redefinED roundup: School choice competition in Florida, voucher questions in Tennessee and more

Florida: The Seminole County School District, one of the state’s biggest, offers more online classes and other educational options to compete with private and charter schools and home schooling (Orlando Sentinel). Meanwhile, another large district receives 36 applications for new charter schools (Palm Beach Post).

Tennessee: Gov. Bill Haslam says questions remain on a voucher proposal that’s expected to get legislative attention next year (Nashville Public Radio). State education officials and the Nashville school board are in a standoff over a proposed charter school that wants to open in an affluent part of the city (Education Week).

Louisiana: In the wake of the new voucher program, state education officials will consider tightening rules for the establishment of new private schools. (New Orleans Times Picayune) Expanded online learning options give Louisiana students a chance to graduate early or catch up on credits. (The Advocate)

Washington: The state PTA opposes the charter school initiative on the November ballot. (The News Tribune)

Texas: Some charter school supporters oppose a state education funding lawsuit that suggests state resources are inadequate. (Austin American Statesman)

Indiana: Between vouchers and charter schools, northwest Indiana parents have more school choices than ever before. (Post Tribune)

Virginia: At Gov. Bob McDonnell’s first education reform summit, school choice is stressed as an important tool in boosting achievement. (Richmond Times Dispatch)

Wisconsin: A growing number of private schools intend to participate in Wisconsin’s voucher program. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Georgia: State Schools Superintendent John Barge opposes a constitutional amendment that would create a new state board to approve and fund charter schools, potentially over the objections of local officials. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Michigan: Thirty-one new charter schools open across the state this fall. (Detroit News)

Washington D.C.: The academically rigorous Basis charter school network opens a new campus in D.C. (Washington Post)

Massachusetts: The highly regarded KIPP charter school network opens its first school in Boston. (Boston.com)


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BY reimaginED staff