SB21: Bill Text

SB21,1261,24 2. The examination is comprised of a variety of testing methodologies, including multiple choice and short answer, to assess a range of student skills.

SB21,1262,2 3. The examination includes accommodations or alternative assessments for students enrolled in a special education program under subch. V of ch. 115.

SB21,1262,4 4. The examination provider makes available translations for limited-English proficient pupils, as defined in s. 115.955 (7).

SB21,1262,7 5. The examination may be administered in a variety of modes, including with paper and pencil, in an online format, in a fixed form format, and in an adaptive format.

SB21,1262,9 6. The examination has internal consistency reliability coefficients of at least 0.8.

SB21,1262,11 (b) An examination approved under this subsection may be administered only by a school that notifies the department of its intent to administer the examination.

SB21,1262,20 (3) (a) Notwithstanding s. 118.30 (1m), beginning in the 2015-16 school year, a school board is not required to administer an examination adopted or approved by the state superintendent under s. 118.30 (1) in any grade for which an examination is required to be administered under s. 118.30 if the school board administers in that grade an alternative examination approved by the research center under sub. (2). If the school board elects to administer an alternative examination under this paragraph, the school board shall notify the department of its intent to administer the examination and shall publish that fact and information about the examination on the school's Internet site.

SB21,1263,4 (b) Notwithstanding s. 118.30 (1r), beginning in the 2015-16 school year, an operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) is not required to administer an examination adopted or approved by the state superintendent under s. 118.30 (1) in any grade for which an examination is required to be administered under s. 118.30 if the operator administers in that grade an alternative examination approved by the research center under sub. (2). If the operator of the charter school elects to administer an alternative examination under this paragraph, the operator shall notify the department of its intent to administer the examination and shall publish that fact and information about the examination on the school's Internet site.

SB21,1263,15 (c) Notwithstanding s. 118.30 (1s), beginning in the 2015-16 school year, the governing body of each private school participating in the program under s. 119.23 that is required to administer an examination under s. 118.30 (1s) is not required to administer an examination adopted or approved by the state superintendent under s. 118.30 (1) in any grade for which an examination is required to be administered under s. 118.30 if the governing body administers in that grade an alternative examination approved by the research center under sub. (2). If the governing body of the private school elects to administer an alternative examination under this paragraph, the governing body shall notify the department of its intent to administer the examination and shall publish that fact and information about the examination on the school's Internet site.

SB21,1264,2 (d) Notwithstanding s. 118.30 (1t), beginning in the 2015-16 school year, the governing body of a private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 that is required to administer an examination under s. 118.30 (1t) is not required to administer an examination adopted or approved by the state superintendent under s. 118.30 (1) in any grade for which an examination is required to be administered under s. 118.30 if the governing body administers in that grade an alternative examination approved by the research center under sub. (2). If the governing body of the private school elects to administer an alternative examination under this paragraph, the governing body shall notify the department of its intent to administer the examination and shall publish that fact and information about the examination on the school's Internet site.

SB21,1264,9 (e) If a school administers an alternative examination in any grade under this subsection, and if the cost of the alternative examination exceeds the cost of the examination adopted or approved by the state superintendent for that grade, the school board, operator, or governing body of the school is responsible for the difference between the cost of the examination adopted or approved by the state superintendent for that grade and the cost of the alternative examination for that grade.

SB21,1264,14 (4) (a) If a school board, an operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r), or the governing body of a private school participating in a program under s. 118.60 or 119.23 administers an alternative examination under sub. (3), the school board, operator, or governing body shall submit the examination results to the research center.

SB21,1264,20 (b) The research center shall review all examination results received under par. (a) and statistically equate them to the pupil examinations required under s. 118.30. The research center shall provide the examination data, as statistically equated, to the school board, operator, or governing body and to the department. The department shall use data received under this subsection to determine a school's performance or school district's improvement under s. 115.385.

SB21,3267 Section 3267. 118.33 (6) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1265,5 118.33 (6) (a) 1. Each school board shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil's score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1m) (a) or (am) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil's academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil's academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the school board. Except as provided in par. (b) 1. and 3., the criteria apply to pupils enrolled in charter schools located in the school district.

