Proposed Legislation in Wisconsin Would Allow UW Schools and Technical Colleges To Authorize Charter Schools

Opposed by dean of UW-Madison School of Education

All University of Wisconsin System campuses, state technical colleges and educational service agencies would be able to authorize charter schools under a bill to be discussed by a legislative committee Thursday.

The proposal comes as an amendment to SB 76, which would allow organizations that run a high-performing charter school to open additional schools under their existing contracts. The original charter school would have to receive a rating of "exceeds expectations" or higher on two consecutive state report cards.

"This is really the heart of what the charter school movement is about," said Carrie Bonk, executive director of the Wisconsin Charter Schools Association. "There are good charter schools putting out a quality product and if those charter school operators want to replicate their model, then we shouldn't put up roadblocks to do that."

(H/T Charles WT)