For what it’s worth, here are the facts he, and others, should know.

David Crowley, described in some quarters as a “supporter of Wisconsin’s private school choice programs,” spoke recently with the Stephanie Farrar, president of the Eau Claire Area School District board.  Ms. Farrar’s account of their conversation says the Democratic gubernatorial candidate supports:

  • Prohibiting choice program schools from discriminating against students.
  • Requiring private choice  schools “to be accountable” by taking state tests.
  • Ending the practice of “kicking out students” after the 3rd Friday count that determines state funding per pupil and “keeping the money while a public school educates those students.”

As explained below, the first two ideas already are state law.  The third deals with a false claim debunked more than two decades ago. 

Discrimination.  Per the Department of Public Instruction, “The only information private schools can use to determine eligibility…is family income, prior year attendance, residency, and age of students…Information…that a school cannot use…includes but is not limited to: a student’s race, ethnic background, religion, prior test scores, grades, recommendations or membership in a church or parish.” 

In contrast, Wisconsin public schools in the state’s Open Enrollment Program are not subject to similar requirements.  They routinely deny student applications using criteria forbidden in the choice programs.  Within public school districts, including especially the Milwaukee Public Schools, individual schools use behavior, prior test scores, and special needs to screen students

Testing.  Per DPI, schools in the choice programs are required to administer the:

  • Wisconsin Forward Exam for English Language Arts and Mathematics assessments for grades 3‑8.
  • Wisconsin Forward Exam for Science for grades 4 and 8.
  • Wisconsin Forward Exam for Social Studies for grades 4, 8 and 10.
  • PreACT Secure™ for 9th and 10th grade. Learn more about PreACT Secure.
  • The ACT® With Writing for 11th grade. Learn more about The ACT.

Further, private choice schools may not grant a high school diploma to any pupil unless the pupil takes a civics test comprised of questions that are identical to the 100 questions that may be asked of an individual during the process of applying for U.S. citizenship by the United States.

False Claim.  More than two decades ago the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Alan Borsuk refuted the lie about expulsions after the third Friday count  He wrote in 2003 that choice opponents had circulated the claim for years, adding  “There is one problem with the claim: No facts back it up.”

Milwaukee is David Crowley’s home turf.  It’s also home to the state’s original and largest school choice program.  Yet he is ill-informed about key provisions and is willing to spread a false claim. 

Rather than continuing to advocate for Governor Evers’ agenda of capping enrollment and increasing regulation, he should step back and learn the basic facts about current law and the positive results that benefit students in Milwaukee and the rest of the state.