The Honorable, The Legislature:
We have completed an evaluation of the Children At Risk program as directed by s.
118.153(6), Wis. Stats. The program, created by the Legislature in 1985, is intended to increase the number of students attaining high school diplomas by improving services to those at risk of failing in, or dropping out of, school. The program was appropriated $3.5 million in general purpose revenue for each year of the 1993-95 biennium and is administered by the Department of Public Instruction.
Changes made to the Children At Risk program by
1993 Wisconsin Act 16 have had a significant effect on the distribution of funds to local school districts. As a result of stricter eligibility requirements, substantially fewer school districts and students within those districts are eligible to receive funding.
This narrowing of eligibility has increased the amount of funding distributed to 4 of the 12 school districts eligible to apply for program aid. However, eight other districts, including Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Racine, which were required to apply for program funding because of high numbers of school dropouts, experienced a significant decrease in funding. As a result, we estimate that only 53.4 percent of the program's $3.5 million appropriation, or $1.87 million, will be distributed in the fiscal year 1994-95.
It is unclear whether this shift in funding will address concerns about the program's lack of effect on graduation rates, which we identified in a previous evaluation, particularly since department and district staff have little confidence in the modified program. Therefore, the Legislature needs to consider whether funds currently appropriated for the program should be used for different purposes.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by department staff and staff from the school districts we contacted. The Department of Public Instruction's response is Appendix II.
Sincerely,
dale cattanach
State Auditir
State of Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction
January 20, 1995
The Honorable, The Legislature:
Section 9145. Non-statutory provisions; vocational, technical and adult education.
(2) CERTIFICATION OF VOCATIONAL, TECHNICAL AND ADULT EDUCATION TEACHERS. By January 1, 1995, the state superintendent of public instruction shall submit a report to the governor, and to the legislature in the manner provided under section
13.172(2) of the statutes. The report shall include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the grants under section
115.366(1)(a)2 of the statutes, as created by this act, in certifying vocational, technical and adult education teachers.
Enclosed is a copy of this report for distribution. If you have questions, please contact Dean Gagnon, Department of Public Instruction, at 267-9244.
Sincerely,
john t. benson
State Superintendent
State of Wisconsin
Department of Public Instruction
January 20, 1995
The Honorable, The Legislature:
(2t) Management Restructuring Program Study. The state superintendent of public instruction shall evaluate the management restructuring grant program under section
118.013 of the statutes, as affected by this act. By January 1, 1995, the state superintendent shall report his or her findings and recommendations to the governor, and to the legislature in the manner provided under section
13.172(2) of the statutes.
Enclosed is a copy of the required report for distribution. If you have questions, please contact Peter Burke, Department of Public Instruction, at 266-0986.
Sincerely,
john t. benson
State Superintendent
__________________
Relating to dairy product advertising and labeling..
Submitted by Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Report received from agency, January 23, 1995.
To committee on Transportation, Agriculture and Local Affairs, January 24, 1995.
Relating to the apportionment method of reporting income..
Submitted by Department of Revenue.
Report received from agency, January 20, 1995.
To committee on State Government Operations and Corrections, January 24, 1995.
Relating to equal opportunities in employment..
Submitted by Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations.
Report received from agency, January 20, 1995.
To committee on Human Resources, Labor, Tourism, Veterans and Military Affairs, January 24, 1995.
Relating to vaccine preventable diseases..
Submitted by Department of Health and Social Services.
Report received from agency, January 23, 1995.
To committee on Health, Human Services and Aging, January 24, 1995.
__________________
Senator Buettner, with unanimous consent, asked that the Senate adjourn until 6:30 P.M. Wednesday.
10:01 A.M.
__________________
1995 assembly joint resolution 1
Prepared by the Legislative Reference Bureau
(January 18, 1995)
1. Page 2, line 15: substitute "state" for "sate".
