Walker to push for vouchers on report cards

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Scott Walker says he will support legislation requiring that private voucher schools be included in the same accountability system that applied to public schools, including annual report cards rating performance.

Walker didn't include that in his state budget. But on Thursday Walker said he would back separate legislation making vouchers subject to the report card.

Walker is proposing an expansion of the voucher program in his state budget. Based on his criteria, nine schools would qualify initially but that could increase.

A task force Walker created last year recommended including voucher schools in the report card, but the Legislature didn't require it.

One criticism of voucher schools by their opponents is that they aren't held to the same reporting requirements as public schools.