Reported per-pupil funding figures peg the average D.C.-regional area public school amount at more than $14,000. D.C. public schools actually get much more, exceeding $27,000 per pupil, yet they rank lowest nationally in reading performance (see the “at or above basic” columns for 4th grade reading, 8th grade reading). In contrast, the average Opportunity Scholarship voucher amounts to $6,600, and participating students perform as much as two and a half years ahead of their public school peers in reading. Yet instead of expanding the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program President Obama, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and some Members of Congress apparently prefer the status-quo policy of more cash-to-clunkers. Thankfully a bi-partisan, bi-cameral coalition of Congress Members has introduced plans to expand the Opportunity Scholarship Program to keep D.C. parents in the driver’s seat and their children out of educational jalopies.
This blog post originally appeared in Independent Womens Forum.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.
Cash-for-Clunkers: Education Edition
Vicki E. Murray
Reported per-pupil funding figures peg the average D.C.-regional area public school amount at more than $14,000. D.C. public schools actually get much more, exceeding $27,000 per pupil, yet they rank lowest nationally in reading performance (see the “at or above basic” columns for 4th grade reading, 8th grade reading). In contrast, the average Opportunity Scholarship voucher amounts to $6,600, and participating students perform as much as two and a half years ahead of their public school peers in reading. Yet instead of expanding the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program President Obama, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and some Members of Congress apparently prefer the status-quo policy of more cash-to-clunkers. Thankfully a bi-partisan, bi-cameral coalition of Congress Members has introduced plans to expand the Opportunity Scholarship Program to keep D.C. parents in the driver’s seat and their children out of educational jalopies.
This blog post originally appeared in Independent Womens Forum.
Nothing contained in this blog is to be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of the Pacific Research Institute or as an attempt to thwart or aid the passage of any legislation.