MADISON - Instead of spending time helping students at a school where zero children tested proficient at reading, Milwaukee's teachers union is protesting. State Senator Alberta Darling says she questions the priorities of the union.

"If the teacher's union was as focused on the kids as they are in fighting reform, Auer's reading proficiency wouldn't be zero percent," Darling said, "Even if the unions are giving up on schools like Auer, I won't."

Unfortunately for students and parents forced to attend Auer Avenue Elementary school, the school has a long tradition of failing its students. Only a handful of students test as proficient in reading dating back to at least 2010. When the school finally hit rock bottom in reading, MPS selected it as a commitment school. The reforms offered by Senator Darling and Representative Kooyenga allows a local commissioner to decide which schools are picked for turnaround. Representative Kooyenga says schools like Auer can't be left to fail.

"Our objective is to provide opportunities," Kooyenga said, "It doesn't matter if Auer turns around thanks to our reforms or from internal reforms, they must start teaching children to read."