Pat Curry says Private School Vouchers Support Workforce Education. I don’t think that’s how it works.
By Ashley Bean Thornton I was very interested to read the Pat Curry Q & A in the Waco Trib, especially his comments on workforce education and Education Savings Accounts (also known as school vouchers). Ninety percent of the students who attend Waco public schools are considered low-income, that means they are from families…
Read MoreSchool Vouchers: Clarifying some Vocabulary
By Ashley Bean Thornton As you are having conversations with your fellow voters about School Vouchers, it’s important to clarify some of the most common school voucher vocabulary. Here’s a little guide. What is the difference between a “School Voucher” program and “School Choice” or “Parent Choice” programs? – In many cases these terms are…
Read MoreDid you know?: Most school vouchers do not help low-income kids
By Ashley Bean Thornton School Vouchers (also known as Education Savings Accounts, “Parent Choice” and “School Choice”) are often presented as a way for low-income families to “escape failing public schools.” We know from voucher programs in other states, however, often the reality does not match the promise. In Arizona for example, according to a…
Read MoreDid you know?: Most School Voucher Money Ends up Going to Religious Schools
By Ashley Bean Thornton School Vouchers (aka Education Savings Plans, “School Choice,” “Parent Choice,” etc.) are programs that allow parents to receive money from the state to use toward paying for private schools. In the last legislative session, the Texas Senate passed a bill that would have allowed parents to receive up to $8,000 per…
Read MoreVFAK 101, Lesson 1: Texas could have the best public schools in the country
By Ashley Bean Thornton I posted a question on Facebook the other day that sparked a long thread of comments. I was trying to get an idea of what people are looking for when they are looking for a good school district. Here is a quick summary of some of the responses: This is not…
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