Legislation passed by the Senate would track student performance at schools that receive taxpayer dollars. The bill would require those schools to report to the Department of Public Instruction beginning in 2015.
Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) says this accountability bill is not everything they wanted, but it’s a good start.
AUDIO: Darling says it’s not acceptable that this has gone on for years and years. :31
Darling acknowledges that there are many good public schools in our state, but says many are just not up to snuff. She says kids — and teachers — deserve better.
Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) says the legislation is not strong enough. She says, “Generation after generation is failing,” but, she defends her city, saying the struggling schools are not just in Milwaukee.
AUDIO: Taylor says she’s not excited about this bill. 1:28
The bill (SB-286) that passed through the Senate Tuesday 29-3 would impose limited accountability for schools that are not performing up to standards, but the tougher Assembly version includes sanctions for failing schools. That means radical changes or closure. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) says sanctions have to mean something.
An education committee in the lower house is scheduled to discuss an accountability bill on Wednesday before it goes to the full Assembly.