All articles tagged with #private schools
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Willamette Week
The article discusses the high rates of vaccine exemptions at private and charter schools in Oregon, particularly in affluent neighborhoods, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles, and highlights legislative efforts to address this public health issue.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska voters have repealed Legislative Bill 1402, which provided scholarships for private school students, leaving families like Sierra Shouse's uncertain about future educational options. The repeal, supported by a voter referendum, reflects ongoing debates over "school choice" policies, which opponents argue could reduce public school funding. The Nebraska Supreme Court's recent ruling may complicate future legislative efforts to allocate public funds to private education. As the state legislature prepares for its 2025 session, the focus may shift towards addressing teacher shortages and public school support.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Anchorage Daily News
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy plans to appeal a court decision that struck down statutes allowing public funds to be used for private and religious schools. The decision has caused concern among lawmakers, educators, and parents. The state is seeking to halt the court order and is considering options such as a constitutional amendment or an "education dividend" to address the issue. The ruling's implications are being debated, and the state Supreme Court's decision could lead to an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by WKYT
Kentucky voters will decide on a constitutional amendment that would allow public funds to be used for students attending private schools, following the legislature's approval of the bill. Supporters argue that it offers an opportunity for improvement, while opponents, including many educators, fear it will divert resources from public schools and undermine public education. The state Supreme Court had previously deemed the bill unconstitutional, and now it will be up to the voters to determine whether public dollars can be allocated to private schools.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Arizona's Family
Gov. Katie Hobbs is pushing for a new law mandating fingerprint background checks for teachers and staff in Arizona's private schools as part of her plan to regulate the school voucher program, but faces opposition from some Republicans who argue that private schools should not be forced to do something they are already doing. House Speaker Ben Toma is open to debating the idea as a separate bill, separate from changes to the voucher program.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Dallas Morning News
The Texas Legislature's special session ended without passing a government subsidy program for private school tuition, marking the third time this year that the Texas House has blocked legislation for education savings accounts. Rural Republican House members, along with Democrats, opposed the school choice proposal. The lack of action has intensified internal strife within the state GOP and fueled a feud between Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dade Phelan. It remains uncertain whether Gov. Greg Abbott will call for a fifth special session or focus on unseating Republican incumbents who voted against the bill.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Tennessean
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee is set to propose legislation for a new statewide school voucher program, offering $7,075 in state funds to 20,000 students to attend a private or home school of their choice starting in the 2024-25 school year. The program aims to expand eligibility to all Tennessee students by 2025. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who implemented a similar policy in her state, will join Lee in announcing the proposal. Critics argue that the program devalues public education, while supporters believe it provides parents with more educational options.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by AP News
Thousands of students in Louisiana are enrolling in unapproved private schools, where they can obtain high school diplomas without taking classes or passing tests. These schools, which do not require state approval, have seen a significant increase in enrollment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While proponents argue that these schools provide an alternative to traditional education and uphold parental rights, critics raise concerns about the lack of oversight and the potential for diploma mills. The state Department of Education has no authority over these schools, leaving questions about the quality and safety of education provided.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CBS News
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's proposal for school vouchers, which would have provided taxpayer subsidies for some students to attend private schools, was rejected by lawmakers at the Texas State Capitol. The measure was part of a larger bill that aimed to increase funding for public schools and teacher pay raises. Opponents argued that the measure would only benefit a few students and cost billions of dollars. The fate of the rest of the bill, including additional funding for teachers, remains uncertain.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Dallas Morning News
A bill in Texas that would create a program to help pay for private school, raise teacher salaries, and boost funding for public schools has advanced from a House panel, marking the first time in two decades that a voucher-like proposal has cleared this hurdle. The bill, which has faced opposition from Democrats and rural Republicans in the past, is expected to reach the House floor for a debate next week. If passed, Texas would become the 34th state to enact some form of subsidy for private-school tuition. Critics argue that such a plan would divert funds from public schools and into unaccountable private institutions.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Shareholders of Dulwich College International, a British school with operations in China, are reportedly in talks for a potential sale of its Asia business due to the challenges faced by private schools in China's education industry. Dozens of international and private schools in China have been closing or merging as a result of tighter regulations, a slowing economy, and declining foreign student numbers. The expansion of privately run bilingual schools offering a western exam curriculum was hindered by new rules imposed by Beijing and the crackdown on private tutoring. The COVID-19 pandemic and slowing economic growth have further exacerbated the challenges.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Texas Tribune
The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 1, the main school voucher proposal for the special session, which closely resembles education savings account programs in Arizona and Florida. The bill aims to prevent fraud and misuse of funds by requiring the comptroller's office to audit participants' accounts, but it also lacks requirements for private schools to demonstrate academic success. Critics argue that the program diverts funding from public schools and benefits wealthier families. Similar programs in Arizona and Florida have faced financial challenges and criticism for loose financial oversight. Research on voucher programs has shown mixed results, with some studies indicating negative effects on student test scores.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by BuzzFeed
Teachers share shocking experiences with entitled rich students and their parents, including berating teachers over grades, mocking state school students, refusing to make effort in class, demanding special treatment, bribing teachers, interrupting class for personal calls, and even suing over choir auditions. These stories highlight the challenges faced by teachers in dealing with entitled behavior and the impact of wealth on the education system.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by USA TODAY
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that four private schools in the state will no longer be eligible for state school choice scholarships due to their alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The schools, including Lower and Upper Sagemont Preparatory Schools and two schools in Winter Park, were found to have connections to the CCP through a Florida Department of Education investigation. DeSantis stated that he will not allow any attempt to influence students with communist ideology or allow tax dollars to go to schools connected to foreign adversaries. This move is part of DeSantis' broader campaign against the CCP, which includes banning TikTok on government devices and prohibiting state colleges and universities from accepting gifts or making agreements with Chinese institutions.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Arizona's Family
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning families about the potential rights forfeited when using the state's "Empower Scholarship Accounts" (ESA vouchers) for private schools. Families using ESA funds give up guaranteed and free public education for children with disabilities, as well as the right to access their child's educational records. Mayes emphasizes that families should not be denied admission or expelled from private schools due to a child's disabilities. The state superintendent of public instruction, Tom Horne, assures that special education students receive the same funding as they would in traditional public schools and steps are being taken to prevent fraud. However, families are encouraged to be aware of their rights before leaving the public school system.