On March 10, 2006, the Governor signed 2005 Act 125, which modified the current law related to the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) - a voucher program. This new legislation took effect on March 25, 2006. The act includes the following provisions:
The number of students that can participate in the voucher program increases from 14,500 to 22,500.
The income limit for continuing MPCP students and their siblings increases to 220% of the federal poverty level.
The prior year attendance requirement within the Milwaukee public school system for students is eliminated.
Participating schools must achieve accreditation or approval from certain agencies.
Participating schools are required to administer nationally normed standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science to MPCP students in the 4th, 8th, and 10th grades.
Beginning in 2006 and annually thereafter until 2011, participating private schools must provide all standardized test scores to the School Choice Demonstration Project. Starting in 2007 and annually thereafter, the Legislative Audit Bureau is required to review and analyze the test score data and report to the legislature the results of various tests.
