Waukesha Times

Today, the Wisconsin Assembly passed a series of bills aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students in the state. The legislation includes measures to align Wisconsin test scores with national standards, eliminate cell phones from classrooms, reintroduce cursive writing, mandate civics education, provide curriculum transparency to parents, and allocate a minimum of 70% of education funding directly into classrooms.

State Representative Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) expressed his support for these initiatives. On AB 1, he stated: “Lowering standards to prop up DPI leadership does no favors for our kids. Holding our students to long-established standards is a crucial component of helping them succeed.”

Regarding AB 2, Neylon remarked: “Cell phones have become a major distraction in Wisconsin’s classrooms. It’s time we got serious about our kids focusing on what it takes to succeed. This policy is not about restricting students’ access to technology, but rather about promoting its responsible use.”

On the subject of AB 3 and cursive writing, he commented: “Cursive can be a critical tool to developing motor skills, memory and hand-eye coordination, as well as cognitive training a child’s brain needs to help them read. I believe with our standards being lowered and our kids’ literacy scores as low as they are, we should support any opportunity we can provide for our students to succeed.”

For AB 4 concerning civics instruction, Neylon said: “While we focus on preparing our kids to succeed as adults, we should not neglect our responsibility to prepare them to thrive as members of society and responsible citizens. Requiring civics instruction for all students is an investment in our future.”

Neylon also addressed AB 5 by stating: “Raising and educating our kids is a collaborative effort between parents and educators. Our educational system should be providing transparency for those parents that want it.”

Finally, on AB 6 regarding classroom spending he added: “Requiring 70% of school expenditures be spent in the classroom is a better investment in our kids and a better return on the taxpayers’ investment.”