A bill to synchronize and simplify the state’s four parental choice programs in time for the upcoming school year has passed the Legislature with overwhelming support from Republicans and a handful of Democrats who weren’t afraid to defy their party. SB 293, which passed the Assembly late Wednesday night by a vote of 67-30, is [...]
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Current Events
A library of WCRIS weekly E-letters that keeps you updated on issues of concern to private schools
Feds Fund New Title Program
May 18, 2017
Funding for the new Title IV, Part A program, previously called 21st Century Scholars was in flux until last week. Appropriations have been made for the new program, now called “Student Support and Academic Achievement (SSAE) Grants.” New provisions in the law provide State education agencies with the ability to make competitive subgrants to LEAs, [...]
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Looking for a Smoking Prevention Program?
May 16, 2017
The Call is an award-winning, short dramatic film with an anti-smoking theme. It is currently being distributed to school districts, health departments, and boys and girls clubs. With no preaching, horrific images, or boring statistics, the film engages students in an emotional story they can relate to on a personal, gut level. You can watch [...]
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Private School Teacher of the Year Announced
May 10, 2017
Wisconsin’s Private School Teacher of the Year was announced today at a surprise student assembly at Valley Christian School, leaving veteran teacher Shannon Van Scyoc speechless with delight from the honor. In addition to being surprised by the presence of her husband, two children, their families and a dozen more friends, Shannon was presented with [...]
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DPI Releases ESSA Private School Consultation Form
April 20, 2017
We are nearing the end of the 2016-17 school year. Under the most recent reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), called the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), this year was a transitional period for the new rules regulating these federal Title programs. Changes to the ESSA require public school districts to engage in [...]
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Capitol Update
April 13, 2017
The Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee removed 83 items from the Governor’s proposed 2017-19 budget, including two initiatives that would have affected private schools: Deleting a required minimum hours of teaching in public, private charter and voucher schools. This policy would have a made Wisconsin the only state without a minimum requirement for hours of [...]
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Come Share Your Expertise at the 2017 WCRIS Professional Learning Conference
April 07, 2017
Why settle for being an attendee at the first-ever WCRIS Professional Learning Conference for Private School Teachers when you can be a session presenter? This exciting new conference will be held on August 11, 2017 at the Glacier Canyon Lodge in the WI Dells. Principals please share this professional development opportunity with your teaching staff and [...]
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WCRIS Members Meet with Secretary DeVos & House Ed Committee Chairwoman at D.C. CAPE Meeting
March 30, 2017
About 50 of the nation’s K-12 private school leaders met with U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos on March 20 in Washington, D.C. to discuss the new Every Student Succeeds Act and its potential for improving education in America. Attendees included WCRIS Executive Director Sharon Schmeling and Jim Rademan, Director of WELS Commission on Lutheran [...]
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Introducing the 2017 Kohl Foundation Award Winners
March 23, 2017
The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation has announced the 46 private school winners of $248,000 in Principal, Teacher, and Student awards to WCRIS schools. Fourteen Teacher Fellowship award recipients receive $3,000 each and another $3,000 for his/her school. Fourteen Student Excellence and 14 Student Initiative Scholarship winners each receive $5,000. Last year, Sen. Kohl raised the student [...]
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WCRIS Principals Report “Cold Shoulders” From Once Friendly Public School Community
March 15, 2017
WCRIS principals across the state are reporting cool receptions from once-friendly public school administrators and superintendents. It seems an odd development in a year when Gov. Walker introduced a state budget that proposes spending nearly exactly what was requested by the DPI and strongly supported by Democrats. It’s also the biggest increase in years for [...]
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