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The News: An estimated 14% of students in Wisconsin school choice programs have a special needs disability, according to a new analysis conducted by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) and School Choice Wisconsin (SCW). The Quotes: Will Flanders, Research Director at WILL, stated: “The data are clear. Wisconsin’s school choice programs serve thousands of students with disabilities—far more than choice opponents acknowledge. The Department of Public Instruction’s method of counting grossly undercounts these students. This fuels a false narrative about private schools’ commitment to serving children with disabilities.” Mike Metoff, Director of Research at SCW, added, “This…
Read MoreThis is an opinion piece by Nicholas J. Kelly posted to Wisconsin Right Now on November 20, 2024. Wisconsin pioneered what has become a national movement to expand parent education options. From an initial program serving 341 students at seven schools, this year more than 181,000 Wisconsin students use choices that did not exist before the 1990’s. Across the political spectrum, and in all media markets, Wisconsin voters approve and favor expansion. Opponents are undeterred, especially when it comes to programs that let parents choose private schools. More than 58,000 students are enrolled this year in those Wisconsin programs. For…
Read MoreLatest DPI data shows substantial advantages for choice programs MADISON, Wis. (November 19, 2024) – New report cards from the Department of Public Instruction show positive results for private schools in Wisconsin’s school choice programs in terms of both student growth and achievement when compared to public schools. School Choice Wisconsin released the following statement from its president, Nicholas Kelly: “Parents across Wisconsin know what educational opportunities are best for their kids. School choice empowers them to make those decisions. While report cards are just one piece of information a family might use, it’s clear that Wisconsin’s choice schools give…
Read MoreUpdate to school funding policy would solve issues public schools face, benefit all students MADISON, Wis. (October 16, 2024) – The Wisconsin Public Education Network is holding an event Wednesday evening in Manitowoc to attack choice schools over funding despite an easy solution existing. “Decoupling” legislation passed last year by the Wisconsin State Assembly would save taxpayers in the Manitowoc School District more than $1.5 million – a move supported by School Choice Wisconsin last legislative session. “Thousands of Wisconsin families use vouchers to get the best educational outcomes for their kids every year. The solution isn’t fewer choices for…
Read MoreLatest DPI data shows an increase in students attending choice and charter schools MADISON, Wis. (October 15, 2024) – Data released by the Department of Public Instruction today showed continued growth in families using private school parental choice programs for their children. School Choice Wisconsin released the following statement from its president, Nicholas Kelly: “Parents have spoken: they want more educational opportunities for their children. It’s evident from the new data today that parents are exercising their rights and know what is best for their students. Thank you to all legislators who advocated for the historic increases in the last…
Read MoreThis is an opinion piece by Nicholas J. Kelly posted to Wisconsin Right Now on October 10, 2024. Milwaukee and Racine data – the fairer comparison – shows private choice students outperform public school students in 32 of 36 grade-level comparisons. Half-truths are contemptible. As the Oxford Dictionary explains, half-truths “deliberately convey only part of the truth in order to deceive someone.” DPI issues half-truths on an annual basis, when it releases state test scores that compare students from low-income and moderate-income families with all students statewide. They do it even though they know it is deceptive. Here’s the half-truth…
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