Wisconsin. Department of Public Instruction

The Department of Public Instruction is under the direction of the State Superintendent, an office created by Article X, Sec. 1, of the Wisconsin Constitution and originally established on August 16, 1848. The constitution provides that "The supervision of public instruction shall be vested in a state superintendent and such other officers as the legislature shall direct; and their qualifications, powers, duties and compensations shall be prescribed by law..."

The Department of Public Instruction is charged with the responsibility of providing direction to and supervision of public elementary and secondary education in Wisconsin. This responsibility is implemented through programs and services designed to provide professional supervision of and consultation to local school districts; to supplement local tax resources with state funds in order that all pupils will have equal educational opportunities; to ensure that handicapped children receive an education; to improve, through continuing research and development, curricula and school operations; to provide proper guidance and counseling for all pupils; to develop school and public library resources; and to coordinate and oversee the use of various federal aids.

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