Data Snapshot: Georgia

With the release of the Alliance for School Choice's School Choice Yearbook 2011-12 (available for download here), we'll spend the next few days on School Choice Now! highlighting some of the new data and research it contains.

The Peach State strengthened and expanded its scholarship tax credit program, which provides scholarships for more than 8,000 students.  The bipartisan legislation allows students entering first grade to participate in the program, increases the program’s transparency and accountability, and expands the time that donors can make contributions.  Speaking of contributions, the program also reached an historic landmark in 2011.  For the first time in the program’s four-year history, donations from individuals and businesses reached the statewide cap of $50 million!

In addition, Georgia has a special needs scholarship program that helps almost 3,000 students attend the school of their parents’ choice.

2011 Results

• Number of School Choice Programs: 2
• Total Number of Students: 11,096
• Total Number of Participating Schools: 204*
• Total Expenditures: $66,219,797

*Data only available for Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program

A voucher program that grants scholarships to special needs students to attend the private school of their parents’ choice. 

    2011-12 School Year Data Update

• Scholarships Awarded: 2,965
• Schools Participating: 204
• 2011 Expenditures: $16,219,797

    Growth in Student Participation

Georgia Scholarship Tax Credit Program

Enacted in 2008, this scholarship tax credit program provides tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate money for scholarships.  The program reached the statewide cap of $50 million in donations in 2011.  The program was expanded to allow students entering first grade to participate, increase accountability standards, and expand the donation window.

2011-12 School Year Data Update

• Scholarships Awarded: 8,131
• Schools Participating: Not Available
• SSOs Operating: 39
• 2011 Expenditures: $50,000,000

    Growth in Student Participation

2012 Outlook

Georgia has big plans in 2012.  The legislature is working to amend the state constitution after the state Supreme Court ruled against the Georgia Charter Schools Commission, essentially closing the state’s charter schools that provide choice to thousands of Peach State families.  In the private school choice world, legislators are introducing a new statewide voucher program for low- and middle-income students, as well as continuing to strengthen and expand its two existing school choice programs.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MSG

Data Snapshot: Indiana

With the release of the Alliance for School Choice's School Choice Yearbook 2011-12 (available for download here), we'll spend the next few days on School Choice Now! highlighting some of the new data and research it contains. Last week we told you what was happening in the Bayou State, and today we have the data snapshot of school choice in Indiana.

The Hoosier State had a GREAT year in school choice, expanding its scholarship tax credit program and creating the nation’s broadest voucher program. Take a look

2011 Results

• Number of School Choice Programs: 2
• Total Number of Students: 4,509
•  Total Number of Participating Schools: 241*
• Total Expenditures: $814,106*

*Data not available for both programs

Choice Scholarship Program

A means-test voucher program that grants scholarships to students from low- and middle-income families to attend the private school of their parents’ choice.  This program was enacted in 2011 and had the most participants in its first year than any other program.

2011-12 School Year Data Update

• ·   Scholarships Awarded: 3,919
• ·   Schools Participating: 241
• ·   2011 Expenditures: Not Available

q                Growth in Student Participation

       

f                 

f

Corporate and Individual Scholarship Tax Credit Program

Enacted in 2009, this scholarship tax credit program provides tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate money for scholarships.

2011-12 School Year Data Update

• ·   Scholarships Awarded: 590
• ·   Schools Participating: Not Available
• ·   2011 Expenditures: $814,106

f                Growth in Student Participation

      

f                

2012 Outlook

The Choice Scholarship Program’s student enrollment cap is increased to allow 15,000 students in the 2012-13 school year, allowing even more students to access the school of their parents’ choice.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MSG

Data Snapshot: Louisiana

With the release of the Alliance for School Choice's School Choice Yearbook 2011-12 (available for download here), we'll spend the next few days on School Choice Now! highlighting some of the new data and research it contains. The first in that series is a data snapshot of school choice in Louisiana.

Here are the new numbers in the Bayou State:

2011 Results

• Number of School Choice Programs: 2
• Total Number of Students: 2,034
• Total Number of Participating Schools: 51
• Total Expenditures: $9,389,444

Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program

Both a means-test and failing schools voucher, this program grants scholarships to students living in Orleans Parish to attend the private school of their choice.

