Riley's principal, Jim Novak, uses competition with the voucher-funded schools as a benchmark for his school. Because his budget depends on the school's enrollment, Novak has had to be responsive to the changing demographics of Milwaukee's south side. Once a Polish immigrant neighborhood, Hispanic children now make up about half of Riley's 725 students. In response, the school has added English immersion and bilingual classes. While Marva Collins has few computers, technology is central to Riley's curriculum.
Every child learns computer skills, and most of the classrooms are hooked up to the Internet.
Our mayor has been here a couple of years. But there's more to the story of Milwaukee's voucher program than that, as scandals, school closings and cracks in the wall separating church and state have kept the controversial program in the headlines. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .