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January 2002
Contrary to predictions of school choice opponents, conditions in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) have improved during a time of rapid expansion of educational options, according to a new report by Milwaukee School Board member, John Gardner. Gardner argues that many improvements would not have been possible without the existence of school choice programs.
Some school choice opponents now agree. "I really hate to say this because I'm not a choice supporter, but I do think that the threat of choice did force the public school system to make those changes," said State Representative Christine Sinicki to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Wisconsin Public Radio reported a similar view from MPS teacher Bob Peterson, a longtime choice critic and an editor at Rethinking Schools.
Gardner found that MPS made significant academic gains during the most rapid expansion of school choice. MPS students have improved on eleven of fifteen areas on standardized exams when compared to a national sample, and the percent of students demonstrating proficiency increased on all fifteen tests.
Get the entire report and coverage below.
Report -- How School Choice Helps the Milwaukee Public Schools
Executive Summary and Foreword
"MPS critic finds schools looking up," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/21/02
"MPS: A choice connection," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/22/02
"More parents pick Milwaukee schools," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/25/02
"Vouchers Dramatically Improve Milwaukee Public Schools," School Reform News, March 2002
"Spurring Progress," Investor's Business Daily, 3/26/02
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