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Studies and Reports
Links
FAQ’s
Studies and Reports
Information on the REAL ID Act of 2005
Credits Not Vouchers
By Adam Schaeffer
The Cato Institute, 2007
“This paper offers a more effective way of delivering on the promise of public education, by ensuring that all families have the means to choose their children's schools from a diverse market of education providers. All education providers — government, religious, and secular — can contribute to public education because all can serve the public by educating children.”
By David Salisbury
The Cato Institute, 2005
“In view of the large share of state budgets devoted to public education and the cost increases expected in the future, it is appropriate to ask how state policymakers might reduce the rate of growth of local and state spending on education. One of the most promising means for doing so is school choice. To demonstrate the potential impact of school choice on state budgets, this paper draws from legislative and independent evaluations of the fiscal effects of such programs in the states that have enacted or are contemplating enacting them.”
By Jay Greene
City Journal, Vol. 18, No. 1, 2002
“The constitutional objection is highly dubious. After all, if Cleveland’s program is unconstitutional, then so are programs like the G.I. Bill, Pell Grants, and the Day Care Tuition Tax Credit, in which the government also provides vouchers to students to defray costs at whatever educational institution they or their parents choose—public or private, religious or secular. The government isn’t “establishing” religion in any of these initiatives because, first, it is only promoting the secular good of education, and, second, it is sending money to students, not to religious institutions.”
The Milton & Rose D. Freidman Foundation, 2007
“School choice programs, which allow students to attend the public or private school of their choice using public funds, have taken root in the U.S. and are growing rapidly both in number and size. Their fiscal impact has become an important political issue. Proponents say school choice saves money because private schooling is more efficient, producing savings for both public schools and state budgets. Meanwhile, opponents say school choice drains money from public schools.”
By Evan Feinberg
The Heritage Foundation, 2008
“In his final State of the Union Address, President Bush called on Congress to rescue disadvantaged children from failing public schools. Unfortunately, most politicians on Capitol Hill continue to deny poor children the same opportunities they support for college students and, most importantly, their own children.”
By Jennifer Garrett
The Heritage Foundation, 2002
"Pity the low-income parents who have children trapped in failing schools. They want their sons and daughters to get a decent education, but they lack the means to make that happen. They watch Congress repeatedly reject school-choice measures such as tuition vouchers. The Supreme Court is expected to rule any day now on whether an Ohio voucher program is constitutional -- and a defeat could place the goal of getting a quality education for their children even further out of reach..."
By Caroline Hoxby
Education Next, 2001
“The most scathing critique of voucher programs and charter schools is that they may bleed traditional public schools of their best students and most active parents, leaving the children who are left behind even worse off. Moreover, as the students leave, taking their per-pupil funding with them, the public schools will find themselves stripped of the human and monetary resources necessary to answer the call of competition. ‘Skimming,’ the term of art for this hypothetical phenomenon, may lower overall achievement, as the downward spiral of the public schools swamps any gains made by the students who take advantage of school choice. Market enthusiasts have always argued the very opposite: that competition will improve the public schools.”
By Jay Greene
The American Enterprise, 2007
“Myths aren't lies. They are beliefs that people adopt because they have an air of plausibility. But myths aren't true, and they often get in the way during serious problem solving. This essay identifies seven common myths that dominate established views of education these days. Dispelling these misconceptions could open the door to long-awaited improvement in our nation's schools.”
Links
The Cato Institute seeks to broaden the parameters of public policy debate to allow consideration of the traditional American principles of limited government, individual liberty, free markets and peace. Toward that goal, the Institute strives to achieve greater involvement of the intelligent, concerned lay public in questions of policy and the proper role of government.
The Heritage Foundation is a research and educational institute - a think tank - whose mission is to formulate and promote conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.
LEAD is dedicated to informing the public on issues affecting education at the state level and presenting alternative concepts of school and educational choice to the public, elected officials, and the media. Their mission is to encourage legislation in all states to provide for Universal Tuition Tax Credits; which would enable all children the freedom to pursue an education in the primary and secondary institution of their own choosing.
Each year, the government becomes increasingly disconnected from the people. Both parties have lost their way. Many politicians don't honor their own principles or platforms. Voters are cynical and increasingly alienated from political parties, politicians, and the government. The time is ripe for an independent, nonpartisan political movement that fights for hardworking taxpayers against the special interests that continually push for big government nationwide. Americans for Limited Governmentis the leader of that fight.
Official website of the Louisiana State Legislature, with links to the Senate and House of Representatives, session schedules, and a searchable database of past and present legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is school choice?
School choice empowers parents to choose the best school for their children - whether it’s public, private, parochial, or home-schooling. Parents understand their children’s needs best and should be given the chance to choose the right school for them. When parents have the power to choose, schools compete and improve to meet their needs.
What is an education tax credit?
When allowed under state law, an individual can apply for a tax credit or deduction for their children’s education expenses. Tuition scholarship organizations are another way an individual can receive a tax credit. Individuals make contributions to tuition scholarship organizations and receive a credit toward their taxes. These organizations then provide scholarships or vouchers for students to attend a nonpublic school
What is a voucher?
A voucher is a certificate of payment given to parents to pay for the education of their children at a school of their choice, rather than the public school to which they were assigned.
What is a charter school?
A charter school is a publicly funded elementary or secondary schools in the United States which have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools, in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school’s character.
Is school choice constitutional?
In 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that school choice is constitutionally permissible when it is a program:
- Of “true private choice”
- Enacted for a secular purpose
- Offers only indirect aid to religious schools and is not set up in a way that favors religious options over secular options
- Affords parents adequate nonreligious educational options
· Made available to a broad class of beneficiaries
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What is the status of school choice in Louisiana?
Louisiana law currently allows 42 charter schools statewide. There are only 27 in operation, several which were newly opened in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Many New Orleans students attend charter schools, and there is now an expectation of high standards and success that was not present before.
Voucher programs first began in Louisiana to help low-income families provide pre-kindergarten care and education.
Louisiana desperately needs school choice reforms. The future of Louisiana’s youth depends on them receiving the best education they can get. For far too long the education system in Louisiana has been allowed to go on as “business as usual”. Unfortunately, business as usual is not getting the job done. Our children need a better education for a better future. Louisiana needs school choice. Please help us fight for school choice in Louisiana! Be a champion for school choice. Please
