For example, the Obama administration implemented a race-based disciplinary approach for secondary schools. In practice, this policy led many schools to limit discipline to avoid racial disparities in disciplinary outcomes, reducing accountability for students’ unacceptable behavior in school.
In turn, that policy encouraged disruptive behavior in classrooms. It also created an environment not conducive to learning for those students interested in getting an education, according to a report by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty.
Safety, cultural and academic standards, discipline, quality instructors, parental engagement and student leadership are the foundation on which successful education is based. For example, Milwaukee Lutheran High School is a choice school where the vast majority of students are economically disadvantaged Black kids who attend by virtue of a school choice voucher.
In the last few years, the school has undergone a security overhaul. It introduced armed security, advanced weapons detection, intrusion detection systems and additional cameras. It implemented cultural and safety measures, such as school uniforms, a revised student code of conduct, teacher support to elevate academic standards, and additional counselors to help students with greater learning challenges. The goal was to reduce stress and increase accountability throughout the student body.
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1998! Money and school performance.
A.B.T.: “Ain’t been taught.”
8,897 (!) Madison 4k to 3rd grade students scored lower than 75% of the students in the national comparison group during the 2024-2025 school year.
Madison taxpayers have long supported far above average (now > $26,000 per student) K-12 tax & spending practices. This, despite long term, disastrous reading results.
Madison Schools: More $, No Accountability
The taxpayer funded Madison School District long used Reading Recovery…
The data clearly indicate that being able to read is not a requirement for graduation at (Madison) East, especially if you are black or Hispanic”
My Question to Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Teacher Mulligans and our Disastrous Reading Results
2017: West High Reading Interventionist Teacher’s Remarks to the School Board on Madison’s Disastrous Reading Results
Madison’s taxpayer supported K-12 school district, despite spending far more than most, has long tolerated disastrous reading results.
“An emphasis on adult employment”
Wisconsin Public Policy Forum Madison School District Report[PDF]
WEAC: $1.57 million for Four Wisconsin Senators
Friday Afternoon Veto: Governor Evers Rejects AB446/SB454; an effort to address our long term, disastrous reading results
Booked, but can’t read (Madison): functional literacy, National citizenship and the new face of Dred Scott in the age of mass incarceration.
When A Stands for Average: Students at the UW-Madison School of Education Receive Sky-High Grades. How Smart is That?
Legislative Letter to Jill Underly on Wisconsin Literacy