Ravitch once supported choice programs and test-based accountability standards but later changed her view as she studied the results in cities like Milwaukee. She said countries with successful education systems haven't resorted to the measures that Walker is promoting.

"They're not demonizing their teachers, they're not tearing apart their government system and they're not bringing in amateurs to run their classrooms," Ravitch said.

Other states more accomodating

Walker's proposals would open more avenues for charter schools to seek approval, but Wisconsin still wouldn't be as accommodating as states like Minnesota and Florida, where nonprofit organizations are permitted to authorize charter schools.

It's unclear if any UW campuses other than UW-Milwaukee would establish charter schools. UW-Madison is opposed to the idea because of the cost and because the university already works with local school districts to train teachers, said School of Education Dean Julie Underwood.

Walker's budget includes several proposals introduced by the Legislature in recent months, including an extension of the open enrollment period from three weeks in February to three months, making it easier for parents to move their children between school districts.