Education
Analysis: Pa. Public Education Gets “Dramatic” Funding Increases
Harrisburg, Pa., June 1, 2023 – Pennsylvania school district per-student spending increased to $21,263 in 2021–22, according to newly released data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The added funding represents a…
Read More: Analysis: Pa. Public Education Gets “Dramatic” Funding IncreasesPennsylvania’s future is in the hands of the next generation. Parents and students—not activist agendas—should drive the Commonwealth’s education policy. While policymakers have been entrusted with ensuring the next generation receives a quality education, parents should be empowered to choose the quality education that meets their unique child’s needs. Charter schools and tax credit scholarships are integral pieces of school choice, but more reforms are needed to make school choice a reality for all Pennsylvania students.
Education
Excellence in Education for All Act Summary
What is the Excellence in Education for All Act? The Excellence in Education for All Act (Senate Bill 1) is an exciting bill that seeks to ensure more Pennsylvania…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Excellence in Education for All Act SummaryEducation
Understanding Education Opportunity Accounts (EOAs)
Education Opportunity Accounts (EOAs) are publicly funded accounts that provide families with direct access to educational resources.
Commentary
Read More: Understanding Education Opportunity Accounts (EOAs)Education
Are Pa. Public Schools Underfunded?
Pennsylvania spends more per student than the vast majority of states. Education spending has significantly increased over the past decade. Scroll down to see how much funding your district receives…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Are Pa. Public Schools Underfunded?Education
The Truth About Education Spending in Pennsylvania
Ben Franklin once said, “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” If he lived in Pennsylvania today, he might have an addition to his list: claims of…
Backgrounder
Read More: The Truth About Education Spending in PennsylvaniaEducation
Op-Ed: Pandemic Demonstrates the Value of Catholic Education
It’s tough to compete with “free” – even if your product is in high demand. That’s a lesson Catholic schools know well. In the past year, this point has been…
Commentary
Read More: Op-Ed: Pandemic Demonstrates the Value of Catholic EducationEducation
Op-Ed: Pennsylvania’s Catholic Schools Face Uncertainty in the Pandemic Era
In a shutdown-induced economic downturn, however, many can’t afford private school tuition, and the donations that kept Catholic schools afloat are dropping off. About 150 Catholic schools nationwide have closed permanently…
Commentary
Read More: Op-Ed: Pennsylvania’s Catholic Schools Face Uncertainty in the Pandemic EraEducation
Scholarships would help Erie students during pandemic
It’s time to form the same public-private partnerships in education. Fortunately, an innovative proposal in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly would enable students to get the help they need.
Commentary
Read More: Scholarships would help Erie students during pandemicEducation
Global Education Report Confirms Pa. Parents’ Experiences
COVID-related disruptions in education could mean a $14 trillion hit to the U.S. economy in the long term. Helping kids get the individualized help they need—through Back on Track scholarship accounts—could…
Commentary
Read More: Global Education Report Confirms Pa. Parents’ ExperiencesEducation
Ways to Ease Substitute Teacher Shortages?
Now more than ever, we need flexible policies to ensure schools have enough substitute teachers. We trust school leaders to keep kids safe and manage large budgets. Shouldn’t we trust them to…
Commentary
Read More: Ways to Ease Substitute Teacher Shortages?Education
Unleashing Educational Opportunity
Applying cautious estimates, this study finds that the two private school choice programs in Pennsylvania are expected to provide billions in long-run economic benefits from higher lifetime earnings, fewer high…
Report
Read More: Unleashing Educational OpportunityEducation
Pa. has $1 billion in CARES aid left. Where should it go?
As the pandemic slows, it’s time to step back and reevaluate Pennsylvania’s remaining needs for coronavirus relief. How can our state government ensure that the citizens and businesses who most…
Fact Sheet
Read More: Pa. has $1 billion in CARES aid left. Where should it go?Education
The Race to Rebuild: How Pa. Can Bounce Back After COVID-19
Pennsylvanians are facing some of the biggest challenges of their lifetimes. It is time for lawmakers to launch a race to rebuild Pennsylvania using the following policy solutions.
Report
Read More: The Race to Rebuild: How Pa. Can Bounce Back After COVID-19Education
No Cyber School?
Many parents are considering a cyber charter school for the first time to help ensure their kids have access to a continuous education in a time of uncertainty. Unfortunately, due…
Commentary
Read More: No Cyber School?Education
Just Enrolled in Cyber School? Here’s What to Expect Next
Thousands of new families have enrolled in one of Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools over the summer as school districts continue to wrestle with re-opening in the fall. If you’re one…
Commentary
Read More: Just Enrolled in Cyber School? Here’s What to Expect NextEducation
Getting Started Guide to Cyber School
Considering cyber school for the first time? Education policy expert and cyber school parent Marc LeBlond explains how to get started and the options available for Pennsylvania parents: As schools…
Commentary
Read More: Getting Started Guide to Cyber SchoolEducation
Cyber School Basics
What are cyber charter schools? Charter schools are public, tuition-free schools open to all students. They are held to state academic and financial reporting standards, but they have more flexibility…
Commentary
Read More: Cyber School BasicsEducation
Pa. Homeschooling 101: Legal Requirements
Thinking about homeschooling in Pennsylvania but don’t know where to begin? Here’s what you need to know to get started from education policy expert and homeschool mom Colleen Hroncich. Understanding…
Commentary
Read More: Pa. Homeschooling 101: Legal RequirementsEducation
Public Charter Schools Discounted, Ignored During COVID-19
We were told that school districts and Intermediate Units were the experts on cyber education. We were told they were so great that alternatives, like cyber charter schools, should be eliminated.
Media
Read More: Public Charter Schools Discounted, Ignored During COVID-19Education
Parents will be in a tough spot if schools don’t open. Back on Track ESAs can help.
Gov. Wolf says he is willing to “pull the plug” on school re-openings if an increase in COVID-19 cases continues. That puts working parents in an especially tough spot.
Commentary
Read More: Parents will be in a tough spot if schools don’t open. Back on Track ESAs can help.Education
New Bill Would Give $1,000 to Eligible Families Cover Education Expenses
Kids have suffered enough from the coronavirus. Back on Track education scholarship accounts can help stop the losses and put them on a better path.
Commentary
Read More: New Bill Would Give $1,000 to Eligible Families Cover Education ExpensesEducation
Myths & Facts: Homeschooling
While the average kid—or parent—might have rejected the idea of homeschooling just a year ago, COVID-19 could change that sentiment. As face masks, social distancing, rotating schedules, and health risks…
Commentary
Read More: Myths & Facts: Homeschooling