Question: I want to join the choice program to help my students and grow my school; however, my oversight authority isn’t on board. How can I “move the needle” and convince them to allow my school to participate in the program? Answer: It’s more common than you think for schools and oversight authorities to have [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
35 Results found for category: Choice
Choice Program Changes and Lawsuit Update
November 02, 2023
DPI Considering Feedback In follow-up to last week’s informational session about proposed technical updates to the three parental choice programs, the DPI is taking more time to review questions and comments from parental choice schools and advocates. WCRIS applauds the DPI’s willingness to invite feedback on its proposed changes. The DPI intends to continue investigating the plausibility [...]
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One Choice Program to Rule Them All?
October 26, 2023
An informational session on the concept of combining the state’s three school choice programs into one program was hosted by the DPI this week. WCRIS attended at the department’s invitation. The DPI covered some of the proposed changes that they’re considering with the support of School Choice Wisconsin (SCW), which added its input. Over 160 [...]
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WCRIS Defends Your Choice School
October 19, 2023
A lawsuit filed before the Wisconsin Supreme Court backed by Minocqua Brewing Company last week aims to dismantle the state’s Parental Choice and Special Needs Scholarship programs, as well as independent charter schools in Wisconsin. WCRIS stands ready to defend WCRIS choice schools and the constitutionality of these programs, if the state Supreme Court takes [...]
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ICYMI: Mandated Reporting Guidance Updated
September 28, 2023
After last week’s publication of this principal question about mandated reporting training of child abuse and neglect for choice school staff, the DPI updated its guidance online. School leaders can now choose to train their staff with the recently-updated 2023 training materials or use the DPI’s training from 2021, which is now reposted on this page. Either is [...]
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New Reading Regulations FAQ
September 14, 2023
An FAQ about new Right to Read Act regulations that impact grades K-3 in choice schools is now available. The information was shared with WCRIS this week during our regular meeting with the DPI. The FAQ addresses current questions the department is getting from schools. More DPI guidance is coming soon. WCRIS will share it when [...]
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Watch This for Choice Audit Insight
September 07, 2023
Are you a new choice school wondering what the four required audits are like? Check out this recording of a webinar about the audit process that WCRIS staff attended over the summer. Thank you, Wegner CPAs, for the valuable information and insight!
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Optional Narrative for DPI Report Cards
August 31, 2023
Choice schools should have received an email from the DPI in August with a link to submit a narrative statement for the top of your DPI report card. Submitting a statement is optional. The DPI asks that you submit it by Sept. 8 using the link in the email. If you didn’t get an email or have [...]
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Publicizing Choice School Finances Rejected
August 31, 2023
Because of this summer’s historic increase in school voucher amounts, the DPI called for choice schools’ financials to be published publicly in an online dashboard, like public schools’. Various private school advocacy groups sent a letter to the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee opposing the proposal. The choice-friendly committee shot down the initiative last week. WCRIS has been [...]
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Choice Opponent Signals Unfounded Lawsuit
August 24, 2023
The owner of Minocqua Brewing Company announced his intention to challenge Wisconsin’s school choice programs earlier this week. A lawsuit has not been filed yet, but supporters have begun to fundraise for one. The brewery is known for launching large legal initiatives and has attempted to undermine the choice program before, unsuccessfully. Both the Wisconsin and U.S. Supreme [...]
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