Blaine’s Shadow: Politics, Discrimination, and School Choice
More than three dozen states have some type of Blaine clause in their state constitutions. These problematic clauses prohibit government aid to “sectarian” institutions. Though this language has been euphemized to stand for the “separation of church and state,” such an outlook misinterprets the religious protections outlined in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution […]
An Island of Opportunity: A Profile of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy
In An Island of Opportunity, Senior Education Policy Analyst Ross Izard profiles St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy. St. Rose is a private, PK-8 Catholic school that predominantly serves low-income Hispanic children. Most children who attend St. Rose come from migrant backgrounds. An integral part of the surrounding neighborhood for more than half a century, St. […]
Having a choice in education can make a huge difference
This week is National School Choice Week, which means it’s time to once again celebrate the power of educational choice.
This week is a celebration of more than an interesting theory or idea. It’s about making a difference in thousands of students’ lives every day.
Altering Courses: A Profile of Crossroads School
In “Altering Courses,” Senior Education Policy Analyst Ross Izard describes his time at Crossroads School in Longmont, Colorado. Described lovingly as the “island of misfit toys where everybody fits,” Crossroads is a private, faith-based alternative school for at-risk middle and high school students. Started in 2010 with the specific goal of serving children whose needs […]
Little Eddie’s Look Back at 2015
I can’t believe I’m already saying this, but 2015 is almost over! It’s been such a busy, exciting year that it feels like it started just yesterday. I hope all my faithful readers are getting ready to launch into a 2016 full of prosperity, happiness, and better education for Colorado kids! For now, let’s pause […]
Federal Court Voids Intrusive Anti-Choice Order, Makes Me Smile
In the recent busy season, there hasn’t necessarily been a lot of different things to tell you about. But the coverage has been thick. And after all that — including everything from telling reformers to keep their chins up to unpacking ugly smear columns — little me is eager, practically desperate, to talk about good […]
Ugly Smear Column Tries, Fails to Shove Conservative Education Reform Aside
I hope you all enjoyed a nice, long break from recent depressing edu-happenings over the last few days. I also hope that your disappointment is tempered by hope for the future. As my friend Ross Izard pointed out in a recent op-ed—and as my dad always says—it ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings. I never have […]
ACLU vs. Nevada Families: Another Big Anti-School Choice Case to Wait Out
The Pope is Catholic. The sun rises in the east, and sets in the west. The grass is green, the sky is blue. And certain parties will sue groundbreaking educational choice programs that promise to help give kids more opportunities. Two months ago, an ACLU-initiated case against the Dougco Choice Scholarship Program prevailed in the […]
What’s New? PDK/Gallup Survey Flubs School Choice Question Once More
For being so young, it feels like I’ve really had to repeat myself a lot lately. Not “Get off my lawn”-type of repetition, but still… it gets a little annoying sometimes. Just in the last couple weeks, the theme applies to Colorado’s need for course choice and the same old results for our state from […]
New Mackinac Video Reminds Us of the Power of Choice
Hello, fellow education policy explorers! It’s 4:15 on a Friday afternoon, and your favorite little edu-wonk has quite a few things left to accomplish before he heads into a fun-filled weekend. Unfortunately, that means we aren’t going to have time for an in-depth conversation today. But never fear! The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has […]
A Worthy Celebration of Instant Gratification: NC Court Upholds Choice
Only a few weeks ago we received the long-awaited news on Douglas County’s Choice Scholarship Program. While the Colorado Supreme Court narrowly left us to wait even longer and hold out hope for something even bigger and better, today brings some news of instant gratification. I only have a few minutes to share with you […]
NEA’s Push for “Ethnic Studies” Raises Questions
I think it’s great to see people stand up for minority kids. My policy friend Ross Izard’s recent profile of Arrupe Jesuit High School was a reminder of just how powerful those efforts can be, particularly in the context of using educational choice to provide opportunities these kids otherwise would not have. Some of you […]
