Gov. Jim Doyle signed into law an education reform bill Thursday aimed at helping so-called ""failing schools"", focusing specifically on the troubled Milwaukee Public Schools system.
The new law gives greatly expanded powers to the state Superintendent, Tony Evers, including the ability to make struggling districts implement standardized, research based curriculums. It also gives Evers the power to make school boards implement stronger evaluation standards for teachers and principals in underperforming districts.
""This new law is a comprehensive set of reforms that sets a much needed focus on turning around our struggling schools,"" Doyle said in a statement.
The bill specifically cites Milwaukee Public Schools and states that they must also develop alternative ways to earn a diploma for students who previously dropped out of school, along with other stipulations on budgeting and facilities.
The Wisconsin Education Association Council, the state's largest teachers' union and a politically powerful lobbying force, supported the legislation, but only after Doyle failed in his earlier attempt to give more control of Milwaukee schools to Mayor Tom Barrett. Barrett is also running for the Democratic nomination for governor.
""This is an example of what can be accomplished when communities, parents, educators and elected leaders work together on behalf of children,"" said WEAC President Mary Bell.
