Monday, July 18, 2011
Jaclyn E. Martin
WORLD Magazine
New budget provisions in Ohio, signed into law by Republican Gov. John Kasich, advance this year’s national trend for school choice. Thirteen states have shown support for school choice this year by passing major education reforms. Twenty-eight states have similar legislation pending.
The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice praised Ohio for its provisions, including four private choice programs, various student scholarships, and a program to aid special-needs students.
“This is the year of growth for school choice,” said Robert C. Enlow, president and CEO of the foundation. “Ohio’s bold reforms ensure that school choice will grow in the state until every family has the freedom to choose how to educate their child and until every child receives an effective education.”
North Carolina passed a law allowing parents of special-needs students to claim a tax credit, which will now cover private school tuition as well as other educational services. “Up to 5 percent of qualified students will take advantage of the tax credit,” according to the Friedman Foundation, “which would annually save taxpayers up to $10 million and school districts up to $4 million per year within the next five years.” North Carolina also removed its cap on charter schools.
In Louisiana, reforms have made private school more accessible to low-income families. A 50 percent tax deduction cap on private school tuition was removed, enabling families who cannot afford private education to now receive the maximum $5,000 tuition deduction.
Candi Cushman, education analyst for CitizenLink, said that with school choice, families with lower incomes are being given more options for their children’s education: “Schools are now accountable to parents as consumers, rather than to politicians and bureaucrats. More parents won’t have to send their kids to failing schools because they don’t have the extra income.” She added that the reforms mean “fewer impoverished children trapped in unsafe and drug-ridden schools.”
In other states, Indiana and Tennessee also eliminated their charter school caps. Additionally, Indiana’s universities can now authorize charters and approximately 50 percent of the state’s students can now attend a public or private school because of a new voucher program.
