Question: If I’m in the choice program, do I have to test my students with the Forward Exam? Answer: It depends on how many choice students are enrolled in your school. Schools enrolling 20 or more students in grades 3-12 in the Milwaukee, Racine or statewide choice programs are required to administer the state’s annual testing program [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
16 Results found for category: Principal Question
Principal Question: Internet Costs for Virtual Instruction
February 29, 2024
Question: Can choice schools cover internet costs for students receiving virtual instruction? Answer: WCRIS learned some choice schools have this question during our regular meetings with the DPI. The department plans to officially communicate this information for the 2024-25 school year, but for now, the department shared with WCRIS that: Schools can reimburse families enrolled in grades [...]
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Principal Questions: Deciphering the Right to Read Act
February 15, 2024
Non-choice Schools Question: I’m a leader of a private school that doesn’t participate in any of the choice programs. Does the Right to Read Act apply to my school? Answer: WCRIS confirmed only public, charter and choice schools are included in the regulations of 2023 Wisconsin Act 20. Private schools that don’t participate in the parental [...]
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Financial Literacy Requirement for Public Schools Only
January 11, 2024
WCRIS has received questions about 2023 Wisconsin Act 60, which requires high schoolers to graduate with a half-credit of personal financial literacy. This law only applies to public high schools, beginning with the class graduating in 2028. Even though it’s not required, if your private high school is interested in offering a similar course, find a host [...]
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Principal Question: Short-term Substitutes in Choice Schools
December 14, 2023
Question: My substitute teacher has a short-term substitute license from the DPI because she completed a training program and has an associate’s degree. However, during my choice audit, the auditor flagged that teacher, saying she needed to have a bachelor’s degree. I thought state law allowed a teacher to have a license OR bachelor’s degree. [...]
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Principal Question: Navigating the Choice Program
November 30, 2023
Question: My oversight authorities finally agreed to allow my school to join the choice program. What are some things we can do to make sure that we maintain our mission and values? Or limit government intervention as much as possible? Answer: Great question. Several seasoned WCRIS choice schools have found the following to be helpful: [...]
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Principal Question: Joining the Choice Program
November 30, 2023
Question: My school wants to join the choice program, but I see that there are some deadlines for new private schools in August that I’ve missed. I thought the deadline to register was Jan. 10. Which deadline is it? Answer: Like many things in state law, the use of words can be confusing. In this [...]
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Principal Question: Moving the Needle on Choice
November 16, 2023
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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Principal Question: Concealed Carry of a Firearm
November 09, 2023
Question: Since our church and school are in the same building, a parishioner who has a concealed carry license is asking our pastor and myself for written permission to carry his firearm when he attends church services. Is this part of the law? Answer: Although the possession of a firearm on school grounds is generally prohibited, a [...]
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Principal Question: Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect
September 21, 2023
Question: Can I use my synod’s materials to train my staff on mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect? Answer: State law indicates that all school employees are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. However, specific mandated reporting training is only required of staff employed at public schools or a private school that participates in the choice [...]
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