New Research Finds Most State Constitutional “Blaine Amendments” Facially Unconstitutional
Rob’s new research demonstrates that bans on “sectarian” aid were . . . designed to require state officials to discriminate in favor of mainstream Protestantism and against any faiths they deemed “bigoted” or “extreme.”
A suburban school board just set back educational opportunity for all Americans
Last week, the new 7-0 union-backed school board in Douglas County, Colorado, voted to repeal a first-of-its-kind local voucher program and to end the district’s role in a related constitutional case involving nonpublic parental choice. In so doing, the board drastically decreased the likelihood that the case will ever reach a final resolution — a […]
The undeniable efficacy of charter schools
Two studies were released this month from universities in California that demonstrate the effectiveness of school choice and the need for more options in education.
Moving toward educational savings accounts in Colorado
Since 2011, five states have adopted some form of ESA program. The idea is now emerging in Colorado. Put simply, ESAs are designed to give parents the flexibility to “tailor” their children’s education to their specific needs by directly providing them with a certain amount of money that can be spent on a wide variety of education-related goods and services — books, materials and non-public school tuition, to name a few.
Caldara’s Newsletter 06-28-17
We are so excited about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Trinity Lutheran case, and what that could mean for the students in Douglas County and throughout the nation.
The battle is over, and school choice won
Choice opponents’ protestations, sweeping statements, and heated rhetoric may serve well as a temporary balm for the fact that their rigid vision of education is rapidly fading into the mists of history, but they ultimately cannot slow the inexorable march of educational progress.
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 […]
DeVoss should ‘persist’ despite liberal opposition
Free-thinking, ambitious, successful women are to be respected and empowered, even if their opinions diverge from those of a specific ideology. We should applaud DeVos’s tenacity in the face of attempts to silence and marginalize her.
The attacks will no doubt continue. Nevertheless, DeVos should persist.
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.
Eternal LIFO: Unlawful Layoff Procedures in Unionized Colorado School Districts
Passed in 2010, Senate Bill 191 was a landmark piece of education reform legislation that garnered significant bipartisan support, including unanimous support from Republican legislators. The bill amended Colorado’s Licensed Personnel Performance Evaluation Act and the Teacher Employment, Compensation, and Dismissal Act (TECDA) to align state statute more closely with the goal of ensuring that every student is taught by an effective teacher.
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 […]
