The Wisconsin Information Network for Successful Schools (WINSS) is divided into four main sections: Standards and Assessment, Data Analysis, Continuous School Improvement, and Best Practices. The Site Map below outlines the contents of the four main sections.
Quick Links
- School Improvement Planning Tool
- Characteristics of Successful Schools Surveys, Climate Surveys for Students and Staff
- Curriculum Wizard, Curriculum Resource Center
- Standards of the Heart Assessment Planning Tool
- Scatterplots: WSAS Test Results, Teacher Qualifications; Similar Schools/Districts
- Data Download Options
- Tips for First-Time Users of the Data Analysis Section
- Data Topics A Through Z
| What are the characteristics of a successful school? | Vision Leadership High academic standards Standards of the heart Family, school, and community partnerships Professional development Evidence of success Bibliography | |
| Where can we find needs assessment surveys? | Characteristics of Successful Schools Surveys | |
| Who should be involved in improvement? | Tips for building strong school improvement teams | |
| Where can we find improvement planning tools? | School Improvement Planning Tool CESA Data Retreat Participant's Guide & Improvement Goal Worksheet | |
| Vision | How do we create a school vision about learning and citizenship for all students? What are sources of research about developing a common vision? | |
| Leadership | How do we promote shared leadership in our school-community? How can leaders ensure educational equity? How can we ensure all students meet high expectations? What are sources of research about leadership? | |
| High academic standards | Wisconsin Model Academic Standards Wisconsin Proficiency Standards and the Wisconsin Student Assessment System Curriculum Wizard Where can we find classroom resources aligned with standards? Thinkfinity, Educational Communications Board, TeachingBooks.net More resources for aligning curriculum and instruction with our standards How do we ensure that there are a variety of assessment measures for all learners? What are sources of research about standards based learning? | |
| Standards of the heart | How do we help families learn about and promote standards of the heart? How are Wisconsin schools promoting standards of the heart? What assessment tools are available to help evaluate standards of the heart? What are sources of research about building character? | |
| Family, school, and community partnerships | How do we promote partnerships with families and the community? How can we promote learning at home? How do we promote learning for young children and community members? What are sources for research about sustaining school, family, & community partnerships? | |
| Professional development | How do we establish professional development goals? What opportunities are available for professional development? What are standards for professional development? What are sources of research about professional development and quality teaching? | |
| Evidence of success | How can we gather evidence from multiple sources and use it to document progress? What are sources of quality data? What are sources of research about using data to improve student achievement? |
We welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions about WINSS.
Email: winss@dpi.wi.gov.

