ICYMI: Educational Freedom Puts Families Back in the Driver’s Seat
‘When it comes to education, one size does not fit all’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Hill recently published a piece written by U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) in which she argues for educational freedom because it empowers parents while creating opportunities for kids nationwide to achieve their full potential.
“My perspective as a mom of two school-aged kids informs nearly everything I do as a United States Senator, and it is through my own life and conversations with other parents that I came to understand the importance of achieving universal educational choice as an option for every student in America,” wrote Senator Britt. “ . . . When it comes to education, one size does not fit all. Every family should be empowered to make the best possible choice for their child’s education. For many, that may be their traditional local public school; for others, it might be a traditional public school elsewhere; it could be a public charter or magnet school; it may be a private school or religious school; it could be a trade school; it could be home schooling; or it could be a virtual academy or hybrid solution . . . ”
Senator Britt also argued for the passage of Senator Bill Cassidy’s (R-La.) Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a bicameral piece of legislation to expand educational freedom and opportunity for students and families. Senator Britt cosponsored the bill in both the 118th and 119th Congresses because she believes educational freedom is key to ensuring families are able to make decisions for their children’s future successes.
“ . . . Expanding parental choice in education has always been good policy, and the need to do so has only grown over the past few years,” Senator Britt continued “. . . Existing data demonstrate that fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores remain below 2019 levels, despite the federal government adding nearly $200 billion above baseline K-12 education spending during COVID. It all goes to show that throwing money at this problem does not provide a coherent solution. We must move past an approach of carefree spending without an eye on results. Instead, our government should encourage greater parental control over children’s education, empowering families to access the academic setting that best meets their kids’ needs and has the greatest potential to improve opportunities . . .
“For millions of American families, the Educational Choice for Children Act would accomplish just that. When more parents from low-income to middle-class households have the freedom to choose their children’s schools — the way higher-income parents can — they have the ability to shop around, finding the setting that checks all the boxes they see fit. Indeed, the numbers show this competitive effect from school choice increases accountability in both private and public education, leading to higher test scores, safer schools and more satisfied parents . . . ”
The ECCA would also incentivize charitable donations to fund scholarships for families to use for K-12 education.
The introduction of the ECCA comes on the heels of President Trump signing an executive order entitled “Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families.” The President’s order calls for the prioritization of school choice programs by directing federal funds to support educational freedom for families.
Senator Britt’s full column is available HERE.
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