Last year was, by many counts, the year of educational choice. But Scott Jensen of the school choice advocacy group American Federation for Children tracks progress over two-year legislative cycles.
While a record number of states created or expanded private school choice programs in 2015, a total of 25 — including heavyweights from New York to Texas — saw private school choice bills clear at least one legislative chamber.
That number, Jensen says, could rise before the end of this year, meaning: "A majority of the states of America, in this two-year legislative session, will have passed a private school choice bill through at least one house."
Florida is already on the scoreboard, but it cemented its place earlier this year. Other states already on the board, like Oklahoma, where the governor is pushing hard for education savings accounts, and Arizona, where extant ESAs could soon be universal, may be poised to follow suit.
Meanwhile...
The politics of school choice may be changing.
Looking at learner-centric educational change ... and school facilities plans to match.
Teach for America alums — including many prominent charter school leaders — celebrate 25 years.
Looking back at a 1964 New York school segregation boycott. Looking at the "separate but equal" school systems that remain.
A former emergency manager who oversaw decisions that led to Flint's water crisis steps down as the leader of Detroit's public schools.
State takeovers of local school systems have a mixed record.
A former mayor on the planned charter school expansion in Los Angeles.
Starting and growing new, better schools could help tackle other big education reform issues.
A charter school where everyone knows your name.
How private school choice can increase religious tolerance.
Quote of the Week
“The cycle of poverty is ending in my family because of the Florida tax credit scholarship. I received a quality education, and because of my example, my siblings are now seeing how to take advantage of educational opportunities that come their way.” — University of South Florida graduate student Denisha Merriweather, testifying before the U.S. House Education and Workforce Subcommittee.
Read more about the hearing here and here.
Tweet of the Week
I just got chills watching the #DropTheSuit commercial that aired during the #DemDebate. Great spot! #It'sAboutTheStudents
— Jamie Grant (@JDubyaGrant) February 5, 2016
The commercial in question can be seen here.
Please send tips, links, pushback and feedback to tpillow[at]sufs[dot]org.
