The Wisconsin Future Problem Solving Program, an affiliate of the Future Problem Solving Program International, was begun in 1981 by Bill Hartje and Marilyn Bendiksen. Currently, over 1,000 students statewide participate in some aspect of the program, which is run by Martha Barlow.
Contents |
Almost all aspects of the international Future Problem Solving Program are offered in Wisconsin, including:
The only competitions that are offered at the International Conference but not at the Wisconsin level include On-Site Scenario Writing (scenario winners compete as individuals at the state bowl), an Alternates Competition (although many teams bring alternates who compete as individuals at the bowl, rather than on arbitrary teams as at the international level), and the Adult Competition.
For the first problem of the year, teams only complete the first three steps.
Compared to most FPS affiliates, Wisconsin has a fairly long State Bowl. Participants arrive on Thursday evening for the opening ceremonies. Scenario and CmPS awards are officially presented, as well as the Marian Carr award which goes to a distinguished coach. Immediately following this, the top scenario winners in each division read their writing. A "mixer" or "Zippy Challenge" is then held in which students work with members of other teams to complete a fun activity.
On Friday morning, the team and individual problem solving events are held. Students then have the remainder of the day to themselves while booklets are being evaluated; most of it is used for preparation of their skit.
Skits are performed on Saturday morning, after which the closing ceremonies are held. Awards are presented in all problem solving areas in all divisions, as well as for the skits and banners (each school constructs a banner to represent their team).
Typically, Wisconsin receives two at-large team problem solving slots for the International Conference. This means that in addition to the first place team in each division qualifying for the conference, second place teams in two divisions will qualify. Which division, if any, will receive these at-large bids is not announced until the closing ceremony. Wisconsin has done considerably well in all aspects of the International Conference in past years.