Increased Accountability Standards Protect Milwaukee Students and their Families
By Press Release: Sen. Jeff Plale and Rep. Jason Fields
Last Updated: August 27, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2007
Contact: Sen. Jeff Plale (608) 266-7505
Rep. Jason Fields (608) 266-3756
MILWAUKEE—Today, Senator Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee) and Representative Jason Fields (D-Milwaukee), praised the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for utilizing itsauthority to prevent nearly a dozen unqualified schools from entering the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP). This authority, created in 2006, strengthened eligibility requirements for schools applying for the MPCP and provided greater accountability for those schools that are currently enrolled in the program. Both legislators were pleased to see this legislation being implemented.
“I want to thank DPI for assuring the people of this state that the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program is maintaining high standards for the schools that participate,” said Plale. “By keeping the bad schools out, the good schools are better able to serve their intended purpose, to provide a quality education to students in some of Milwaukee’s most challenged neighborhoods.”
“Last year we wanted to make sure candidates for the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program were quality schools that are better able to provide a comprehensive education,” added Fields. “DPI’s recent decision to deny entry to certain schools demonstrates that the system works and that MPCP Schools are being held accountable.”
“For too long, the entire Choice program has been penalized because of a few bad actors,” said Fields. “I hope the critics out there will now see that only well-deserving schools are allowed in to this needed program.”
“Some people think that any school can get into the Choice program, when, in fact, funding is limited to high quality schools that are dedicated to helping Milwaukee students get the education they deserve. By barring these bad actors from the program, DPI has set the bar higher for future, and existing, MPCP Schools,” concluded Plale.
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