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Wisconsin Lawmakers Seek Change In Teacher Loan Program

Only 11 Loans Were Awarded In 3 School Years After 2015 Eligibility Changes

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third grader reads under the watchful eyes of her teacher
In this April 18, 2019 photo, Elize’a Scott, a Key Elementary School third grade student, right, reads under the watchful eyes of teacher Crystal McKinnis, left, in Jackson, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis/AP Photo

A bipartisan group of Wisconsin lawmakers wants to expand eligibility for a forgivable loan program for trainee teachers after changes made four years ago led to a drop in loans awarded.

The Minority Teacher Loan Program offers loans to African American, Latino, American Indian and some Southeast Asian populations to study teaching at a Wisconsin college.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports loan recipients must agree to teach in Milwaukee in a high-demand field and be rated proficient or distinguished in an evaluation. If those requirements are met, 25 percent of the interest and principal on loans is forgiven per year.

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Prior to the 2015 eligibility changes, the program awarded 212 loans in three years. It awarded only 11 loans in the three school years after, including just one in 2017-18.