School accountability bill introduced in Wisconsin Assembly

MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin schools would receive a letter grade based on a variety of performance measures starting next year under a long-awaited accountability bill introduced by Assembly Republicans.

The bill introduced Wednesday differs from an earlier draft that would have forced teachers and principals at failing schools to be fired. That provision has been removed.

However, the latest version does call for converting a failing public school into an independent charter school if it doesn't improve over a four-year period.

The sanctions wouldn't take effect until the 2017-2018 school year.

Bill sponsor Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt says he hopes to debate the measure later this month. It is the first bill introduced in the Assembly this session.

Gov. Scott Walker has said passing an accountability bill is one of his top priorities.