The school voucher program in Washington DC is fighting for its life after political opponents cut funding and began phasing out the program this spring. While students already in the program were allowed to continue, new scholarships were rescinded and future applications have been blocked. This despite strong local support and federal studies showing academic growth for the 1,700 students who use the program.
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s rationale for cutting the program? “I don’t think vouchers ultimately are the answer,” Duncan said. “We need to be more ambitious. The goal shouldn’t be to save a handful of children.”
But surely the goal isn’t to NOT “save a handful of children,” is it?
Our own state superintendent, Deb Delisle, had indicated a similar view on Ohio vouchers: “You’ve given some kids an opportunity and you’ve allowed other kids to just wallow behind in a failing school.”
Even setting aside for a moment the systemic changes that vouchers encourage, why would we (and, morally, how can we) prefer other people’s kids “wallow behind” in schools that by all accounts are not serving most of their students well and seem stubbornly resistant to reform?
And it IS largely a discussion about other people’s kids, right? Are those who oppose vouchers willing for their own children, neighbors, or grandchildren to languish or “wallow” without alternatives?
Parents whose own children were languishing but now use the EdChoice Scholarship easily expose the outrageous idea that students should be without options when their school is failing them.
“In his previous public school, I shed tears numerous times when I would leave him at the school and he would do the same. Now, with the EdChoice Scholarship, Blake is doing very well, learning a lot, and enjoying a peaceful learning atmosphere at school, which I believe EVERY child deserves.” – Suzan
“Prior to EdChoice, the quality of their education always came down to affordability despite their aptitude. Now, with that financial barrier breached, our children are free to climb as high as their abilities will take them.” – Jera
“EdChoice has provided my grandson with a fresh start for his future. Whether children grow up to become productive, confident adults or angry and destructive will depend, at least in part, on their experience in the educational system. If given the opportunity to choose which environment best meets the needs of our children, I believe we will see more successful adults in the future.” – Nita
You may be familiar with the starfish story: “It made a difference for that one.” Here in Ohio, 20,000 students who use vouchers are among the ‘starfish’ that have a better foundation for the future because of school choice.
No, vouchers don’t ‘save’ everyone – but each child who moves from wallowing to a chance at success represents a victory.
- Sarah Pechan