2011-12 School Year Data Update

·         Scholarships Awarded: 1,848

·         Schools Participating: 29

·         2011 Expenditures: $8,988,817

Growth in Student Participation

      

School Choice Pilot Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities

Enacted in 2010, this voucher program designed for students with special needs granted scholarships to 186 students the 2011-12 school year.

2012 Outlook

Governor Jindal announced his education reform package this year that includes expansion of the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program statewide to students from low-income families that attend failing schools.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MSG

Washington, D.C. Celebrates School Choice Week!

What an important week for school choice! Seven days dedicated to promoting the successes - and outlining the goals of - the school choice movement across the country. Our team at AFC partnered with the Institute for Justice and the Fordham Institute to host “School Choice Now: The Results of 2011, the Promise of 2012.”

The event featured AFC founding board member Kevin P. Chavous, who provided an overview of how education reform is taking place across the country. Kevin also reminded guests that school choice provides opportunity to all children – regardless of their zip-code; an important fact to remember as we continue to fight for education reform across the country.

D.C. Parent Shelia Jackson

We also welcomed two very special parents whose children participate in the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program. Mothers Patricia William and Shelia Jackson both provided a quick overview of the affects that a quality education had over their children’s life. Both women spoke to the gain in confidence their children experienced and the excitement they now have for going to college and excelling in their education. What a great way to celebrate the week – by hearing from the parents!

Finally, AFC National Communications Director Malcom Glenn gave a presentation that outlined many of the facts in the 2011-2012 National School Choice Yearbook. The event served as the official release of the Yearbook and the crowd was the first to see the new figures. The data and information in the Yearbook is perhaps the most comprehensive overview of the programs offered across the country. The Yearbook can be downloaded here. 

National School Choice Week was a great reason to bring together school choice allies and we’re so proud of the continued achievements of programs like the D.C.  Opportunity Scholarship Program. Today reminded us of why we’re so invested in this fight – it provides more families with the opportunity to see their children succeed!  

You're Invited! "The Results of 2011, The Promise of 2012" - Thursday, Jan. 26, 1 p.m.

On behalf of the Alliance for School Choice, we here at School Choice Now! want to make sure you're aware of a free event we're hosting this Thursday, January 26 at 1 p.m. in Washington, D.C.

In conjunction with National School Choice Week, we're excited to let you know that we'll be unveiling our School Choice Yearbook 2011-12, the sixth edition of our award-winning publication, at an event titled "The Result of 2011, The Promise of 2012," cohosted by the Fordham Institute and the Institute for Justice. In addition to the first look at cutting-edge data from our new Yearbook, you'll hear from families who have benefited from the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program here in Washington. The details are below:

The event is free and open to the public, and lunch will be provided! Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at www.SchoolChoice2012.com. We hope you'll be able to make it, and we encourage you to tell your friends to join us as well. Click here to read the press release we sent out about the event last week -- and feel free to send that along to your friends, too. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, and we hope to see you Thursday!

- American Federation | Alliance for School Choice, MAG

Governors Feature Education Reform in State of the State Addresses

Tis the season! And by season we mean it’s that time of year when governors from across the country present their State of the State addresses. Year after year, these remarks always include the obligatory statements on what improvements should be made, how certain policies have been enacted, and of course, the goals for the next twelve months. 

This year, however, we’ve noticed something new creeping into the rhetoric of our nation’s executive leaders: an education reform plan. That’s right – so far sixteen governors have presented their outline for 2012 – and we’re pleased with what they have to say!

All across the country – from Arizona to Indiana – the sparks created for school choice in 2011 have created a fire in our national leaders. And they’re not afraid to take bold steps in the fight to reform America’s education system by providing more choice to parents and more opportunities to students.

Here are a few highlights from some of the recent State of the State addresses:

“Our state is a leader in allowing parents to choose a school that best meets their children’s needs.” – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer

“If we continue to create a culture of excellence in our schools, Florida will merit a full chapter in that history that describes the reawakening of a mighty, prosperous nation. We can do this. And, we begin to do this by building on the successes of last session when we increased school choices for Florida’s parents.” – Florida Governor Rick Scott

“To spur innovation, I am recommending $8.7 million in supplemental grants in both the Amended budget and next year’s budget for state chartered special schools affected by the Georgia Supreme Court ruling on charter schools. These schools are key to Georgia’s educational success.” – Georgia Governor Nathan Deal

