Wisconsin lawmakers are still hard at work this month. In many previous legislative sessions, legislators would be returning to their districts to meet with constituents or prepare for re-election around this time. But, both sides of the aisle are showing no signs of slowing down soon, which means WCRIS isn’t slowing down either. Just this [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
New Positive Ruling on Non-Profit Status
January 18, 2024
Private schools nationwide have been grappling with a loaded question: Does a school’s non-profit status make it a recipient of federal financial assistance (FFA), thereby requiring compliance with Title IX and other federal laws? Federal courts in Maryland and California ruled “yes” in 2022, citing that a private school’s tax-exempt status is financially benefiting the school, which means it’s [...]
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The Right to Read Act: Choice Schools Aren’t Missing Anything
January 18, 2024
Although many of us hoped to have more information by now, the DPI had nothing new to report about requirements of the Right to Read Act (2023 Wisconsin Act 20) earlier this month. WCRIS followed up with the DPI on behalf of our members. As the DPI’s Council on Early Literacy Curricula slowly works on [...]
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Reading, Math and AI – Oh My!
January 11, 2024
Lawmakers around the country are working feverishly to pass policies to keep up with our nation’s changing societal and educational landscape. Some trending policies, like those addressing literacy and school choice, have made it to Wisconsin, while other states are prioritizing social media restrictions, math instruction, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and teacher workforce development. WCRIS is monitoring [...]
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Snow Days: Reminder of Students’ Transportation Rights
January 11, 2024
In light of the winter weather that’s impacting much of the state this week, click here for a reminder of public school districts’ transportation requirements. If your district is calling for a “virtual instruction day” due to winter weather (or other circumstances), it still must transport eligible private school students if your school is in-session that day.
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Lunch & Learn: Joining the SNSP
January 11, 2024
Is your school considering joining the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP) for next school year? Attend this webinar on Jan. 24 for an overview of the program; a recap of recent updates; steps to join; requirements for your school and district; and more. You’ll walk away prepared to join the program with important considerations for your school [...]
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DNR Poster Contest: Keep Wildlife Wild
January 11, 2024
Private school students in grades 4-6 are invited to enter the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) poster contest, “Keep Wildlife Wild.” This year’s theme is keeping Wisconsin’s wild animals “Safe in Their Home.” The DNR has published a lesson plan, presentation and other classroom activities to help students design their creations. Posters are due [...]
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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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Important January Deadlines
January 04, 2024
January 1 Thank you to all the schools that uploaded their safety submissions to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS)! If you missed the Jan. 1 deadline, please still upload what you have to the OSS while working on the rest. Contact the OSS with specific questions about your submission or SharePoint access. January [...]
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Thank You, Sen. Kohl!
January 04, 2024
An avid supporter of K-12 education in Wisconsin, former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) passed away last week at the age of 88. WCRIS joins all who were impacted by his philanthropy in sending its condolences to the Kohl family. Sen. Kohl founded the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation in 1990 to recognize outstanding Wisconsin teachers, administrators and [...]
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