Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) reduced its number of virtual learning days after a 3 percent COVID-19 positivity rate was reached within a 14-day window.
Originally, the school district’s policy mandated 10 days of virtual learning, if the conditions were met. However, the updated provisions will cut the time in half, only forcing five days of remote learning.
The district also said it plans “to expand student testing, increase consent for testing, and campaign to raise student vaccination rates.”
At the beginning of the semester, the school district received widespread criticism when they announced a regression from in-person learning back to computer screens.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the harmful impact of remote learning on students. One survey from McKinsey and Company noted that minority students were affected the most during the first wave of online learning.
Because of online learning and other actions from the school system, some officials have called for smaller districts.
The plan, initiated by State Senator Alberta Darling (R-River Hills), would require the large district to dissolve into four to eight smaller ones within two years, if fully enacted. Furthermore, the legislation would expand school choice options for parents in the region.
The measure was backed by Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Rebecca Kleefisch:
“I refuse to accept more of the status quo from the education establishment that continues to fail Milwaukee’s children. Milwaukee’s failures have gone on for way too long. It’s time to take action and do the one thing people have talked about for years but never had the backbone to do. But this is for children. That’s why as governor, I will break up the Milwaukee Public School District and form smaller school districts that will better serve our kids,” she said.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Wisconsin Daily Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
