Education
Commonwealth Court ruling is a massive win for education choice advocates
Originally published in The Philadelphia Inquirer After a more than eight-year slog, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court affirmed what the Pennsylvania Constitution has said all…
Read More: Commonwealth Court ruling is a massive win for education choice advocatesEducation is the first stepping-stone on the path to success, but Pennsylvania students face severe inequality among public school districts. Thousands who can’t afford private school are trapped in failing schools or situations that aren’t the right fit. The solution to this crisis is school choice. By offering families options outside their zip code-assigned district schools, students are better able to find their path to success. Charter schools, tax credit scholarships, education savings accounts (ESAs), homeschooling, and other types of education choice must become a priority in Pennsylvania.
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Education
Understanding Education Opportunity Accounts (EOAs)
Education Opportunity Accounts (EOAs) are publicly funded accounts that provide families with direct access to educational resources.
Commentary
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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What is Hybrid Homeschooling?
If you—like many parents—are hesitant to send your kids back to their district school this year, hybrid homeschooling may be a great option to consider. You’ll have far greater flexibility…
Commentary
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