 “…Others are following Indiana. It’s our new commitment to rewarding the best teachers, liberating principals and superintendents, and providing low- and middle-income parents the same choices as their wealthier neighbors; and that’s what has caught the world’s attention.” – Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels

"In America, you do not have a right to have everything your neighbor has, you do not have a right to a big house or a fancy car and you do not have a right to redistribute your neighbor's wealth. But I would suggest that we long ago decided that every kid does have a right to a quality education from an excellent teacher. And by getting a good education, kids then do have the opportunity to pursue their dreams."  – Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal 

We are so pleased to see these school choice champions stand in front of their state leadership and declare that 2012 will be another successful year for families. Understanding that these Governors have a lot of priorities, we hope you’ll join us in giving them praise for giving education reform a platform in their 2012 State of the State addresses.

Stay tuned for more updates on State of the State addresses from other governors. 

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day from the American Federation for Children

Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically…intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”

As we celebrate the life of one of the greatest Americans, we must also take time to appreciate Dr. King’s dedication to helping the neediest in our society, his commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all, and his recognition that “…education is the road to equality and citizenship…”

On this, the holiday marking the 83rd anniversary of his birth, the American Federation for Children honors Dr. King and all who have followed in his footsteps in working for justice and for making the world a better place for all men, women, and children.

             Betsy DeVos       &        Kevin  P. Chavous

         Chairman                           Senior Advisor

An Arizona Scholarship Student Lets Legislators See Why School Choice Is So Important

Max Ashton, a sophomore at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, testified yesterday before members of the Arizona Senate Finance Committee, explaining to legislators how the state saved thousands of dollars thanks to him receiving a scholarship through the Corporate School Tuition Organization Tax Credit Program.

Ashton, who is blind, told senators about some of his amazing accomplishments, most of which wouldn't have been possible had it not for the opportunities he had at Brophy Prep.

The testemony was presented during the Senate Finance Committee hearing on a series of Senate Bills (most importantly, SB 1047) that would amend the state's three scholarship tax credit programs to allow for increased maximum donation amounts to School Tuition Organizations. 

Click below to watch moving and inspiring testimony from a young man who attributes his remarkable success to private school choice.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, NM

Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program One Step Closer to Helping Families in the Buckeye State

The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program is one step closer to helping thousands of families across the Buckeye State this week thanks to the State Board of Education, which just approved rules for the program.

The fourth voucher program in the state and Ohio’s second program specifically tailored to students with special needs, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program was created in 2011 has a part of the Ohio budget that also expanded the highly popular Educational Choice Scholarship Program and the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program.

The program, named after former state legislator Jon Peterson, a champion of education reform and special education services, is slated to begin in the 2012-13 school year.

But first, parents, advocates, and the state have to know how the program will work.  And that information is becoming clearer with this week’s actions from the State Board of Education.

The Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) must approve the program rules before the scholarship program can begin.

But rules and regulations don’t show why special needs school choice programs are important.  The stories of families whose lives have changed because of the program do.

State of the State: In Arizona, New Year Brings Renewed Commitment to School Choice

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer delivered a 2012
State of the State address focused on school choice.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, a longtime supporter of school choice, this week told members of the state legislature that in 2012, the Grand Canyon State is poised to continue to be a leader in allowing parents to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs.

“We must find a way to fund the results we want and reward those educators who guide us into our next century,” Brewer said at her annual State of the State address on Monday. “That’s my commitment to children for the next century; quality teachers, safe environment, a setting of parents’ choosing, and data driven decisions and the highest of standards.”

The Governor also unveiled a broad-based education reform plan, one that called for investments to be made in schools and support given to teachers who delivering quality results for kids. The educational setting, she said, does not matter.

Brewer's speech also touched on providing adequate funding to reforms that work, saying that tough economic times call for making sure that taxpayer dollars aren't being poured haphazardly into a system that has failed to show significant improvements.

Announcing Juan Williams as a Speaker at AFC's 2012 National Policy Summit

Juan Williams, a leading political journalist, will
speak at AFC's 2012 National Policy Summit in NJ.

BIG news about our upcoming National Policy Summit 2012: Breakthrough Victories for Children (for which you can register at www.afcpolicysummit.com)! We're pleased to announce that renowned journalist Juan Williams will be a featured speaker at the event, scheduled for Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Westin Jersey City Newport.

