin Superintendent Tony Evers criticized Gov. Scott Walker’s plan to change teaching requirements to allow a candidate with life experience to pass a competency test to gain a teaching license.

    “It’s just this constant drumbeat of divisiveness that comes out of Madison,” Evers said. “We should be elevating the position, not devaluing it. I have major problems with the governor’s proposal here.”

    Walker’s announcement came Thursday as part of the governor’s workforce readiness plan and will be included in the two-year budget proposal expected in early February. The plan would direct the state Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to create a competency exam and the license would only be available for grades six to 12.

    Evers said DPI already offers an alternative route pathway for teacher candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree with a major in a licensed subject. But, unlike the alternative licensure pathway already on the books, said Evers, the governor’s plan as is doesn’t require educators to learn the pedagogy of teaching.

    “While we value life experiences, we equally value how to teach,” Evers said. “Essentially, what this proposal tells the teachers of the state is, ‘You know, it’s not important how to teach. That just comes naturally.’ That’s just baloney.”

  • Wisconsin's Superintendent Responds To Walker's Teacher Licensing Proposal

    Governor Walker wants to change teacher licensing requirements in Wisconsin to, according to the Governor, create “alternative pathways to allow a candidate with real life experience to pass a competency test to gain a teacher license.”

    This announcement came yesterday as part of the Governor’s workforce readiness plan and will be included in the two year budget proposal expected in early February.

    The measure has already been criticized by the Department of Public Instruction and comes after State Superintendent Tony Evers warned on Wednesday of this week that what he calls “divisive mandates” on public education were on their way.

  • Making Informed End-Of-Life Decisions

    Many people opt for end-of-life care that attempts to keep themselves alive at all costs. One physician says these decisions are often made without truly understanding the consequences. He offers advice on how to make informed end-of-life decisions by engaging in important conversations with our doctors and our families.

  • State News Roundup For January 23rd, 2015

    WPR’s assistant news director discusses what’s making headlines this week in Wisconsin, including Governor Walker’s newly-released “Workforce Readiness Plan.”

Episode Credits

  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Galen Druke Producer
  • Cynthia Schuster Producer
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Governor Tony Evers Guest
  • Dr. Angelo Volandes Guest
  • Noah Ovshinsky Guest