Wisconsin Senate Bill SB500

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/16/23
• Refer: 10/16/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Teacher and administrator licensure in parental choice programs and in the Special Needs Scholarship Program and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

The proposed changes will affect the hiring practices within private schools, ensuring that all educators possess formal credentials, thereby aligning the standards of education in private choice schools more closely with those of public schools. This measure is intended to elevate the quality of education provided to students in these programs by ensuring that teachers have undergone the necessary training and licensing processes. However, there is a grace period for existing teachers and administrators, allowing them to apply for temporary waivers if they have been employed for a minimum of five consecutive years before the deadline.

Summary

Senate Bill 500 requires teachers and administrators at private schools participating in parental choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program to hold a license or permit issued by the Department of Public Instruction starting July 1, 2025. Under current law, while teachers in these schools must possess a bachelor's degree, they are not mandated to be licensed. This bill establishes specific qualifications to enhance the standards of education in these alternative school settings, aiming to ensure that educators meet certain regulatory requirements.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB500 involves the exceptions made for teachers specializing in rabbinical studies; these educators are not required to hold a teaching license. Opponents may argue that this exception undermines the intent of the bill to standardize qualifications across all private educational settings. Additionally, critics could raise concerns about the potential for stricter regulations to limit educational diversity or accessibility, especially for families utilizing these choice programs, potentially leading to opposition from those advocating for educational freedom.