The wonky world of Washington is buzzing as Congress moves closer to passing an updated version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Developments in D.C. can seem mind-fogging and distant. But this week, we saw why federal policy matters for the school choice movement.
- The House passed its version of the legislation, which would beef up grants and accountability for charter schools.
- The Senate, in a contentious debate, rejected a federal voucher program — an idea that is controversial among school choice advocates.
- The Senate, in the days ahead, is expected to debate making federal Title I dollars “portable,” meaning they would follow students to whichever school they attend. The idea was discussed in the spring, but withdrawn when the legislation was discussed in committee. It’s now the subject of an amendment by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.
Meanwhile…
A wrinkle in Nevada‘s closely watched new education savings account program has private schools worried.
Children of color have much to gain from personalized learning.
Wisconsin‘s education chief is urging Gov. Scott Walker to veto budget-related measures, including a special needs voucher program.
The school choice landscape is changing in Indiana.
Arizona quickly reached its funding cap for tax credit scholarships.
Quote of the week:
I run into people periodically who say to me that you can’t fix it unless you fix poverty. You can’t fix the education system unless you fix poverty. Don’t tell kids in my city who are living in poverty that that is true. Outside of every one of our schools it says “school.” It doesn’t say “orphanage.” It says “school.” We need to make sure every one of those schools is delivering for every kid in our community, no matter where they come from. Otherwise, what is left of us? What is left of this land of opportunity?
Before No Child Left Behind existed, we had an impression, a vague sense of the inequities in our educational system. Now we understand how deep they are, how rooted they are, and we have to continue to build on the successes we have seen in high-quality schools working in poor neighborhoods that have actually delivered for kids all over the country.
ICYMI, this week on redefinED:
At this private school, STEM gets a boost
Parent: Education savings account gives us freedom, flexibility, hope
Equity, diversity and school choice: Q&A with Deborah McGriff
Can growth change the way districts look at charter schools?
Throwback Thursday: The roots of charter schools
We expect to be venturing into the realm of federal education policy in the week ahead. Please send tips, ideas, suggestions and criticism to tpillow@sufs.org.
