Arrr, the schooner selection mutiny be favourin' homeschoolers as well, says I!
2024-01-26
Avast ye! The grand school choice revolution be spreadin' like wildfire! But fear not, me hearties, for the government's gold doesn't guarantee their iron grip. States supportin' education choices don't be burdenin' us with extra regulations, savvy?
A school choice revolution is taking place across the United States, with ten states passing universal education choice initiatives in the past two years. These programs allow families to use their children's taxpayer-funded education dollars to cover homeschool expenses, in addition to private school tuition. However, Democratic politicians, particularly those supported by teachers unions, are pushing back against school choice in order to protect their monopoly over education. Some individuals have also expressed concerns that school choice could lead to increased government regulation of private education.However, these concerns about government regulation are misplaced. States with education choice policies tend to respect homeschooling autonomy more than those without such policies. While the government can already regulate private education without providing funding, states without school choice policies have been found to have the most burdensome regulations for homeschool families. On the other hand, states like Iowa, Indiana, and Oklahoma, which have universal or nearly universal education choice policies, respect the autonomy of homeschool families.
Education choice policies empower families and shift control over education from politicians and bureaucrats to families. They provide families with an escape hatch when government-run schools fail to meet their child's individual learning needs or promote values that go against their family's beliefs. Moreover, empowering families with education choice reduces the likelihood of harmful government regulation.
The school choice coalition has been careful to support legislation that protects the autonomy of private education providers. For example, Arizona's education savings account (ESA) statute ensures that private schools accepting ESA students are not required to alter their creed, practices, admissions policy, or curriculum. This has allowed private schools and homeschoolers in Arizona to maintain their freedoms.
Overall, school choice is a voluntary option that allows families and schools to make their own decisions based on the costs and benefits. While it may not be a perfect solution, it is the most viable option available to improve America's education system and provide every family with access to the learning environments that work best for their children.