A task force appointed by the governor developed Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards to encourage a higher level of learning for all public school students. The standards describe the skills children should have and the things they should know by the end of grades 4, 8, and 12. Every subject is divided into content standards that tell what students should know and be able to do. Each subject is also divided into performance standards that tell how students will show that they can meet the content standards. Proficiency standards are a third category, one that tells how well students have learned the content, and these standards have been developed for the five subjects covered in statewide tests. Model academic standards have also been developed for 14 subjects not covered by the state achievement tests. This guide also contains information about the tests Wisconsin students will take to demonstrate achievement: (1) the Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Tests; (2) the Knowledge and Concepts Examinations; and (3) the High School Graduation Test. A final section of this guide discusses ways parents can help their children do better in school. (SLD)