‘No-excuses’ charter schools could do more harm than good, analysis finds

“No-excuses” charter schools – which promote strict disciplinary policies, longer school days, and intensive academic tutoring at the expense of the arts and physical education – could do more harm than good, according to a new review by the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice. “While supporters of ‘no-excuses’ charter schools say these practices improve student achievement, they fail to acknowledge the potential negative effects these practices have on students, teachers, and families,” according to the report.

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WEAC mentors provide invaluable support to National Board candidates

National Board candidates and renewal candidates attended a support session on Saturday, April 7, at the WEAC building in Madison. The event was free and open only to WEAC members, who served both as mentors and students. Attendees said the support and guidance they received was invaluable as they progress through the demanding and rewarding National Board process. Find out more about WEAC’s National Board resources at weac.org/NBCT.

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Spotlight on Locals: Janesville Education Association

In her latest Spotlight On Locals column, WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen highlights the many successes of the Janesville Education Association, from working to elect quality school board members to instituting a new salary schedule to holding the line on insurance costs. “While we don’t have the leverage we once did, creating a friendlier environment that is working in the spirit of cooperation is making a difference for us,” says JEA President Dave Groth.

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Judge Rebecca Dallet wins Supreme Court race

Milwaukee County Judge Rebecca Dallet – recommended by the WEAC Board – won a 10-year seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court Tuesday. WEAC had cited Dallet’s 10 years of judicial experience, support for the role of unions in the workplace, and support for public education as a core value. Dallet will be seated in August. Voters also decided to keep the State Treasurer’s Office, a position supported by public education advocates. And they approved the five largest school referendums in the state.

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Under court order, Walker schedules special elections to fill vacant legislative seats

After losing three court rulings, including one by the State Appeals Court, Governor Walker on Thursday reluctantly called special elections to fill two vacant legislative seats, and Republican legislative leaders dropped their efforts to circumvent current law in an attempt to delay the elections to November. As a result of the Wednesday and Thursday developments, general elections will be June 12 to fill seats that were vacated in late December when Walker appointed Sen. Frank Lasee, R-De Pere, and Rep. Keith Ripp, R-Lodi, to administrative positions.

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Students’ 50 Miles More march from Madison culminates with rally in Janesville

An estimated 200 concerned citizens joined students at a rally for common sense gun laws Wednesday in Janesville at the culmination of a 50-mile march by about 40 students. The students marched from Madison to the hometown of U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, demanding that he support gun laws that might help prevent another school shooting like the one that killed 17 people in Parkland, Florida. The 50 Miles More march was an extension of last weekend’s national March For Our Lives rallies.

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