Cover Story

TABLE: Milwaukee's Report Card

Schools superintendent Howard Fuller has laid down tough, new goals for the

public schools. Here's how they're doing:

GOAL/GRADE ACTION PLAN

RAISE ACADEMIC More rigorous requirements and testing. New emphasis on

writing

STANDARDS

C+

High school grade average still C-, but dropout rate is

falling

GOAL/GRADE ACTION PLAN

STREAMLINE Consolidate 20 departments into 6. Give principals more

BUREAUCRACY control over funds and staff

B-

STATUS

Schools don't have total control over curriculum or hiring

teachers

GOAL/GRADE ACTION PLAN

FOSTER Reduce bureaucratic control, freeing principals and teachers

INNOVATION to experiment

B+

STATUS

More communities running own schools.

GOAL/GRADE ACTION PLAN

INVOLVE Bring local companies in as partner in overhaul. Tap

BUSINESS expertise of executives

A

STATUS

Dozens Vouchers in limited DATA: BUSINESS WEEK use of

companies offering counseling, money, and jobs