All the full Summit details can be found on our registration page, but read all the details about Williams below:

Juan Williams—one of the nation’s leading journalists, commentators, and political analysts—will deliver an address on school choice at the American Federation for Children’s third annual National Policy Summit, held on May 3 and 4 in Jersey City, New Jersey. 

Williams will give a keynote speech on the importance of educational options, which he has called the “civil rights issue of our time,” at the third annual summit hosted by the American Federation for Children—the nation’s voice for school choice. 

The summit, titled School Choice Now: Breakthrough Victories for Children, will bring together the nation’s premiere policy experts, advocates, and champions of school choice.   

Williams is the author of six books, a renowned writer and journalist, and currently serves as a political commentator for Fox News.  He previously hosted “Talk of the Nation” and “America’s Black Forum” on National Public Radio and worked as a political columnist, editorial writer, and White House correspondent for more than 20 years at The Washington Post.  

Read the full release here. Find out more about last year's Summit here, and be sure to keep your eyes here for all the latest info on additional speakers, guests, and agenda items!

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MAG

In Idaho, The Numbers Don't Lie

While the polls on most people's minds right now have more to do with New Hampshire and South Carolina than anything else, we here at School Choice Now! won't be distracted by any presidential primary polls!

What does have our interest, however, is a set of new numbers from our friends at the Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice. They just released a survey showing overwhelming support for school choice in another state that lacks any private choice programs. This time, it's the citizens of Idaho who are aiming to make their voices heard.

According to the report, which you can read more about here, over 2,000 interviews late last year show that more than 60 percent of Idaho voters favor the creation of a scholarship tax credit program in the state. In addition, nearly 70 percent of survey respondents support charter schools, with the number who "strongly favor" them  at more than four times the number who voiced strong opposition.

Rose Remains in National Spotlight for Reform Work

Image courtesy Terry Shoffner of the Wall Street Journal.

Back in June, we told you about the great work of former NBA star Jalen Rose, who was then preparing to open a charter school in his hometown of Detroit.

Fast forward seven months, and not only has Rose continued his strong work in the education reform movement, but he's getting some deserved national attention for his contributions to the fortunes of low-income kids.

Last week the Wall Street Journal sat down with Rose to discuss his recent education work, which has centered on the principal that parents should be able to choose the best educational options for their children.

Says the Journal:

He also wants to influence parents—empowering them to demand better schools for their kids. The rigid system of school boards telling families where their kids have to go to school perpetuates poverty and a sense of entrapment, he says: "Forty-seven percent of Detroit area parents are functionally illiterate. So that puts their kids at a real handicap. Say my mom is one of those 47%. That doesn't mean that I shouldn't have a fair opportunity for a quality public education. But since my mom is functionally illiterate and we grew up on the west side of Detroit, I'm forced to go to this school that has been a poor-performing school for 30 years." 

"There should be parental choice," he says clearly. "Schools should be open. If it's a public education, and the school in your district is poor-performing, you should be able to put your student or kid wherever you want." 

Choice could be relatively easily implemented, he says. "I'm a taxpaying citizen, right? So if I'm paying $4,000 worth of taxes and I don't want my kid to go to this school, why can't they give me my $4,000 and allow me to pick where I want to put my kids?"

Consistent readers of this blog already know about the contributions Rose has made to reforming Detroit's schools, but what may be less-well known are Rose's motivations behind his passionate pursuit of educational equality.

Georgia Advocates Helpings Kids Towards "Making the Grade"

Documentaries about our education system and much-needed education reforms have been all the rage over the past few years.  With Waiting for "Superman" in 2010 and The Experiment, which profiles the New Orleans school system post-Hurricane Katrina, in 2011, these films inform and inspire people to get involved in fixing our schools.

And now Georgia has joined the club of filmmakers, as filmmakers in the Peach State just finished a movie that documents education reform initiatives there.

Making the Grade, a short documentary premiering in multiple Georgia locations on January 5, tells of the educational realities - as well as the options - in a state home to nearly 10,000 private school choice students.

 

From traditional public schools to charter schools, as well as Georgia’s two private school choice programs, Making the Grade demonstrates the realities of the state's struggling education system:

• 61,000 Georgia students failed to graduate in 2010—that’s enough students to fill the Georgia Dome. 
• Georgia ranks 46th in nation based on graduation rates. 
• Only three out of every 10 students is proficient in math and reading.