SB21,3268 Section 3268. 118.33 (6) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1265,14 118.33 (6) (b) 1. Each operator of a charter school under s. 118.40 (2r) shall adopt a written policy specifying the criteria for promoting a pupil from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil's score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1r) (a) or (am) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil's academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil's academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the operator of the charter school.

SB21,3269 Section 3269. 118.33 (6) (c) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1265,24 118.33 (6) (c) 1. The governing body of each private school participating in the program under s. 119.23 shall adopt a written policy specifying criteria for promoting a pupil who is attending the private school under s. 119.23 from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil's score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1s) (a) or (b) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil's academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil's academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the governing body of the private school.

SB21,3270 Section 3270. 118.33 (6) (cr) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1266,9 118.33 (6) (cr) 1. The governing body of each private school participating in the program under s. 118.60 shall adopt a written policy specifying criteria for promoting a pupil who is attending the private school under s. 118.60 from the 4th grade to the 5th grade and from the 8th grade to the 9th grade. The criteria shall include the pupil's score on the examination administered under s. 118.30 (1t) (a) or (b) or s. 118.301 (3), unless the pupil has been excused from taking the examination under s. 118.30 (2) (b); the pupil's academic performance; the recommendations of teachers, which shall be based solely on the pupil's academic performance; and any other academic criteria specified by the governing body of the private school.

SB21,3271 Section 3271. 118.40 (2r) (b) 1. (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1266,14 118.40 (2r) (b) 1. (intro.) All Except as provided in subd. 3., any of the following entities may establish by charter and operate a charter school or, on behalf of their respective entities, may initiate a contract with an individual or group a person to operate a school as a charter school:

SB21,3272 Section 3272. 118.40 (2r) (b) 1. e. of the statutes is created to read:

SB21,1266,17 118.40 (2r) (b) 1. e. Any nonprofit, nonsectarian organization or consortium of such organizations approved by the charter school oversight board under par. (bm).

SB21,3273 Section 3273. 118.40 (2r) (b) 2. of the statutes is renumbered 118.40 (2r) (b) 2. (intro.) and amended to read:

SB21,1267,4 118.40 (2r) (b) 2. (intro.) A charter shall include all of the provisions specified under sub. (1m) (b) 3. to 14. A contract shall include all of the provisions specified under sub. (1m) (b) 1. to 14. and shall specify the effect of the establishment of the charter school on the liability of the contracting entity under this paragraph. The contract shall also include all of the following provisions and may include other provisions agreed to by the parties. The chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee or of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside may not establish or enter into a contract for the establishment of a charter school under this paragraph without the approval of the board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System.:

SB21,3274 Section 3274. 118.40 (2r) (b) 2. a. to k. of the statutes are created to read:

SB21,1267,9 118.40 (2r) (b) 2. a. A requirement that the charter school governing board adhere to specified annual academic and operational performance standards developed in accordance with the performance framework of the entity with which it is contracting.

SB21,1267,11 b. Provisions detailing the corrective measures the charter school governing board will take if the charter school fails to meet performance standards.

SB21,1267,17 c. A provision allowing the governing board of a charter school that is assigned one of the top 2 grade levels in the most recent school report published by the department under s. 115.385 to open one or more additional charter schools. If the charter school governing board opens one or more additional charter schools, the existing contract applies to the new school or schools unless the parties agree to amend the existing contract or enter into a new contract.

SB21,1267,19 d. The methodology that will be used by the charter school governing board to monitor and verify pupil enrollment, credit accrual, and course completion.

SB21,1267,20 e. A requirement that the entity under subd. 1. have direct access to pupil data.

SB21,1267,22 f. A description of the administrative relationship between the parties to the contract.

SB21,1267,24 g. A requirement that the charter school governing board hold parent-teacher conferences at least annually.

SB21,1268,3 h. A requirement that if more than one charter school is operated under the contract, the charter school governing board reports to the entity under subd. 1. on each charter school separately.

SB21,1268,6 i. A requirement that the charter school governing board provide the data needed by the entity under subd. 1. for purposes of making the report required under sub. (3m) (a) 6.

SB21,1268,8 j. A requirement that the charter school governing board participate in any training provided by the entity under subd. 1.

SB21,1268,10 k. A description of all fees that the entity under subd. 1. will charge the charter school governing board.

