State Democrats and Republicans are pursuing competing agendas for education this fall, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Though some compromises have been reached, many of the plans must contend with tension between the Republican-controlled state Legislature and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers.
Republicans have proposed a “parental bill of rights,” that would allow parents to opt their children out of classroom discussions about gender, sexual orientation, race, structural racism, institutional racism, and other topics. Schools would be required to notify parents before such discussions and allow parents to sue in the event that they are not notified. It would also give parents the right to choose the names and pronouns used for their children at school and sue a governmental body or official if school staff do not use them.
Three packages of bills proposed by Democrats look to establish a minimum teacher salary equal to lawmakers’ salaries — currently around $57,000 — and a wage of at least $15 per hour for student teachers; grants for programs educating prospective teachers starting in high school; state funding to cover 90% of special education costs; and a phase-out of parental choice programs, which provide tax-funded vouchers for low-income families to attend private schools free of tuition.
Bipartisan agreement looks more promising for separate bills that would boost low-spending districts; provide state grants for students from lower-income families looking to take drivers education courses; and require Hmong American and Asian American studies in state schools.
