Senate Bill 89 mandates that school districts in Wisconsin report specific information regarding American Indian children attending their schools. Starting with the annual report for the 2026-2027 school year, each district will be required to include data on the numbers, ages, and tribal affiliations of these students in their reports to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI). This requirement builds upon existing laws that already necessitate the collection of various data points related to school district operations, but it specifically addresses the need for detailed information about American Indian pupils, which was previously not explicitly required.
The bill is a response to the growing recognition of the importance of American Indian language and culture education, as highlighted by the biennial assessments conducted by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. While some districts have voluntarily begun reporting tribal affiliation data, this legislation formalizes the requirement, ensuring that all districts contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the American Indian student population in Wisconsin schools.