As an issue fought largely at the state level, school choice has been making progress even while Congress is gridlocked. Thanks to that, advocates can celebrate 2015 as a year of school choice expansion.
The American Federation for Children is a proponent for all school choice programs, particularly publicly-funded private school choice options. With its annual Legislative Impact Report, the group is already looking back at the progress made on school choice in 2015.
There are now 48 publicly funded private school choice programs in 23 states, as well as Washington, D.C. Combined, roughly 360,000 students attend a private school of their choice through these programs.
“2015 was one of the best years ever for parents as legislators and governors around the country responded to their demands for greater education choice and innovation in K-12 education,” Betsy DeVos, chairman of the American Federation for Children, said. “This year’s progress demonstrates our nation is rapidly moving toward a new definition of public education where public dollars follow a child to the best education environment of his or her needs, where children are no longer defined by their ZIP code or family’s finances but as unique students with unique learning abilities, strengths and weakness.”
Nevada saw the most success for the school choice movement in 2015. The state created education savings accounts that are available to over 90 percent of Nevada’s students. Using the accounts, students have great flexibility on how to use most of their government education funding. Families can use the funds toward private school tuition, textbooks, tutoring, dual enrollment university classes and other educational needs.
As for public school choice, Alabama became the 43rd state to allow publicly-funded, independently-run charter schools. Washington, D.C., also has a strong charter school sector.
Most states have already concluded their legislative sessions for the year, so the probability of more legislative progress in 2015 is low.
Jason Russell is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
