School choice is achieving significant victories, but now is not the time to ease up. The expansion of education freedom for elementary and secondary school children is making strides across the nation, with Congress also getting involved. Currently, 33 states offer kindergarten through grade 12 school options beyond the assigned public school, including 11 states with nearly universal choice.
This positive trend in increasing education freedom is promising for all education stakeholders, especially school children. Research consistently demonstrates the numerous benefits that school choice offers to this demographic.
However, it is crucial not to declare victory prematurely or become complacent in the push to expand freedom and choice in K-12 education. There are still millions of children to reach, with 46 percent residing in states without any choice laws in place. Additionally, opponents of education reform continue to resist progress.
In the current 2024 school year, an estimated 982,000 students in grades K-12 are receiving some form of government support to access private school options, nearly double the enrollment compared to four years ago. This momentum is expected to grow as more states implement universal eligibility for education savings accounts or tuition tax credits, allowing families to pay for private school tuition.
Recent developments include Alabama becoming the eleventh state to enact universal choice in K-12 education, Wyoming passing its first private school choice law, and Georgia expanding education savings accounts for children in underperforming schools. Other states, such as Missouri, are also expanding their existing choice programs, with more states poised to follow suit.
Congress is also stepping up its efforts on school choice, with proposed legislation that would provide federal tax credits to encourage donations to nonprofit scholarship granting organizations. These organizations could offer scholarships for private school tuition, textbooks, online curriculum, special needs services, and homeschooling expenses.
Lawmakers at both the federal and state levels are responding to the increasing demand from parents who seek a better education for their children. School choice enjoys broad support among various voter demographics, with a recent poll indicating strong backing from Democrats, Republicans, independents, and minority voters.
Despite opposition from the public school establishment, numerous studies have shown the positive impact of school choice programs on academic improvement, taxpayer savings, integration, school safety, and parent satisfaction. It is essential for lawmakers to continue pushing for school choice to empower more parents to choose the best education for their children.
As education freedom expands, funding will increasingly align with where children attend school. Competition from school choice has not only benefited children in private schools but has also had positive effects on children in public schools. It is important to keep the momentum going and prioritize the needs of students in the ongoing efforts to expand school choice. Please rewrite this sentence.
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