In 2011, Arizona became the first state to allow parents to use state education funding to mix and match therapies, tutoring, school tuition and other services. Last year, Florida followed suit, creating Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts for special needs students.
This week, the idea continued to spread. Legislatures in Tennessee (more here) and Montana approved their versions of education savings accounts.
In Florida, meanwhile, an expansion of the program has received unanimous support. (The author of this update is an employee of Step Up For Students, which helps administer the program.)
While education reform is at a crossroads, perhaps there’s a chance for a consensus around this idea: Give more options to students who need them the most.
Meanwhile…
A voucher bill is dead for the year in Tennessee; one remains alive in Texas. Gov. Scott Walker wants to expand Wisconsin’s school choice program, and other Republican presidential hopefuls are joining the chorus. Delaware’s Gov. Jack Markel isn’t such a fan.
Thanks to its proposed ESA program, Tennessee could still join the ranks of school choice states. Montana could offer universal tax credit scholarships.
The real problem for private school choice is the supply of high quality schools.
Education budget woes hurt charter schools, too. And they can feel the effects of heightened competition.
The backlash against testing appears to be growing.
Innovation: How does it happen in school districts?
Quote of the Week
“There is not a greater accountability than someone who can make a choice by moving their business.” – Texas state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, on whether there is accountability in voucher programs.
By all means, hold us accountable. Send your feedback and suggestions to [email protected], or to Patrick Gibbons, who helped compile this weekly roundup of school choice developments from around the country.
