The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is required to submit this report to the Legislature regarding the status of existing charter schools, the number of petitions for new charter schools, and the action taken by school boards and DPI on petitions for new charter schools (see Wis. Stat. §115.28 (49)). This report offers the results…

This report documents two distinct stages of decision-making regarding new charter school proposals. The first is a "development" decision which includes the following: (1) further study of a new charter school; (2) considering participation in a charter consortium; or (3) study of a federal Charter Schools Program grant or subgrant for…

In order for an educator to properly restrain or seclude a child, they should be made aware of the statutes, court cases, governmental policies, and terminologies that shape the legality of restraints and seclusions. This paper means to nurture that awareness. The paper is in an order that shows an evolution of the policies and laws about…

Much has been written on the subject of school turnaround, but relatively little about how to "pay for" turnaround-related work. Turning around low-performing schools not only requires changing instructional and related practices, but changing spending patterns as well. Too often education dollars are spent on the same costs from…

School Improvement Grants (SIGs) are authorized under section 1003(g) of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The grants are made to state education agencies (SEAs), and the SEAs award competitive subgrants to local education agencies (LEAs) that demonstrate: (1) the greatest need for the funds; and (2) the strongest…

This Issue Brief, an update of "Authorizing Virtual Charter Schools: Rules of the Road on the Digital Highway" by Gregg Vanourek, is part of NACSA's Cyber series, which addresses issues in policy and practice that concern authorizing online schools and blended learning. It aims to improve authorizer understanding and oversight of online…

In this manual, information for educators writing proposals for competitive funding is provided. All aspects of proposal development (including a timetable) and proposal writing are described in detail. Funding terms are defined. Writing performance objectives, outlining sample budgets, avoiding "turn-offs" in funding proposals, and…

This planning guide is intended to provide all eligible education agencies in New York State with the information necessary to compete for federal grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title IV, part C. Under Title IV, part C, federal funds will be granted to certain local education agencies for the development, validation,…

Examines the implementation of the comprehensive school reform package enacted by the Illinois legislature in 1985. Reform initiatives have produced little controversy in the educational community. District superintendents use the reform law to effect their own, local reform agendas. Superintendents respond to reform pressures by adopting…

These guidelines are designed to assist public agencies in Wisconsin to apply for education funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Preschool Grant Program, and Public Law 89-313 (amendments to Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965). After an introduction which briefly describes each of…

The call for reform has overlooked school boards, which are crucial to effective reform. Focused attention on the role of boards of education in school reform is vital. If boards of education continue to be ignored, their potential for impeding school improvement is likely to increase. (BJV)

In August 1987, a group of Black community leaders and activists announced a plan to create the North Division School District, a small independent unit within the Milwaukee Public Schools. The plan has received opposition from various sectors but should be implemented on at least a trial basis. (BJV)