A PK-16 council is typically a voluntary body consisting of educational leaders who convene to create a seamless education system by addressing critical state educational issues through collaborative initiatives. In these councils, all levels of education - from pre-kindergarten through college - coordinate initiatives, programs and policies and jointly agree upon priorities. The goal of these councils is to promote access, student achievement, standards, accountability and lifelong learning.

Leaders of Wisconsin's education sectors -- Katharine Lyall (University of Wisconsin System) and John Benson (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction), along with Rolf Wegenke (Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities) and Edward Chin (Wisconsin Technical College System) -- joined together to organize the Wisconsin PK-16 Leadership Council. This voluntary initiative includes leaders of Wisconsin's state government, state agencies, education sectors, professional associations, as well as business and industry.

The Council's mission is to foster collaboration that will enhance learning and learning opportunities throughout the state so that all students are prepared to live in and contribute to a vibrant 21st Century society. The work of the Council is funded in part by a supplemental award made by the U.S. Department of Education to the University of Wisconsin System and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction under the Title II Teacher Quality Enhancement Grant Program.

Leadership Council

Implementation Team