History & Legal Structure
The statewide web academy, known as the Wisconsin Digital Learning Collaborative (WDLC) has been established pursuant to the authority granted in Wis. Stat. §115.28(53), to provide equitable access to high-quality online education by offering online learning to school districts, cooperative educational service agencies, charter schools and private schools located in this state. The intention was to create a centralized effort through which K-12 schools, districts, and agencies could access shared knowledge, resources, and support for their individual online and blended learning efforts.
WDLC consists of three collaborating organizations, the Wisconsin Virtual School (WVS), the Wisconsin eSchool Network (WEN), and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) through an executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs). Together, WVS and WEN form the foundation of the WDLC with DPI as the state agency holding the MOUs. This partnership provides a single point for schools to access quality online and blended learning.
Wisconsin Virtual School (WVS)
WVS is a supplemental online course provider to school districts across the state of Wisconsin, serving more than 27,000 students. For WDLC, WVS supports state/local digital learning planning, co-manages pilot programs, and offers implementation solutions for schools, districts, and agencies pursuing the Supplemental Pathway.
Wisconsin eSchool Network (WEN)
WEN is a consortium providing access to online courses, technology, operational support, digital learning professional development, and other services to its members. For WDLC, WEN holds central operational contracts, co-manages pilot programs, and provides both support and solutions for schools, districts, and agencies pursuing the Invested & Affiliate Pathway.
Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
DPI’s Vision: Every Child a Graduate, College and Career Ready
The Department of Public Instruction is the state agency that advances public education and libraries in Wisconsin. Their goal is to ensure every child graduates ready for further education and the workplace. They want all students in Wisconsin to graduate from high school academically prepared and socially and emotionally competent by possessing and demonstrating knowledge; proficiency in academic content, skills; application of knowledge through skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity, and habits; behaviors such as perseverance, responsibility, adaptability, and leadership. These proficiencies and attributes come from rigorous, rich, and well-rounded public school experiences. Click here to access additional resources on the agency vision and mission.
In addition to the founding entities, WDLC includes field experts, practitioners from K-12 schools, districts, and agencies who want to contribute to quality and practice, and other stakeholders who have interest or influence in the digital learning space.