The political winds recently shifted in Louisiana, as the state elected a new governor who criticized charter schools and vouchers.
There is, however, some reason to believe those programs are safe:
School choice programs are different than other reform fads because they engender deep buy-in from parents and create unique coalitions. Once these programs build up these constituencies, even when the political winds change, existing programs are likely to be preserved.
Other, non-choice reforms — including Common Core standards and related tests — may yet prove more enduring than some pundits would have us believe.
But it’s still possible school choice programs have unique staying power. It’s also true that, as Louisiana illustrates, the legal, political and even constitutional groundwork must often be laid ahead of time for choice programs to take root.
Meanwhile…
Will Nevada’s education savings accounts benefit the poor?
Charter schools, discipline and the debate over school choice regulation. Calls to punish Success Academy are likely to land with a thud.
Some D.C. charter schools aim for diversity. A different way of thinking about integration.
More on the benefits of starting small with new, innovative school models.
What smart students want from school.
Debating the autonomy of scholarship funding organizations.
The less-intrusive, more-responsive education system envisioned by technologists. Inside AltSchool’s Brooklyn campus.
The impact of rural charter school growth.
Tweet of the week
It’s never helpful for anyone to dismiss legitimate options for improving public education for Black students #GreatSchools4All#EdForward
— BAEO (@ntlBAEO) December 4, 2015
Quote of the week
Every child is different, and their educational environment should reflect that.
—Lydia Burton, describing the benefits of Florida’s newest educational choice program.
Please send tips, links, suggestions or feedback to tpillow[at]sufs[dot]org.