SB21,3275 Section 3275. 118.40 (2r) (b) 3. of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

SB21,1268,15 118.40 (2r) (b) 3. If an entity specified in subd. 1. a. to d. was operating a charter school itself immediately prior to the effective date of this subdivision .... [LRB inserts date], it may continue to do so.

SB21,3276 Section 3276. 118.40 (2r) (bm) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

SB21,1268,22 118.40 (2r) (bm) 1. A nonprofit, nonsectarian organization or a consortium of such organizations that wishes to contract with a charter school governing board to operate a charter school shall submit an application to the charter school oversight board. The application shall include all of the following and any other information requested by the board:

SB21,1268,25 a. A strategic plan for contracting with charter school governing boards that submit high-quality proposals for charter schools that meet identified educational needs and promote a diversity of educational choices.

SB21,1269,5 b. A performance framework for use in supervising and evaluating charter schools that addresses pupil academic proficiency, growth in pupil academic achievement, gaps in achievement between groups of pupils, pupil attendance, the readiness of pupils for postsecondary education, the financial proficiency and sustainability of charter schools, and charter school management.

SB21,1269,8 c. An assurance that the organization or consortium will ensure accountability and transparency on the part of those charter school governing boards with which it contracts.

SB21,1269,11 d. A plan, including corrective action strategies, designed to improve a charter school under contract with the organization or consortium, or to close such a charter school, based on contractual performance standards.

SB21,1269,13 e. A description of the types of charter schools the organization or consortium is seeking to establish, and their potential attendance areas.

SB21,1269,16 f. Information on the organization's or consortium's finances and other resources necessary for the charter school oversight board to determine the applicant's ability to perform its functions under this section.

SB21,1269,18 g. A plan for entering into additional contracts in order to replicate successful charter schools.

SB21,1269,20 2. The charter school oversight board shall approve or deny an application within 90 days of receiving the application.

SB21,3277 Section 3277. 118.40 (2r) (c) of the statutes is repealed and recreated to read:

SB21,1269,23 118.40 (2r) (c) 1. An entity under par. (b) 1. may contract for the operation of a charter school located anywhere in this state.

SB21,1270,3 5. a. A school board may prohibit a pupil who resides in the school district from attending a charter school established under this subsection unless the school district's membership, as defined in s. 121.004 (5), is at least 4,000 and a total of at least 2 public schools in the school district were assigned one of the bottom 2 grade levels in the most recent school report published by the department under s. 115.385.

SB21,1270,9 b. A pupil who wishes to attend a charter school established under this subsection and who resides in a school district in which the school board may prohibit pupils from attending a charter school established under this subsection shall submit an application to the school board. Within 30 days of receiving the application, the school board shall issue a decision allowing or prohibiting the pupil from attending the charter school.

SB21,3278 Section 3278. 118.40 (2r) (cm) of the statutes is repealed.

SB21,3279 Section 3279. 118.40 (2r) (d) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1270,14 118.40 (2r) (d) 2. Administer the examinations under ss. s. 118.30 (1r) or 118.301 (3) and s. 121.02 (1) (r) to pupils enrolled in charter schools under this subsection.

SB21,3280 Section 3280. 118.40 (2r) (dm) of the statutes is created to read:

SB21,1270,18 118.40 (2r) (dm) The operator of a charter school authorized under this subsection may provide transportation to pupils attending the charter school and may claim transportation aid under s. 121.58 for pupils so transported.

SB21,3281 Section 3281. 118.40 (2r) (e) 2n. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1270,23 118.40 (2r) (e) 2n. In the 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 school year years, from the appropriation under s. 20.255 (2) (fm), the department shall pay to the operator of the charter school an amount equal to $8,075 multiplied by the number of pupils attending the charter school.

