The Wisconsin Policy Forum recently released a report on Milwaukee’s education system, focusing on the impact of publicly funded private school programs and charter schools. Over 40% of Milwaukee’s students are enrolled in these alternative education options, which have been expanding for the past 30 years, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
Milwaukee Art Museum (Anne Helmond/Flickr Creative Commons)“In 1990, state lawmakers created the country’s first ‘voucher’ program in Milwaukee, providing public funding for students to attend private schools,” the Journal-Sentinel wrote. That led education leaders nationwide to tune in to Milwaukee as a center of education reform. “Thirty years later, the forum noted there is ‘little evidence … the average Milwaukee child receives a higher quality education.”
The report notes a significant decline in Milwaukee’s student population. Between 2006 and 2024, the number of students dropped by about 13%, from approximately 124,000 to 108,000. This decrease, combined with the rise of private and charter schools, led to a 33% drop in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) enrollment during the same period. By 2023, only 55% of Milwaukee students were in MPS, with 29% in private schools and 15% in charter schools.
Despite the growth in alternative schooling options, the report reveals that overall student outcomes in Milwaukee have not notably improved. The research found that schools in high-poverty areas and those serving minority students, mainly Black and Hispanic students, continue to score lower on state assessments. For instance, a significant percentage of Black students scored below grade level in math, highlighting ongoing educational inequities.
The report also discusses differences in student populations across school sectors. MPS serves a higher proportion of students with disabilities compared to charter schools. While private schools are required to accept students with disabilities, they do not have to provide the same accommodations as public schools. This service discrepancy could affect student outcomes and suggests a need for better support across all school types.
Another key finding is that funding for Milwaukee schools, adjusted for inflation, has remained relatively stable over the past 20 years. However, rising costs for special education and services for English language learners have strained school budgets. The report suggests that all types of schools could benefit from collaborating to advocate for increased funding for these essential services.
The report also highlights issues with chronic absenteeism. In the 2022-23 school year, about 51% of MPS students and 37% of charter school students were considered chronically absent, compared to 20% statewide. Addressing absenteeism is crucial for improving educational outcomes, especially since absenteeism has increased significantly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overall, the Wisconsin Policy Forum’s report suggests that while Milwaukee’s education landscape has transformed with the rise of private and charter schools, these changes have not yet led to significant improvements in educational outcomes for all students. The report shines a light on the need for better collaboration among different school sectors to address funding and support challenges, particularly for students with disabilities and those who are chronically absent. Unity is critical to overcoming these challenges.
