The Sconi

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Wisconsin secured the tenth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 78.8%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Wisconsin scored an 82% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 78%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Wisconsin earned a 72%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"The program that made Milwaukee famous started a movement 33 years ago that made this state one of the earliest adopters of programs that give parents power. Despite changes in leadership that are not always friendly to parent versus system-driven reforms, and resulting in less than expected growth, Wisconsin families have maintained their mid-western resolve in ensuring that their freedom to support their students' education is protected," the Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor Tony Evers is still a long-time opponent of parent power and was even criticized by his status quo supporters for a deal he struck that increased payments for the per pupil amounts for private choice and independent charter schools, in exchange for raising revenue limits for traditional school districts. This ‘small bump in the road,’ as he described it, is all that minority families can expect at this time," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”