| Scholarship or Voucher Value: |
The maximum dollar value of a student’s voucher is equal to the “base support level” of state funding that student would have generated if he or she had remained in public school. This amount varies depending on factors like the severity of the student’s disability. The value of the voucher may not exceed the actual tuition and fees paid to the private school. In 2007-08 the average voucher amount actually used was $8,969. |
| Student or School Participation: |
In 2007-08, 117 students and 69 private schools are participating. |
| Student Eligibility: |
Students are eligible if they have been enrolled in public school for the previous school year and are in special education (that is, they have
Individualized Education Plans covered by federal disability-rights law). |
| Legal Status of Program: |
In 2006 the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, People for the American Way and other interest groups asked the Arizona Supreme Court to strike down the program along with Arizona’s other new voucher program. That challenge was dismissed in January 2007. A second challenge was then filed with the lower courts by the Arizona Education Association and the original plaintiffs. This case was dismissed by the Maricopa County Superior Court in June 2007. The plaintiffs have appealed to the Arizona Court of Appeals, where the case was pending at the time of this publication. |
| Regulations on the Program: |
Participating private schools must be located in Arizona and may not discriminate based on race, color, handicap, familial status or national origin. School districts must permit voucher students to participate in state tests if parents request it. Further regulations are currently being developed. |
| Research on Program: |
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| News on Program: |
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| Governing Statutes: |
Title 15.891 of the Arizona Revised Statutes |