SB21,3282 Section 3282. 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1271,8 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. (intro.) In the 2015-16 2017-18 school year and in each school year thereafter, from the appropriation under s. 20.255 (2) (fm), the department shall pay to the operator of the charter school an amount equal to the sum of the amount paid per pupil under this paragraph in the previous school year; the amount of the per pupil revenue limit adjustment under s. 121.91 (2m) for the current school year, if positive; and the change in the amount of statewide categorical aid per pupil between the previous school year and the current school year, if positive. The change in the statewide categorical aid per pupil shall be determined as follows:

SB21,3283 Section 3283. 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. a. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB21,1271,16 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. a. Add the amounts appropriated in the current fiscal year under s. 20.255 (2), except s. 20.255 (2) (ac), (bb), (fm), (fr), (fu), (k), and (m); s. 20.285 (1) (r) and (rc); and 20.505 (4) (es); and the amount, as determined by secretary of administration, of the appropriation under s. 20.505 (4) (s) allocated for payments to telecommunication providers under contracts with school districts and cooperative educational service agencies under s. 16.971 (13) and for grants to school district consortia under s. 16.997 (7).

SB21,3284 Section 3284 . 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. a. of the statutes, as affected by 2015 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is amended to read:

SB21,1271,25 118.40 (2r) (e) 2p. a. Add the amounts appropriated in the current fiscal year under s. 20.255 (2), except s. 20.255 (2) (ac), (bb), (fm), (fr), (fu), (k), and (m); s. 20.285 (1) (r) and (rc); and 20.505 (4) (es); and the amount, as determined by secretary of administration, of the appropriation under s. 20.505 (4) (s) allocated for payments to telecommunication providers under contracts with school districts and cooperative educational service agencies under s. 16.971 (13) and for grants to school district consortia under s. 16.997 (7).

SB21,3285 Section 3285. 118.40 (2r) (f) of the statutes is created to read:

SB21,1272,5 118.40 (2r) (f) A charter school established under this subsection is a local educational agency under 20 USC 6301 to 6578 and as such is eligible for funding as a local educational agency, and shall comply with all requirements of local educational agencies, under 20 USC 6301 to 6578.

SB21,3286 Section 3286. 118.40 (2r) (g) of the statutes is created to read:

SB21,1272,15 118.40 (2r) (g) If a charter school established by contract with an entity under par. (b) 1. a. to d. is in operation on the effective date of this paragraph .... [LRB inserts date], and the charter school is assigned one of the top 2 grade levels in the most recent school report published by the department under s. 115.385, the person operating the charter school may open one or more additional charter schools notwithstanding the terms of the existing contract. All provisions of the existing contract, other than any provision that conflicts with this paragraph, apply to the new school or schools unless parties agree to amend the existing contract or enter into a new contract.

SB21,3287 Section 3287. 118.40 (3) (d) of the statutes is renumbered 118.40 (3m) (a) 3. and amended to read:

SB21,1272,20 118.40 (3m) (a) 3. A school board or an entity under sub. (2r) (b) shall give Give preference in awarding contracts for the operation of charter schools to those charter schools that serve children at risk, as defined in s. 118.153 (1) (a).

SB21,3288 Section 3288. 118.40 (3) (e) of the statutes is renumbered 118.40 (3m) (a) 2. and amended to read:

SB21,1273,2 118.40 (3m) (a) 2. When establishing or contracting for the establishment of a charter school under this section, a school board or entity specified under sub. (2r) (b) shall consider adhere to the principles and standards for quality charter schools established by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers.

SB21,3289 Section 3289. 118.40 (3) (f) of the statutes is created to read:

SB21,1273,7 118.40 (3) (f) A contract with a school board or an entity under sub. (2r) (b) may provide for the establishment of more than one charter school, and a charter school governing board may enter into more than one contract with a school board or entity under sub. (2r) (b).

SB21,3290 Section 3290. 118.40 (3) (g) of the statutes is created to read:

SB21,1273,12 118.40 (3) (g) 1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3. and sub. (4) (ar) 1., a contract with a school board or an entity under sub. (2r) (b) shall require that if the capacity of the charter school is insufficient to accept all pupils who apply, the charter school shall accept pupils at random.

SB21,1273,15 2. A charter school shall give preference in enrollment to pupils who were enrolled in the charter school in the previous school year and to siblings of pupils who are enrolled in the charter school.

SB21,1273,19 3. A charter school may give preference in enrollment to the children of the charter school's founders, governing board members, and full-time employees, but the total number of such children given preference may constitute no more than 10 percent of the charter school's total enrollment.

SB21,3291 Section 3291. 118.40 (3m) (title) and (a) (intro.) of the statutes are created to read: