Child-Led Learning / Self-Directed Education (SDE)

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A synthesized framework designed for families in Wisconsin practicing Self-Directed Education (SDE) or unschooling. It aligns the natural 'educative drives' (curiosity, playfulness, sociability, and planfulness) with the legal requirements of Wisconsin Statute 118.165(1)(d) for a sequentially progressive curriculum.

Wisconsin Self-Directed Education (SDE) & Unschooling Compliance Framework

A synthesized framework designed for families in Wisconsin practicing Self-Directed Education (SDE) or unschooling. It aligns the natural 'educative drives' (curiosity, playfulness, sociability, and planfulness) with the legal requirements of Wisconsin Statute 118.165(1)(d) for a sequentially progressive curriculum.

Governing Body: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (Compliance) & Alliance for Self-Directed Education (Philosophy)

Year Adopted: 2024

Grade Levels Covered

Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12

Reading & Language Arts

Kindergarten

WI.ELA.R.K.1 Reading: Foundational Skills

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.

Key skills: Left-to-right progression, Identifying book parts, Interest-led book selection
WI.ELA.L.K.1 Language: Conventions

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when speaking.

Key skills: Oral storytelling, Asking questions for information, Expressing needs and interests

Grade 4

WI.ELA.R.4.1 Reading: Informational Text

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly.

Key skills: Evidence-based inquiry, Summarizing self-chosen resources, Fact-checking curiosities

Grade 8

WI.ELA.W.8.1 Writing: Arguments

Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Key skills: Persuasive communication, Logical reasoning, Advocating for personal projects

Grade 12

WI.ELA.R.12.10 Reading: Range of Reading

By the end of grade 12, read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

Key skills: Lifelong literacy, Critical analysis of media, Synthesis of diverse perspectives

Mathematics

Kindergarten

WI.MATH.K.CC.A.1 Counting and Cardinality

Count to 100 by ones and by tens.

Key skills: Number recognition in play, Quantifying collections, Pattern recognition

Grade 5

WI.MATH.5.MD.A.1 Measurement and Data

Convert among different-sized standard measurement units within a given measurement system.

Key skills: Practical application in baking/building, Real-world unit conversion, Data organization

Grade 11

WI.MATH.HSS.ID.A.1 Statistics and Probability

Represent data with plots on the real number line.

Key skills: Analyzing personal project data, Statistical literacy, Interpreting global trends

Science

Grade 2

WI.SCI.ESS2.A Earth and Space Sciences

Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land.

Key skills: Nature observation, Erosion experimentation, Environmental stewardship

Grade 7

WI.SCI.LS1.B Life Sciences

Develop and use a model to describe how organisms contain genetic information.

Key skills: Biological inquiry, Observing inherited traits in pets/plants, Scientific modeling

High School

WI.SCI.ETS1.A Engineering Design

Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions.

Key skills: Systems thinking, Iterative design, Problem-solving for community impact

Social Studies

Grade 3

WI.SS.Geog2.a Geography

Identify and use various representations of the Earth.

Key skills: Map reading in the community, Spatial awareness, Cultural geography

Grade 8

WI.SS.Hist1.a History

Use multiple perspectives to analyze the causes and effects of historical events.

Key skills: Historical empathy, Primary source investigation, Genealogy/Local history

High School

WI.SS.Civics2.a Civics

Analyze the role of the individual in the political process.

Key skills: Active citizenship, Understanding legal rights, Community organizing

Health & Wellness

Elementary

WI.HE.1.2.1 Health Promotion

Identify that healthy behaviors affect personal health.

Key skills: Self-care awareness, Nutritional choices, Physical play

Secondary

WI.HE.7.8.2 Self-Management

Demonstrate healthy practices and behaviors that will maintain or improve the health of self and others.

Key skills: Mental health advocacy, Risk assessment, Autonomy in healthcare

Implementation Notes

In a Self-Directed Education (SDE) context, these standards are not used as a rigid checklist but as a 'map' to document the learning that occurs naturally through the child's self-chosen pursuits. Wisconsin law (PI-1206) requires 875 hours of instruction annually in these six areas. Educators (parents) typically use 'strewing' (providing resources), 'facilitation' (assisting when asked), and 'documentation' (journaling or portfolios) to demonstrate that the child is progressing through these fundamental areas at their own pace.

Assessment

Wisconsin does not require standardized testing for home-based private educational programs. Assessment in SDE is typically formative and authentic, focusing on the child's ability to set goals, find resources, and complete projects. Families often maintain a portfolio of work, project logs, or a narrative annual report to satisfy the 'sequentially progressive' requirement of state law.

About This Standard
Added:
January 13, 2026
Last Updated:
January 13, 2026

This standard was generated using AI with grounded search to find official, accurate information. While we strive for accuracy, please verify important details with official sources.

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Self-Directed Education (SDE) / Unschooling Philosophy
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